Can I dispute the settlement offer?
Hi everyone,
I was involved in a no-fault accident on February 25, 2025. A woman ran a red light and collided with my vehicle. Here’s the situation: I drive a 2023 Outlander PHEV with 57,000 miles, which I had just purchased two weeks prior and still had temporary tags on it. The market value for my car is estimated to be between $28,000 and $32,000, and I’ve verified this with several local banks to ensure my figures are accurate. However, Root Insurance is offering me only $23,660 for it. My car was in EXCELLENT condition, yet they have categorized it as Average in their assessment, and they’ve also omitted the alloy wheels from the report for some reason.
Is it possible for me to dispute this settlement amount? I have already consulted a lawyer regarding the personal injury aspect. Thanks for your advice!
Yes, you can definitely dispute the settlement amount offered by Root Insurance. Here are some steps you can take:
Gather Evidence: Collect all the documentation related to your car’s value, including the market quotes you found (like those from local banks), listings for similar cars, and any relevant documentation proving your car was in excellent condition (photos, service records, etc.).
Contact Your Adjuster: Reach out to your claims adjuster and express your concerns about the settlement offer. Be sure to provide your evidence and explain why you believe the car’s value is higher than what they have listed.
Ask for a Reassessment: Request that they reassess the condition of your vehicle and provide a more accurate valuation. Highlight the discrepancies, such as the alloy wheels being omitted from the report.
File a Formal Dispute: If you cannot reach a satisfactory agreement, you can file a formal dispute with the insurance company. This often involves submitting a written request outlining your concerns and supporting evidence.
Seek Further Legal Advice: Since you’ve already consulted a lawyer for your personal injury claim, it might be worthwhile to discuss your car settlement dispute with them as well. They may be able to provide guidance or assist you in negotiating with the insurance company.
Consider Alternative Options: If the dispute doesn’t resolve in your favor, you may want to consider getting an independent appraisal or exploring options for mediation or arbitration.
Document your communications with the insurance company, as this can be helpful if you need to escalate your claim further. Good luck!