Rear-ended, rear-ended again, and now facing fraud accusations?
Here’s the situation: I was rear-ended by a Chick-fil-A delivery driver, causing damage to the side of my rear bumper. Fast forward six months (thanks to Tesla’s repair timeline), I got rear-ended by a semi while stuck in traffic. I called the insurance, and they said this was a separate incident requiring a new claim. Fine. They covered $3,500 for the first claim and $4,500 for the second claim, totaling $8,200 in damage.
The collision shop received $350 from the insurance, but I’ve already paid $4,500 out of pocket. Tesla later sent a supplement to the shop for additional damage they discovered. Now, the insurance company is contacting me, claiming that both claims are for the same damage and asking me to prove that the first claim was fixed. Unfortunately, I can’t provide that proof.
To make things worse, they’ve requested my bank statements, evidence of all work done on the car, proof of any maintenance, and even want to inspect the car again. They’re asking for dashcam footage for the entire time I’ve owned the vehicle (seriously?), all from an insurance company that dropped my coverage right after this claim six months ago.
Does anyone have advice on how to handle this?
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating and complex situation. Here are some steps you might consider taking:
Documentation: Gather all documentation related to both claims, including estimates, repair invoices, and any communication with your insurer. Having a clear record of what happened can help you explain your case.
Talk to Your Repair Shop: Since the collision shop is familiar with the repairs and claims, ask them for documentation that clearly separates what damage was caused by each incident. This could provide evidence that the claims were indeed for separate damages.
Consult with an Attorney: Given the insurance company’s accusations of fraud, it might be wise to consult with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide specific legal advice tailored to your situation and help protect your rights.
Respond to the Insurance Company: Although it might be overwhelming, it’s important to respond to the insurance company’s requests promptly. Clarify that the two incidents are separate and provide any necessary information/documents they ask for. However, you may also want to limit what personal information you provide, especially if it seems excessive.
Contact the State Insurance Department: If you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith or if you have concerns about their practices, consider reaching out to your state’s insurance department. They can offer guidance and may intervene if necessary.
Keep Notes: Maintain a record of all communication with the insurance company, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you speak with. This can be useful if you need to escalate your case.
Consider Filing a Complaint: If you’re not receiving satisfactory responses from your insurer, consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or your state’s insurance regulatory agency.
Ultimately, you should ensure that you have all the necessary evidence to prove your claims are valid and that they stem from separate incidents. Good luck!