Subject: Help Needed with Car Insurance Storage Fee Dispute
I’m facing a frustrating situation with my car insurance regarding storage fees at the tow yard. After a serious accident on February 17th, where I slid on ice and crashed into a tree, my car was towed to a yard by the police. That same day, I contacted my insurance to report the accident. When they asked where my car was, I didn’t have the information right away, as I needed to check with the police for the exact location. They assured me that once I found out, they would handle everything.
The next day (February 18th), I discovered where my vehicle was and informed my insurance provider, National General. The agent told me they would arrange for it to be towed to a toll-free lot, advising me to leave my keys with the vehicle and remove my personal belongings. I followed their instructions and did so the same day.
However, after that, I started getting concerned. I called the insurance multiple times to confirm they would take care of the towing, but I couldn’t reach my agent and left several voicemails without a response. I convinced myself that they were managing the situation, given their lack of communication.
Then, on the 28th, I received a text stating, “Your vehicle is being moved from tow yard name. Please ensure all keys are left and belongings are removed.” I was shocked to realize it had taken them over two weeks to move my car. Shortly after, I received a letter from National General stating, “We are not responsible for any storage fees incurred after February 20th; you will be liable for these costs.”
Why am I being held responsible for the delay when they were the ones who took so long to act? They assured me they would take care of everything, yet here I am being charged for their inaction. When I finally reached my agent, he mentioned that they typically don’t cover storage fees incurred after the first day or two. I pressed him about the delay, and he said he wasn’t responsible for the removal timeline, just for assisting with the claims process.
Am I really expected to pay these fees? Is there anything I can do about this? It seems incredibly unfair to hold me accountable after all the delays on their part. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I’m really sorry to hear about the frustrating situation you’re experiencing with your insurance company. It sounds incredibly stressful, especially after going through an accident. Here are a few steps you can take to address this issue:
Document Everything: Make sure you have a clear record of all your communications with your insurance company and the tow yard. This includes dates, times, names of agents you spoke to, and any written correspondence. Documentation can strengthen your case.
Review Your Policy: Take a close look at your insurance policy to understand what it says about storage fees and the claims process. It might help clarify what responsibilities your insurance company has in this situation.
Escalate the Issue: If your agent isn’t helping, ask to speak with a supervisor or a claims manager. Sometimes escalating the situation can lead to a better resolution.
File a Complaint: If you’re not getting anywhere with your insurance provider, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance regulatory agency. They can investigate customer complaints and may help you get a fair resolution.
Negotiate with the Tow Yard: If your insurance company insists that you’re responsible for the fees, you might try negotiating directly with the tow yard. Explain the situation and see if they’re willing to reduce or waive the fees, especially if you can show that your insurance was supposed to handle it.
Seek Legal Advice: If all else fails, you might want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in insurance disputes to explore your options. They can provide guidance on your rights and the best way to proceed.
You definitely shouldn’t have to bear the burden of costs due to delays in the insurance process, especially when they assured you they would take care of it. Good luck, and I hope you can find a resolution soon!