How am I supposed to communicate with the insurance company of the driver at fault?
I’m located in North Carolina and was recently in a wreck in my 1992 Mazda Miata. The other driver was responsible, but I didn’t have collision coverage at the time of the accident (I was driving my car because my husband’s broke down the night before). The other driver’s insurance is using two comparable vehicles that are over 400 miles away from my location. One of these cars is completely unverifiable as the dealership closed just days before my accident, and the other was sold more than six months prior.
I’ve been attempting to provide them with current local comparables that are within 200 miles. I also filed a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI). After that, the at-fault insurance sent me a “new valuation,” claiming they somehow overlooked the fact that my car has air conditioning. They also dismissed the comparables I provided, saying they were “rebuilt collectibles” or cars that had been restored to original condition (which was baffling since the mileage and condition were quite similar to mine). They insisted they could tell this just by looking at the photos.
They did offer additional comparable vehicles in the report, but it clearly stated that these would not impact the new valuation. When I spoke to the adjuster—who called to pressure me for a response—he told me that it wouldn’t matter which cars they used; the valuation wouldn’t change regardless. I finally got a chance to speak with an NCDOI agent today after two weeks, and she advised me to email any information I have.
I’ve been trying to keep my NCDOI contact informed, but it’s difficult to reach them since I often go straight to voicemail. Plus, no lawyers seem willing to help because I wasn’t injured in the accident. Honestly, I’m feeling incredibly overwhelmed and frustrated. No matter what I ask or how I seek clarification, I just end up with a confusing mess. It’s been almost a month since the incident, and I feel like I’m getting nowhere.
I’m really sorry to hear what you’re going through. Dealing with insurance can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you feel like you’re not being heard. It sounds like you’ve taken some solid steps already by providing comparables and reaching out to the NCDOI.
Here are a few suggestions that might help you move forward:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all your communication with the insurance company and the NCDOI. This includes dates, times, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate the issue further.
Stay Persistent: Continue reaching out to the NCDOI. If you’re only getting voicemail, it might be worth trying different times of day or even sending an email if that’s an option. Keeping a steady line of communication with them can help ensure your case remains on their radar.
Gather More Comparables: Try to find as many comparable cars in your area as possible, focusing on those with similar mileage, condition, and features. The more evidence you have, the stronger your position will be when negotiating with the insurance company.
Request a Detailed Explanation: Ask for a clear explanation of their valuation process and how they arrived at the figures they provided. This can help you understand their reasoning and might uncover any inaccuracies in the information they used.
Consider a Consultation: Even if no lawyers want to take your case, some may offer free consultations. It might be worth speaking with a few to get some legal advice on how to approach the situation. They may have insights on how to deal with insurance companies that could be beneficial.
Escalate the Issue: If you continue to feel dismissed, don’t hesitate to ask to speak to a supervisor or a higher-level representative at the insurance company. Sometimes, escalation can lead to better attention to your case.
Look into State Consumer Protection: If the NCDOI doesn’t seem to be able to help, consider reaching out to a consumer protection agency in your state. They might be able to provide additional resources or guidance.
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Keep advocating for yourself, and hopefully, you’ll find a resolution soon. Good luck!