Help! Enterprise Rental Denying Liability Insurance Claim – What Are My Options?
I was involved in a hit-and-run on the freeway in California a couple of months ago, and the other party was at fault. My vehicle sustained significant front-end damage, and there was paint transfer from the car that hit me. I noted the license plate number, make, model, and color of the vehicle, then filed a police report and an insurance claim the following morning. Unfortunately, I don’t have collision coverage, so my insurance could only pursue the other party’s liability insurance for a resolution.
Recently, I found out that the vehicle involved was a rental from Enterprise. They contacted me to gather details and hear my side of the story, but I’ve just received an email from them stating, “After a thorough investigation, we do not believe the operator is legally liable for the claimed damages. The renter stated no accident occurred at the time of rental, and upon return, there were no damages reported to the vehicle. As such, we have no evidence to prove that our renter hit your vehicle, and we must respectfully deny your claim.”
What options do I have moving forward? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 🙁
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; it can be extremely frustrating dealing with a hit-and-run and insurance claims. Here are some steps you can consider taking in response to Enterprise’s denial of your liability insurance claim:
Gather Evidence: Compile all the evidence you have regarding the accident. This includes the police report, photographs of the damage to your car, and any documentation related to the incident (like your notes on the license plate and details about the other vehicle).
Contact the Police: If you haven’t already, report the denial to the police department that handled your initial report. Provide them with the new information about the rental vehicle and ask if they can assist in any way.
Obtain Witness Statements: If there were witnesses to the incident, try to obtain their contact information and statements. Their accounts can help support your claim.
Contact Your Insurance: Since you have already filed a claim, follow up with your insurance company for guidance. They can help navigate the situation, advocate on your behalf, or recommend next steps.
Request Further Documentation: Reach out to Enterprise for any further details regarding their investigation. Clarify how they determined there was no liability and ask if they can provide any specific evidence or reasons supporting their decision.
Consider Legal Assistance: If you feel you have a strong case, it may be worth consulting with a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents or insurance claims. They can provide you with legal options including filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Some insurance policies include clauses for arbitration or mediation in disputes. Check if this is applicable in your case.
Small Claims Court: If the damages are within the limit for small claims in your state, you may be able to file a claim against the driver (or possibly Enterprise) to recover your expenses.
File a claim against your own insurance: Depending on your policy, inquire whether you may have Uninsured Motorist coverage that can help with your claim.
Make sure you stay organized and keep thorough records of all communications related to your claim. Best of luck!