Dispute with a Third-Party Insurance Company
On February 8th, I parked my car at a Miller’s Ale House, only to have it hit by a nearby truck. The restaurant manager informed me of the incident, and the truck owner was waiting outside. He acknowledged his fault and offered me $200 to cover a new bumper, which was the only damage. Unsure about repair costs, I suggested we let the insurance handle it. He agreed, and his wife provided a screenshot of their insurance details from Dairyland. However, the truck wasn’t listed on the document, although she assured me it was included.
I took a picture of the truck’s license plate and proceeded to call their insurance on Monday to file a claim. They asked a lot of questions, which I answered, and provided me with the name of the adjuster and a reference number. A few days later, the adjuster reached out for more details and requested photos of my car from every angle. Since I hadn’t heard back from her for a while, I called today, only to learn that they hadn’t been able to gather evidence from the truck owner. The adjuster explained, “Since the police weren’t called on the day of the incident, we have no direct way to reach them. We’re now relying on them to contact us.”
I grew up outside the U.S. and this is my first experience dealing with a situation like this. In hindsight, I realize I may have handled it poorly. I hesitated to call the police because, given the circumstances, I suspected the driver had been drinking at the Ale House, and I didn’t want to escalate things, especially since he was with his family. Perhaps that was a mistake. I do have a photo of the license plate, his wife’s name, and address, and the restaurant manager can serve as a witness.
I’m feeling extremely frustrated about the situation. My beloved Miata now has a noticeable dent, and I don’t believe I should be responsible for the damage. What should my next steps be? Should I consider suing the driver? I’m confused as to why the insurance company can’t reach him; maybe the information I received was incorrect. Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated. Help me out, Reddit!
I’m really sorry to hear about your frustrating situation! Dealing with insurance after an accident can be complicated, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Gather Documentation: Make sure you have all relevant documents organized, including the photos of your car, the screenshot of the insurance info, and any notes on your conversations with the insurance adjuster. If you have a statement from the manager at Miller’s Ale House, that could also be helpful.
Contact the Insurance Again: Reach out to the insurance company again and explain the situation clearly. Emphasize that you have the vehicle’s license plate, the owner’s admission of fault, and the witness statement from the restaurant manager. Ask if there is any way to expedite the process or if they would be able to verify the information on the insurance policy.
Consider Filing a Police Report: Even though you didn’t call the police immediately after the incident, you can still file a police report now. While it may not have the same impact as if you had called immediately, it can still serve as an official record of the incident.
Involve Your Own Insurance: If the other party’s insurance isn’t responding effectively, you might want to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have coverage for damages like this. They may be able to assist you in recovering costs from the other party’s insurance.
Consult with an Attorney: If you feel that you’re not making any progress and the damage exceeds a certain threshold, it might be worth consulting with a lawyer who specializes in automotive accidents. They can provide guidance on whether pursuing a personal claim is viable or if there are other legal steps worth taking.
Stay Persistent and Keep Records: Continue to follow up with the insurance company, and keep detailed notes of all communications. Sometimes persistence pays off in these situations, and having everything documented can help if things escalate further.
Repair Quotes: Consider getting a repair estimate for your car from a reputable mechanic. Having an official quote will give you a clearer idea of the costs involved and could help in negotiations with the insurance company.
It’s definitely a tough spot, but you’ve taken a good first step by reaching out for advice. Stay positive, and keep pushing for the resolution you deserve!