The insurance company responsible for the accident is refusing to cover the storage fees for my totaled car. They have declared my car a total loss and made me a settlement offer, but they won’t take the car off my hands because they don’t want to incur the storage costs. I have no interest in keeping the vehicle. Legally, can they refuse to take ownership of the totaled car if I don’t want it anymore?
The at fault insurance doesn’t want to pay storage fees for my totalled car
I’m not a legal expert, but in general, if the at-fault party’s insurance has declared your car a total loss and issued a settlement offer, they typically are responsible for taking possession of the vehicle after you accept the offer. However, insurance companies can sometimes be hesitant to incur additional costs, such as storage fees.
You should carefully review your insurance policy and any documentation you have regarding the claim. It may be helpful to:
Communicate Clearly: Write to the insurance company stating your intent to not retain the vehicle and reiterate your understanding that they should take it as part of the settlement process.
Check Local Laws: Laws regarding the ownership of totaled vehicles and storage fees can vary by state or region. Look into your local regulations to see what you can expect.
Contact a Supervisor or Adjuster: If you’re having trouble getting satisfactory responses, ask to speak with a supervisor or a claims adjuster who might have more authority to address your concerns.
Consider Legal Advice: If the situation doesn’t resolve, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance claims for tailored advice and support.
You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of storage fees if the insurance company has officially deemed the car a total loss. Keep detailed records of all communications with them. Good luck!