Title: Seeking Advice: Enterprise Rental Denies Liability Insurance Claim After Hit-and-Run
I was involved in a hit-and-run incident on the freeway in California a couple of months ago. The other party was clearly at fault, leaving my car with significant front-end damage and paint transfer from their vehicle. I made sure to note down the license plate number, make, model, and color, and promptly filed a police report and an insurance claim the following day. Unfortunately, since I don’t have collision coverage, my own insurance could only reach out to the other party’s liability insurer for any updates.
It turns out the vehicle that hit me was a rental car from Enterprise. Recently, Enterprise reached out to gather more information and hear my side of the story. However, I just received an email from them stating, “After a thorough review, we do not believe the operator is legally liable for the damages claimed. The renter asserted that no accident occurred during their rental period. Upon returning the vehicle, no damages were reported. Without any evidence showing our renter hit your vehicle, we must respectfully deny your claim.”
What options do I have moving forward? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 🙁
I’m sorry to hear about your experience; hit-and-run situations can be incredibly frustrating. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Review Evidence: Gather all the evidence you have, including the police report, photos of the damage, and any witnesses who may have seen the incident. If you didn’t take photos of the damage at the time, consider revisiting the scene to take pictures or even seeking out surveillance footage if available.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Even without collision coverage, your insurance may be able to assist you further or offer guidance on how to proceed. They might initiate subrogation against the rental company if they have sufficient evidence.
Dispute the Denial: Write a formal letter to Enterprise detailing your case, including the license plate number, police report number, and any photos or documentation. Request a reconsideration of their decision based on the evidence you have provided.
Seek Witness Statements: If any bystanders witnessed the incident, try to obtain their contact information and statements. This may help corroborate your account of the accident.
File a Complaint: If Enterprise continues to deny your claim without sufficient reasoning, consider filing a complaint with the California Department of Insurance. They can mediate disputes regarding insurance claims.
Consider Legal Action: If you feel that you have a strong case and are not getting anywhere, consulting with an attorney who specializes in auto accidents might be worthwhile. They can provide legal advice and options, including possibly pursuing a claim against the driver if they can be identified.
Small Claims Court: If your damages are within the limits for small claims court in your area, you may consider filing a claim against the driver or the rental company.
Report to Your Credit Card Company: If you paid for the rental car with a credit card that offers rental car insurance, check with your credit card provider to see if they can assist with the claim.
Remember to keep records of all your interactions, documentation, and any submissions made. Good luck, and I hope you can resolve this matter soon!