Insurance Frustration After Being T-Boned – Seeking Help
I’m reaching out for some guidance because I feel completely overwhelmed by my current situation. Back in October, I was T-boned by a driver who clearly wasn’t paying attention. It took a full two months for their insurance to acknowledge liability, despite the police report stating that they were at fault.
By the time they accepted responsibility, my truck had developed several mechanical issues due to the long wait for repairs, including:
– The A/C stopped working
– The fuel gauge is no longer accurate (it always shows empty no matter how full the tank is)
– The car stalled multiple times, and both the check engine light and red lightning bolt warning appeared
– There are serious acceleration problems
Collision Center and Insurance Challenges
Finally, in December, the insurance company sent an estimator who only assessed the exterior damage and quoted repairs at $5,000. I informed him about the mechanical issues, but he didn’t take them into account. The collision center quickly corrected him, stating that the repairs would actually cost around $15,000, which is what they ultimately billed to the insurance.
They had my truck for a month and a half. On three separate occasions, I was told it was ready for pickup, but there were still unresolved issues, so I had to wait. To make matters worse, they refused to repair my A/C because the insurance company didn’t believe the accident caused the issue, despite my evidence that the A/C was functioning before the crash.
The representative from the collision center gave conflicting information regarding the A/C repairs. Initially, he claimed they had fixed it but later denied remembering anything about it. He then insisted they only checked the A/C sensor, whatever that entails. I later discovered he miscommunicated with the insurance about running a diagnostic scan.
When I contacted the regional manager, he informed me that verbal assurances mean nothing without written documentation, leaving me feeling entirely powerless.
Safety Concerns and Delays
Taking matters into my own hands, I decided to retrieve my truck, still without a functioning A/C. As a pregnant woman battling the flu, I was too exhausted to continue this fight.
Then, while driving to an OB appointment, my truck stalled on a mountain.
– I was stranded for three hours at 10:00 PM because AAA had trouble locating me, even with GPS coordinates.
– My OB is three hours away from home, and I travel for work.
The next morning, I called the insurance adjuster, who informed me that I would need another diagnostic at a dealership to prove the stalling issue is related to the accident before they would approve repairs. The downside is:
– The dealership can’t see my truck until next week.
– Insurance won’t authorize a rental car until they receive that diagnostic report.
– I’ve already been paying out of pocket for a rental to attend my OB appointments and work; I simply can’t manage another week of this.
Feeling Trapped – What Should I Do?
I’m truly at my wit’s end and don’t know my next steps. I feel like I’m being punished for being a victim in this accident, and all I want is for my vehicle to be repaired properly.
If anyone has suggestions on how to navigate this situation, escalate my case, or hold the insurance accountable, I would greatly appreciate your help. I’m at my breaking point.
I’m really sorry to hear about the situation you’re in—it sounds incredibly frustrating and stressful, especially with everything you have going on. Here are some steps you might consider to help you navigate this complexity with your insurance claim:
Document Everything: Make sure you keep records of all communications with the insurance company, collision center, and any other parties involved. This includes dates, times, names of people you spoke with, and details of what was discussed. Take pictures of any damage or mechanical issues with your truck.
Get a Second Opinion: If you can, get a diagnostic report from another mechanic or dealership that can assess the issues with your truck. This could help establish a clearer link between the accident and the problems you’re experiencing.
Contact Your State’s Insurance Department: If you feel like you’re not getting a fair response from the insurance company, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance regulatory agency. They can often provide guidance and may help mediate disputes.
Request an Official Appeal: If the insurance company is denying repairs, you can formally appeal their decision. Ask for a written explanation of why they’re not covering specific repairs, and respond with your evidence (like the previous A/C working condition) to support your claims.
Consider Legal Advice: If the situation doesn’t improve, consulting with an attorney who specializes in car accidents and insurance claims may be beneficial. They can help you understand your rights and options, and if necessary, assist in taking legal action.
Engage Social Media: Sometimes companies respond faster when people voice their concerns publicly. If you feel comfortable, consider sharing your story on social media or tagging the insurance company in your posts to urge them to act.
Explore Your Options for a Rental: Since you need to get to your OB appointments urgently, look into whether your personal insurance covers rental reimbursement or if there are local resources that may assist with providing a rental car.
Be Persistent: While it’s incredibly draining, staying persistent with follow-ups is key. Don’t hesitate to escalate to supervisors if your adjuster isn’t responsive.
I hope you find some resolution soon. You deserve to be treated fairly and to have your vehicle repaired properly. Take care of yourself, and best wishes for a smooth pregnancy!