Insurance Frustration After Being T-Boned – Seeking Guidance
I’m reaching out for advice because I feel like I’m caught in a never-ending nightmare. Back in October, I was T-boned by a driver who clearly wasn’t paying attention. It took two months for his insurance to accept liability, despite the police report stating he was at fault.
By the time they took responsibility, my truck had developed several mechanical problems while I awaited repairs, including:
– A/C not functioning
– Inaccurate fuel gauge (shows empty even when the tank is full)
– Frequent stalling, along with a flashing check engine light and red lightning bolt
– Unpredictable acceleration issues
Collision Center and Insurance Struggles
Finally, in December, the insurance company sent an estimator who only assessed the visible damage and provided a repair quote of $5,000. I informed him about the mechanical issues, but he disregarded them. The collision center insisted this estimate was far too low, and the final repair bill was closer to $15,000.
They held my truck for a month and a half, and on three separate occasions, I was called to pick it up, only to find unresolved issues. They refused to fix my A/C, claiming the insurance company didn’t believe the accident caused the problem, despite my evidence showing it was operational beforehand.
To make matters worse, the collision center representative misled me about checking the A/C. Initially, he claimed it was fixed, but later backtracked, saying he could not recall my mentioning it. He then stated they only checked the A/C sensor (which I’m unfamiliar with). I discovered he also lied about conducting a diagnostic scan, giving conflicting information to both me and the insurance adjuster.
When I contacted the regional manager, he coldly stated that only written communication counts, rendering all our verbal discussions meaningless. I felt utterly powerless.
Serious Safety Concerns and More Delays
At this point, I decided to retrieve my truck, still without a working A/C, as I am pregnant and had been battling the flu, completely drained from this ordeal.
Then, while driving to an OB appointment, my truck stalled on a mountain.
– I was stranded for three hours at 10 PM because AAA struggled to locate me, even with GPS coordinates.
– Given my pregnancy and work demands, my OB is three hours away from my current home.
The next morning, I spoke with the insurance adjuster, only to be told I need to get another diagnostic at a dealership to confirm that the stalling issue is accident-related before they’ll authorize any repairs. The hitch?
– The dealership won’t be able to examine my truck until next week.
– Insurance won’t approve a rental car until they receive that diagnostic report.
– I had already paid out of pocket for a rental to attend my OB appointments and work, and cannot afford another week of waiting like this.
Feeling Trapped – How Can I Move Forward?
I’m feeling overwhelmed and stuck. It seems as if I’m being penalized for being the victim in this accident, and all I want is to have my truck repaired properly.
If anyone has advice on how to navigate this situation, escalate the matter, or hold the insurance accountable, I’d greatly appreciate your help. I’m reaching my limit.
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds incredibly frustrating and stressful, especially with everything you’re managing right now. Here are some steps you might consider taking to help navigate this nightmare:
Document Everything: It’s crucial to keep records of all your communications with the insurance company, the collision center, and any diagnostic results. Take notes of phone calls (dates, times, and who you spoke with), and keep copies of any emails or letters.
Get a Second Opinion: If possible, consider taking your truck to another mechanic or dealership for a comprehensive diagnostic check. Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can reveal issues that were previously overlooked.
Request a Formal Appeal: Since the insurance company is denying repairs related to the A/C and other mechanical issues, you can formally appeal their decision. Write a letter detailing everything, including timelines, issues encountered, and any evidence you have. Request a reevaluation of your case and attach any supporting documents.
Consult an Attorney: If you find that the insurance company is still being uncooperative, it may be worth consulting with an attorney who specializes in auto insurance claims or personal injury. They can provide guidance on how to escalate the situation appropriately.
File a Complaint: If the insurance company continues to deny necessary repairs, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner. They can sometimes assist in resolving disputes between consumers and insurance companies.
Consider Social Media: If all else fails, sometimes bringing attention to your issue on social media can prompt a quicker response. Many companies are responsive to public complaints.
Rental Car Reimbursement: Keep receipts for any rental cars or alternative transportation you’ve used for OB appointments. You may be able to seek reimbursement from your insurance company later.
Emphasize Your Situation: When communicating with the insurance and the collision center, make sure they understand the impact this situation has on your health and daily life. Sometimes, emphasizing personal circumstances can encourage them to expedite your case.
Lastly, remember to take care of yourself during this stressful time. Lean on friends or family for support while you navigate this process. Best of luck, and I hope you get everything sorted out soon!