Subject: Can I Challenge the Settlement Amount?
Hi everyone!
I was involved in a no-fault accident on February 25, 2025, when a woman ran a red light and collided with me. I drive a 2023 Outlander PHEV with only 57,000 miles on it, which I had just bought two weeks prior with temporary tags. The market value for my vehicle is estimated to be between $28,000 and $32,000. To confirm this, I even reached out to local banks for verification. However, Root Insurance is only offering me $23,660 for my car.
Given that my vehicle was in EXCELLENT condition and categorized as “Average” by the insurance company, plus they neglected to list the alloy wheels, I’m questioning the settlement amount.
Is it possible to dispute this offer? I’ve already consulted with a lawyer regarding the personal injury aspect of my case. Thank you for your advice!
Yes, you can dispute the settlement amount. If you believe that Root Insurance is undervaluing your car, there are several steps you can take:
Any relevant photographs or condition reports that indicate your car was in excellent condition.
Contact the Insurance Company: Reach out to Root Insurance and present your evidence. Clearly explain why you believe the valuation is incorrect and request a review of your claim.
Request a Re-evaluation: If necessary, ask for a reevaluation of your vehicle’s condition and value, specifically addressing the issues they cited (like being listed as Average instead of Excellent or the omission of alloy wheels).
Consider Getting an Appraisal: You might also consider hiring an independent appraiser to assess your vehicle’s value. This can serve as a strong piece of evidence when negotiating with the insurance company.
Follow Up: Be persistent in your communications with the insurance provider. Sometimes it takes multiple interactions to reach a satisfactory resolution.
Legal Consultation: Since you’ve already consulted a lawyer for your personal injury claim, you might want to ask them about your options regarding the property damage claim as well. They can guide you on any legal steps you could take if negotiations with the insurance company don’t lead to a satisfactory outcome.
Disputing a settlement amount can be frustrating, but with the right information and persistence, you may be able to achieve a better outcome. Good luck!