Seeking help with a denied liability insurance claim from Enterprise Rental—what should I do next?
A couple of months ago, I was involved in a hit-and-run on the freeway in California, where the other party was clearly at fault. My car sustained significant front-end damage, with paint transfer from the other vehicle. I took down all the pertinent information, including the license plate number, make, model, and color, and I filed a police report and insurance claim the following day. Since I don’t have collision insurance, my insurer could only reach out to the other party’s liability insurance for further updates.
I recently discovered that the vehicle involved belonged to Enterprise Rental. After obtaining my side of the story, they sent me an email stating: “After a thorough investigation, we do not believe the operator is legally liable for the damages claimed. The renter denied any accident occurred during the rental period. Upon return and inspection of the rental car, no damages were reported. Without any evidence proving our renter hit your vehicle, we must respectfully deny your claim.”
What options do I have to proceed from here? 🙁
I’m sorry to hear about your experience. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Gather Evidence: Compile all your evidence, including the police report, photos of the damage to your vehicle, the paint transfer, and any witnesses’ information. If possible, get a copy of the police report that relates to the hit-and-run.
Contact Your Insurance: Even if you don’t have collision coverage, discuss your situation with your insurance company. They might be able to provide additional guidance on how to proceed or assist in negotiating with the rental agency’s insurer.
Request Documentation: Ask Enterprise or their insurance company for a copy of their findings or investigation documentation. This may help you understand their reasoning and identify any potential weaknesses in their claims.
Filing a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance against the rental company’s insurer if they are not handling your claim appropriately.
Consult an Attorney: Consider seeking legal advice, especially if the damages are significant. An attorney can provide you with guidance on your rights and options, including pursuing a small claims suit if necessary.
Small Claims Court: If the damage is under the limit for small claims in California, consider filing a claim in small claims court. You’ll need to present your evidence and explain your situation to the judge.
Talk to the Police: Since this was a hit-and-run, if you have additional details or new witnesses come forward, inform the police. They may reopen the investigation.
Keep Documenting Everything: Continue to document all communications you have with Enterprise and any steps you take regarding your case. This will be useful if you need to escalate the matter.
Navigating insurance claims can be complex, especially in hit-and-run situations, but persistence and proper documentation can be key to resolving your issue. Good luck!