Auto Insurance Claim Issue
A couple of months ago, I was involved in a no-fault accident and had the exterior of my car repaired. Soon after, I noticed a coolant leak but couldn’t get it checked out right away due to my busy schedule as a technician. Unfortunately, the situation worsened to the point where the car became undriveable. I took it to the dealership, suspecting the leak was related to the accident, and they confirmed this in a report, stating that the damage was indeed accident-related; specifically, the headlight was pushed in and caused a crack in the radiator.
I contacted my insurance company, but their appraiser deemed the issue as “normal wear and tear.” I only submitted the dealership’s report and didn’t provide any photos of the damage. Despite multiple attempts to reach my adjuster and the appraiser, I haven’t received any responses to my calls or emails. What are my next steps?
Update: I’m currently trying to sell the car but am hesitant to pay $1,700 out of pocket to replace the radiator. Meanwhile, I’m incurring daily expenses using Uber.
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds really frustrating. Since you have a report from the dealership stating that the damage is accident-related, it’s important to press that point with your insurance company. Here are some steps you can take:
Gather Evidence: Since you didn’t provide photos initially, gather any documentation related to the accident, including repair estimates, the dealership’s report, and any photos of the damage you can take now.
Follow Up Persistently: Keep reaching out to your adjuster and their supervisors if necessary. Document every attempt you make to contact them, including dates and times. If email isn’t getting a response, try calling, visiting the office if possible, or reaching out through social media.
Request a Re-evaluation: Ask for a re-evaluation of your claim, emphasizing the dealership’s report and any evidence you have. You might suggest getting a second opinion from another mechanic if the adjuster remains unresponsive.
File a Complaint: If you continue to face difficulties, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department. They may be able to assist in resolving the issue.
Explore Other Options: In the meantime, check if your warranty covers the issue, or consider if there’s a way to negotiate a payment plan for the repair with your mechanic and how urgent the situation is.
Consider Legal Advice: If it comes down to it and your insurance still doesn’t cooperate, it may be worth consulting with a legal professional to discuss your options.
Hopefully, this will help you get the claim moving in the right direction. Good luck!