Seeking Advice on a Claim I Shouldn’t Have to Pay For
Yesterday morning, a driver lost control, jumped the curb, and crashed into a pole outside my house. As a result, the impact damaged my meter box and electrical lines. Fortunately, Consumers was able to set up a new pole and reattach the wires, but now I need to hire an electrician to reconnect everything, which will cost me $920. Unfortunately, my deductible is $1,000, and even if I file a claim, I won’t recover that amount.
Given that the driver fell asleep at the wheel—it’s a friend’s daughter and I have text messages confirming this—I feel I shouldn’t be stuck with any of these costs. If I get her insurance information, how complicated is it to have them cover the damages? I have a cousin experienced with roofing insurance claims, so she could lend a hand if necessary.
As a single parent working for the government, my job security isn’t great, and I’m trying to avoid unexpected expenses—especially since I just had to replace my furnace last week. Any insights from those who have faced similar situations would be greatly appreciated. I spoke with State Farm, and they mentioned they would pursue the other insurance company, but there’s a possibility my rates could increase at renewal.
Thanks in advance for your tips! I plan to reach out to their insurance and hope for a positive outcome.
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and I can understand why you want to avoid that deductible. Given that the driver was at fault and you have text messages to back that up, reaching out to their insurance is definitely a good step. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process:
Collect Evidence: Make sure to gather all relevant information, such as photos of the damage, any witness statements, and of course, the text messages that indicate the driver was asleep. Document everything clearly.
Contact Their Insurance: Once you have their insurance information, give them a call. Explain the situation thoroughly and provide them with all the evidence you’ve collected. Since the driver was at fault, they should have liability coverage that can help cover your costs.
Get a Formal Quote: You already have the electrician’s quote for the repairs, which is great. Ensure you provide this to the insurance adjuster, as it substantiates your claim for the cost of repairs.
Stay Persistent: Sometimes, it may take a little time for the insurance company to process claims. Don’t hesitate to follow up regularly to check on the status.
Consider Your Options: If you feel you’re not getting anywhere with their insurance company, having your cousin to assist can be beneficial. They might know specific strategies or points of leverage that could help expedite the process.
Avoid Claiming with Your Insurance: Since you mentioned that claiming it through your own insurer might raise your rates, it’s smart to focus solely on the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Ask for Assistance: If their insurance is being uncooperative, you might consider speaking to a public adjuster or an attorney who specializes in insurance claims, especially given your situation as a single parent.
I hope this helps, and fingers crossed that their insurance comes through for you quickly! Keep us updated on how it goes!