I opened a car accident claim 9 months ago and still haven’t received an offer from my insurance. What should I do? I apologize for the lengthy explanation.
In late May 2024, my husband was rear-ended, resulting in his car being totaled. We have full coverage, so we filed a claim with our insurance the same evening. The police arrived and determined the other driver was at fault, noting that my husband sustained injuries despite refusing an ambulance. The next day, we went to urgent care, where he was diagnosed with a concussion and advised not to work or drive for a few days.
The other driver claimed to have the same insurance as us, but it turned out he was actually excluded from the policy (as he was driving his dad’s truck) and is technically uninsured.
Since we had never been in an accident before, we contacted our insurance agent multiple times for guidance. They compensated us for the totaled car, and we mentioned wanting compensation for pain and suffering related to lost work. We assumed they would conduct an investigation and make a fair offer.
About three months in, we were notified that a new agent would take over our claim. We informed Agent #2 about my husband’s lingering brain fog from the concussion and that he was following up with his doctor. She sent us an affidavit to confirm we had no other insurance, along with a medical release form for my husband to complete. We filled out and notarized the paperwork, then mailed it and uploaded it using a special link provided by the agent. However, we didn’t hear back for months. I reached out via email to inquire about a settlement but received no response.
After a few more months, we were assigned yet another agent, Agent #3, who wanted to speak with us. By this point, we were frustrated with repeated conversations that led nowhere. I requested to communicate via email for record-keeping reasons but received no reply until today, when Agent #3 asked me to fill out the affidavit again.
Now, nearly 9.5 months later, I’m worried about how long this claim is taking. I’ve answered every question and signed all necessary forms, yet I’ve dealt with three different agents and feel like I’m being ghosted whenever I inquire about a settlement. I’ve expressed that I’m new to this process and unsure of what to expect, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is off with how Progressive is handling my claim.
Seeing them ask for a form I had already submitted months ago is particularly frustrating. Are we starting this process over again? I’m really confused.
I didn’t hire a personal injury attorney because I thought it wasn’t necessary based on advice from this sub. What am I missing?
I’m really sorry to hear about what you and your husband have been going through—navigating an insurance claim can be incredibly frustrating, especially after a traumatic experience like an accident. It sounds like you’ve done everything you can on your end by providing documentation and following up consistently.
Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications with the insurance company, including dates, times, and the name of the agents you spoke with. This will be helpful if you decide to escalate the situation.
Follow Up Regularly: It’s important to keep pushing for updates. Consider setting a specific schedule for follow-ups (e.g., every 1-2 weeks). Email is great because it creates a paper trail. In your emails, express your concerns about the delay and ask for clear timelines.
Request a Supervisor: If your experience continues to be unsatisfactory, ask to speak with a supervisor or a claims manager. Sometimes, escalating the issue can lead to a quicker resolution.
Check Your Policy: Review your insurance policy to understand the claims process and timelines. It may clarify your rights and their obligations.
Consider a Demand Letter: If you feel comfortable, you could draft a demand letter outlining the details of the claim and the compensation you seek. This puts your request in writing and may prompt them to take your claim more seriously.
Consult an Attorney: While some people navigate claims successfully on their own, having legal representation can sometimes expedite the process. An attorney can provide specific guidance, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for pain and suffering.
File a Complaint: If you continue to feel that you’re being treated unfairly, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner. They can help mediate disputes between consumers and insurance companies.
Remember, you deserve a response and fair treatment. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and your husband during this process. Good luck!