Auto Insurance Claim Help Needed
A couple of months ago, I was involved in a not-at-fault accident where I had to get the exterior of my car repaired. Shortly after, I noticed a coolant leak but couldn’t take it to the shop or inspect it myself due to my busy schedule as a technician. Unfortunately, the situation worsened to the point where my car became undriveable. I decided to take it to the dealership, suspecting it was related to the accident. They confirmed this and provided a report stating that the damages were indeed accident-related, noting that the headlight had been pushed in and had impacted the radiator, causing a crack.
I contacted my insurance company, but the appraiser labeled the damage as “normal wear and tear.” I only submitted the dealership report without any photos of the damage. Despite my efforts to follow up, my adjuster and the appraiser have been unresponsive to my calls and emails.
What should I do next?
EDIT: I’m currently trying to sell the car but don’t want to pay $1,700 out of pocket to replace the radiator. I’m also incurring daily costs for Ubers, which is eating into my finances.
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds really frustrating! Here are some steps you can take to pursue your claim:
Gather Evidence: Since the dealership provided a report indicating the damage is accident-related, make sure you have a copy of that document. Additionally, gather any photos of the damage, including the headlight and radiator. Visual evidence can strengthen your case.
Contact Your Insurer Again: Document all your attempts to contact your insurance adjuster and the appraiser, including dates and times. If you haven’t already, try reaching out to a different department, such as customer service or a complaints department, to see if they can help facilitate communication with your adjuster.
Request a Re-Evaluation: Consider formally requesting a re-evaluation of your claim, citing the dealership’s report as evidence of accident-related damage. Make it clear that you believe the damage should be covered under your existing policy.
File a Complaint: If you continue to experience difficulty getting your insurer to respond, you might consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department. They can often provide assistance and may help expedite your case.
Consult a Professional: If you feel stuck, it may be worth consulting with an attorney who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide guidance on how to proceed and may help you negotiate with the insurance company.
Consider Mediation or Arbitration: Some insurance policies include mediation or arbitration clauses, which could help resolve the dispute without going to court.
Plan for the Short Term: While you’re working through this, try to find alternatives to Uber that might be more cost-effective, like carpooling or public transport, to minimize your expenses.
Good luck, and I hope you can resolve this issue quickly!