Insurance Company Refuses to Reappraise Vehicle Despite Incorrect Information
I filed a third-party claim after someone hit my parked car outside my home, and dealing with the insurance company has been a nightmare. Here’s the main issue:
The car was appraised with a mileage that is 75,000 km higher than its actual reading. I discovered this when I saw the document they sent to the appraisal company during my visit to the insurance office. When I brought this to my agent’s attention, he told me he “does not want to request another appraisal because it would take another 5-10 business days.” I made it clear that the timeframe doesn’t matter to me—what matters is receiving an accurate valuation of my car so I can be restored financially, which is the essence of insurance.
I even got a suggestion from him to hire my own appraiser, which feels like he’s just trying to pass the responsibility off to someone else.
To make matters worse, it’s the other driver’s insurance that will be paying out, not my own. Yet, my insurance company, who is supposed to be on my side, seems unwilling to secure a proper appraisal.
The settlement from the initial appraisal is $2,700 CAD, but similar vehicles with the correct mileage are selling for between $4,500 and $6,000.
It sounds incredibly frustrating to deal with an insurance company that isn’t meeting your expectations, especially when you’re trying to resolve an issue that’s crucial for your financial well-being. It’s unacceptable that they are refusing to rectify the appraisal error due to the time it would take. You deserve an accurate assessment of your vehicle’s value, especially since it’s the basis for your settlement.
If the insurance agent continues to be unhelpful, consider escalating the matter to a supervisor or a claims manager who may have more authority to address your concerns. Document all interactions and keep records of your communications to support your case.
Additionally, if you’re forced to hire your own appraiser, remember that you can potentially present their findings to both your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer. Make sure to research appraisers who are experienced and reputable, as their report could help reinforce your claim for a fair settlement.
If all else fails, you might also want to consider reaching out to your provincial insurance regulator or seeking legal advice to understand your rights. It’s important to advocate for yourself in situations like these! Good luck, and I hope you get your issue resolved quickly.