I opened a car accident claim nine months ago and still haven’t received an offer from my insurance. What should I do? Apologies for the lengthy backstory.
In late May 2024, my husband was rear-ended, and his car was totaled. We have full coverage, so we filed a claim that same evening. The police arrived, determined the other driver was at fault, and noted that my husband sustained injuries but declined an ambulance. We went to urgent care the following morning, where he was diagnosed with a concussion and advised not to work or drive for several days. The other driver, despite claiming to have the same insurance, was actually not insured under the primary policy (it was a kid driving his dad’s truck).
Since then, we’ve communicated numerous times with our insurance agent, as we’ve never dealt with a car accident before and weren’t sure of the process. We received compensation for the totaled vehicle and mentioned wanting to seek pain and suffering damages for missed work. After that, we stepped back, assuming they would investigate and provide an offer.
About three months later, we were notified that a new agent would be handling our case. We informed Agent #2 about my husband’s ongoing brain fog and his follow-up appointments. She sent us an affidavit confirming the lack of additional insurance and a medical release form for my husband to fill out. We promptly completed and notarized the paperwork, sending it back via the provided envelope as well as uploading it through a special link she provided. Once again, we heard nothing for months, and when I followed up about the status of our settlement, I received no response.
After a few more months, we were assigned yet another new agent. While she wanted to discuss our case, we’re feeling increasingly frustrated by these circular conversations without resolution. I requested to communicate via email so we could keep a record, but the only reply I received was from Agent #3 asking me to fill out the affidavit again!
Now, it’s been 9.5 months, and I’m worried about the time it’s taking to resolve my claim. I’ve provided all requested information, signed all necessary forms, and dealt with three different agents. Each time I inquire about a settlement, I get ignored, then transferred to someone new. I’m not sure what more they want. I had multiple discussions with Agent #1 and made it clear that I was clueless about the typical process after a car accident. Now, I’m starting to feel like I’m being treated unfairly and that there might be some bad faith involved with Progressive.
Honestly, it’s frustrating to see them request a form I already submitted months ago. Are we really starting this process over again? This is so confusing.
I didn’t hire a personal injury attorney because I thought it wasn’t necessary, according to this sub. What are we missing here?
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience. It sounds incredibly frustrating to deal with the insurance process, especially after such a challenging situation. Here are some steps you can take moving forward:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications, including dates, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. This will be crucial if you decide to escalate the situation.
Contact the Claims Department: If you haven’t already, consider contacting the claims department directly instead of relying solely on your agent. This department may provide clearer answers and may be more familiar with your specific case.
Request a Timeline: It’s reasonable to ask the new agent for a timeline regarding your claim. Politely but firmly request clarity on what is still needed to move forward and when you can expect to receive an offer.
Follow Up Regularly: If you’re not getting responses, don’t hesitate to follow up regularly. Persistence can sometimes help move things along.
Consider Escalation: If the situation doesn’t improve, ask to speak with a supervisor or a claims manager. Sometimes, bringing your concerns to someone higher up can expedite the process.
Explore Legal Options: While many advise against hiring a lawyer, it can often help to at least consult one, especially if you feel your claim is being handled in bad faith. Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and can provide insight into whether you have a strong case for pursuing legal action.
File a Complaint: If things still aren’t moving forward, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner can also be an avenue. They can intervene and help facilitate communication with the insurance company.
Research Insurance Practices: Understanding what is common in the industry regarding timelines can potentially empower you in your discussions with the insurance company.
It’s important to ensure that you’re being treated fairly, particularly given the impact of your husband’s injury. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourselves during this process. Wishing you both the best in resolving this matter quickly.