Subject: Can I Dispute the Settlement Amount?
Hi everyone!
I was involved in a no-fault accident on February 25, 2025, when a woman ran a red light and collided with me. Here’s my situation: I drive a 2023 Outlander PHEV with just 57k miles, which I had only for two weeks and still had temporary tags on it. The market value for my car ranges from $28,000 to $32,000, and I reached out to local banks to confirm these figures. However, Root Insurance is only offering me $23,660.
My car was in EXCELLENT condition, yet they listed it as Average. They also failed to account for the alloy wheels in their report for some reason.
Can I dispute this settlement amount? I’ve already consulted a lawyer regarding the personal injury aspect of the accident.
Thanks for your help!
Yes, you can definitely dispute the settlement amount. It’s important to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your loss, especially given the condition and market value of your vehicle. Here are some steps you can take:
Gather Evidence: Compile all relevant documentation, including the purchase agreement for your vehicle, any appraisals, and the market value estimates you obtained from local banks or online resources.
Document the Condition: Take detailed photos of your vehicle and any additional features, like alloy wheels, that were omitted from their assessment. If possible, obtain a statement from a qualified mechanic or dealership regarding its condition.
Contact Root Insurance: Reach out to your claims adjuster or a representative from Root Insurance to formally dispute the valuation. Present your evidence and express your concerns about the assessment.
Request a Re-evaluation: Ask if they can re-assess your vehicle considering the evidence you’ve provided. Sometimes, insurance companies will be open to revisiting their evaluation if new information is presented.
Seek Guidance from Your Lawyer: Since you’ve already consulted a lawyer for personal injury, consider discussing this issue with them as well. They may offer additional insights or assistance in negotiating with the insurance company.
Consider Alternative Evaluation: If needed, you might also consider getting an independent appraisal of your vehicle to support your claim.
Remember to document all interactions with the insurance company and keep copies of any correspondence. Good luck!