Auto Insurance Claim
A couple of months ago, I was involved in an accident that wasn’t my fault, which resulted in the exterior of my car being repaired. Shortly after, I noticed a coolant leak but didn’t have time to take it to a shop or check it myself (since I’m a technician). Unfortunately, the leak worsened to the point where the car became undriveable. I scheduled an appointment at the dealership, suspecting the issue was related to the accident, and they confirmed it, providing a report that stated the damage was indeed accident-related. It turns out the headlight was pushed in and damaged the radiator, causing a crack.
I contacted my insurance, but they informed me that their appraiser labeled the damage as “normal wear and tear.” I had only shared the dealership’s report with them and didn’t provide photos of the damage. Despite multiple attempts to reach out, neither my adjuster nor the appraiser has responded to my calls or emails.
What should I do next?
EDIT: I am currently trying to sell the car and would prefer not to pay $1,700 out of pocket to replace the radiator. Meanwhile, I’m losing money daily as I have to rely on Uber for transportation.
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds really frustrating. Here are some steps you can take:
Gather Evidence: Since the dealership provided a report linking the damage to the accident, make sure you have that document readily available. If possible, take clear photos of any visible damage to the radiator and any related components that support your case.
Contact a Supervisor: If your adjuster and the appraiser aren’t responding, try reaching out to a supervisor at the insurance company. Explain your situation clearly and reference the dealership’s report. Sometimes escalating the issue can lead to a quicker resolution.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all your communications with the insurance company, including dates, times, and what was discussed. This can be helpful if you need to present your case further down the line.
Request a Second Opinion: If your insurance is sticking to the “normal wear and tear” assessment, consider getting an independent third-party appraisal. This may help strengthen your position when communicating with the insurance company.
File a Formal Complaint: If you continue to receive no response and feel that your concerns are being ignored, consider filing a complaint with your state’s department of insurance. They may be able to help facilitate communication or intervene on your behalf.
Explore Other Coverage: If you have any additional coverage, such as roadside assistance or rental reimbursement through your policy, check to see if any of those can help alleviate costs while you’re dealing with the insurance issue.
Consider Legal Advice: If things don’t improve and you’re still facing significant costs or delays, you might want to consult with a legal professional who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide you with guidance specific to your situation.
I hope you’re able to resolve this quickly! Good luck!