Can I contest the settlement amount?
Hi there!
I was involved in a no-fault accident on 2/25/25 when another driver ran a red light and collided with me. My vehicle is a 2023 Outlander PHEV with 57,000 miles that I had just purchased two weeks prior and still had temporary tags. The market value for my car is estimated to be between $28,000 and $32,000, and I confirmed these figures with local banks. However, Root Insurance is only offering me $23,660 for my car. Despite being in EXCELLENT condition upon purchase, they’ve categorized it as Average, and they also omitted the alloy wheels from their report for some reason.
Is there a way for me to dispute this settlement offer? I’ve already consulted with a lawyer regarding the personal injury aspect of the case.
Yes, you can dispute the settlement amount offered by your insurance company. Here are some steps you can take:
Gather Documentation: Compile all relevant documents, such as the purchase agreement for your car, photos of its condition, the report from the insurance company, and any relevant market research indicating the true value of your vehicle.
Create a Value Comparison: Present your findings from local banks and any valuation tools that show the market value of your vehicle falls within the range of $28k to $32k. Include any comparisons to similar vehicles for sale.
Contact Your Insurance Adjuster: Reach out to your insurance adjuster to discuss your concerns about the valuation. Provide them with your documentation and a clear rationale for why you believe the settlement amount should be higher.
Request a Reevaluation: Politely ask for a reevaluation of your car’s condition and value, especially since it was only two weeks old and in excellent condition at the time of the accident.
Escalate if Necessary: If you’re unable to reach a satisfactory resolution with your adjuster, you can ask to speak with a supervisor or escalate your claim within the company.
Consider Professional Help: If the dispute doesn’t get resolved, you might consider consulting with your lawyer again, especially since you’re already involved in a personal injury claim. They might have more strategies for negotiating the settlement.
Remember, it’s essential to remain calm and professional throughout the process. Good luck!