Uninsured Motorist vs Collision Coverage
Recently, my parked car was damaged by a tow truck driver who stalled on my street. Unable to handle the stick shift, the driver rolled backward, hitting the car in front of me, which then collided into my vehicle. Unfortunately, the tow truck driver’s insurance wasn’t active at the time of the incident. My insurance company is suggesting I file a collision claim, which comes with a $500 deductible. They would handle the repairs and then try to recover the costs, including the deductible, from the driver.
I also have uninsured motorist coverage, which the insurer didn’t mention initially. When I called back to inquire about it, I was told their “system was down,” and they would follow up with me later. That seemed a bit strange.
My question is: would it be more beneficial to use my uninsured motorist coverage instead of filing a collision claim? This way, I could avoid paying the deductible upfront and the hassle of chasing the tow truck driver for reimbursement. The tow truck driver acted suspiciously at the scene, and the company has been difficult to deal with, making the prospect of getting my deductible back seem daunting.
Thanks in advance for your input!
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation with the damage to your car. You’re right to consider the benefits of using your uninsured motorist coverage instead of going through your collision coverage, especially since it could save you the hassle of paying your deductible upfront.
In general, uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you when the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance or enough insurance. Since the tow truck driver’s insurance wasn’t active at the time of the accident, it may be more beneficial to pursue your uninsured motorist coverage, as it typically doesn’t involve a deductible (though this can vary by policy, so you should double-check your specific coverage).
Using the uninsured motorist coverage might also alleviate the hassle of dealing with the shady behavior of the tow truck driver and their company. If your insurer can handle it directly, it could save you time and stress in chasing down a potentially uncooperative party for reimbursement.
However, I recommend following up with your insurance company to clarify the situation and confirm the specifics of your uninsured motorist coverage, especially after they mentioned their system was down. Make sure to document everything and stay persistent in your communications.
Ultimately, if it does allow you to avoid the deductible and simplify the process, uninsured motorist coverage could be the better route in your situation. Good luck!