Car Totaled with an Ongoing Claim
This week, my child totaled my car. Interestingly, just two years ago, she had another accident in the same vehicle, and my insurance company, Progressive, was prepared to issue me a check for $3,400. Instead, I opted to fix it myself. Progressive mentioned that I have three years in my state to reopen that claim and receive payment.
So, my question is: can I file a claim for both the old accident and the current totaled car? I do have receipts from when I repaired the car after the previous incident.
Before the car was deemed totaled, Progressive informed me that I wouldn’t need to provide proof of previous repairs; they would simply process the payout.
Additionally, regarding the claim from two years ago, when does the clock start ticking in terms of affecting my rates? Is it the date of the accident or the date of the current claim? Fortunately, Progressive has accident forgiveness for claims under $500, so the previous accident didn’t impact my rates since there was no payout to the other driver— it was a 50/50 situation.
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation. Insurance claims can be so complicated, especially with multiple accidents involved. Here’s what you might want to consider:
Old Claim for Repair Costs: Since Progressive mentioned that your state allows three years to reopen a claim, you should be able to pursue the payout for the previous accident, especially if you have receipts showing the repairs. It’s a good idea to gather all relevant documentation and contact Progressive to discuss reopening that claim.
Claim for the Totaled Car: You can file a claim for the current total loss and mention the previous repairs. Since you’ve kept documentation, that could strengthen your position.
Impact on Rates: Generally, the clock for how an accident affects your rates starts from the date of the incident itself, not when you file a claim or receive a payout. Given that you had accident forgiveness and your claim was 50/50, it seems like it may not negatively impact your rates, but it’s always safe to verify with Progressive directly.
Communication with Your Insurer: Make sure to communicate clearly with Progressive about both claims and how they might impact each other and your rates. They should be able to guide you on how to proceed.
It may also be helpful to consult with an insurance agent or a claims adjuster to make sure you’re navigating this correctly and maximizing your recovery. Good luck, and I hope things work out in your favor!