I’m facing an issue with my car insurance regarding storage fees for the tow yard, where my car sat for two weeks. I was in a serious accident on February 17th when I slid on ice and hit a tree. The police towed my car to a tow yard, and that same day, I contacted my insurance to report the accident. When they asked about the car’s location, I couldn’t provide it right away since I had to check with the police department first. However, they assured me they would handle it once I found out where it was.
I discovered the location the next day (February 18th) and informed my insurance, National General, about it. The agent told me they would arrange for the car to be towed to a toll-free lot, advising me to leave the keys with the vehicle and remove my belongings. That day, I collected my things and left the keys as instructed.
The following day, I called to confirm that they would move the car, but my agent didn’t answer. I left a voicemail, but there was no response. I continued calling each day, during business hours, leaving voicemails without any callbacks. Eventually, I assumed they had everything under control since they weren’t getting back to me.
Then, on the 28th, I received a message stating that my vehicle was being moved from the tow yard and reminding me to ensure all belongings were removed and keys left with the vehicle. I was frustrated—why had it taken them over two weeks to act? Shortly after, I received a letter stating that National General wouldn’t cover any storage fees incurred after February 20th, and that I would be responsible for any daily charges beyond that date.
How is it fair that I’m being billed for storage when they delayed moving my car? They assured me they would take care of it and took their time. I contacted my agent, who finally answered, but his response was unhelpful. He said they typically don’t cover storage fees after the first day or two and claimed he wasn’t responsible for how long the tow took, just the claims process.
Am I really going to be stuck paying these fees? Is there anything I can do about this situation? It feels completely unfair.
I’m really sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with your car insurance. It sounds like a really unfair situation, especially considering they assured you they would take care of the towing. Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Review Your Policy: Start by reviewing your insurance policy, particularly the terms regarding towing and storage fees. There may be specific clauses that detail their responsibilities in situations like yours.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all your communications with your insurance company, including dates and times of calls, voicemails left, and any written correspondence. This documentation may be helpful if you need to escalate the issue.
Follow Up in Writing: If you haven’t done so already, send a formal letter or email to your insurance company outlining your situation, including all relevant details and your expectation for them to cover the fees. Include your documentation as support.
Request a Supervisor’s Review: Ask to speak to a supervisor or manager. They may have more authority to address your concerns and potentially resolve the dispute more favorably.
File a Complaint: If you don’t get a satisfactory response, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department. They can often mediate disputes between consumers and insurance companies.
Consider Legal Advice: If the fees are substantial and you feel strongly that you’re not at fault, it may be worth consulting with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide guidance specific to your situation.
Explore Alternative Options: Depending on how this unfolds, you might want to look into changing your insurance provider once this situation is resolved. It’s important to work with a company that you feel will stand by their commitments.
Remember, you have every right to advocate for yourself in this situation. Good luck, and I hope it gets resolved quickly!