What can I do if Enterprise Rental is denying my liability insurance claim?
A couple of months ago, I was involved in a hit-and-run accident on the freeway in California, where the other party was clearly at fault. My car sustained significant front-end damage, and there was paint transfer from their vehicle. I recorded the license plate number, make, model, and color of the other car, and promptly filed a police report and an insurance claim the following day. Unfortunately, I don’t have collision insurance, so my insurance company could only follow up with the other party’s liability insurer.
It turns out the vehicle involved was a rental from Enterprise. Recently, I spoke with them to share my account of the incident. However, I just received an email stating, “After a thorough investigation, we do not believe the operator is legally liable for the damages claimed. The renter has asserted that no accident occurred during the rental period. Upon returning the car and inspecting it, no damages were reported. Additionally, we have not seen any evidence to suggest our renter hit your vehicle. Therefore, we must respectfully deny your claim.”
What options do I have moving forward? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 🙁
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds really frustrating. Here are some steps you can take to pursue your claim further:
Review the Evidence: Gather all evidence you have, including photos of your car’s damage, the paint transfer, the police report, and your notes on the accident. If you have any witnesses, get their contact information and statements as well.
Request a Detailed Explanation: Contact Enterprise directly and ask for a more detailed explanation of their decision. Request copies of any documentation or evidence they have used to support their denial.
File a Claim with Your Insurance: Even without collision coverage, your insurance may have other options available to help you with the situation, such as uninsured motorist coverage if applicable. Check with your insurer about what steps you can take.
Follow Up with the Police: If you haven’t done so already, follow up with the police report to see if the investigation can be reopened or if more information can be gathered.
Consult with a Lawyer: If you believe you have a strong case, you might consider consulting a lawyer who specializes in car accidents or insurance claims. They can provide legal advice and may help you recreate the incident’s details or negotiate with Enterprise.
Report to the Better Business Bureau (BBB): If you find Enterprise unhelpful, you can file a complaint with the BBB. While this won’t guarantee a result, it may prompt them to reconsider your claim.
Consider Small Claims Court: As a last resort, you may consider taking your case to small claims court if you believe you have sufficient evidence and that the amount you’re claiming is within the court’s limits.
Utilize Online Resources: Look for forums or websites that focus on auto insurance claims or customer experiences with Enterprise. There may be tips or strategies shared by others in similar situations.
Keep detailed records of all your communications and continue to be persistent. Good luck!