Uninsured Motorist vs. Collision Coverage
I recently had my parked and unoccupied car damaged by a tow truck driver who stalled while going up the street. Unfortunately, the driver didn’t know how to operate a stick shift, so the truck rolled back and collided with the car in front of mine, which was then pushed into my vehicle. The problem? The tow truck driver’s insurance was inactive at the time of the incident.
Now, my own insurance company is recommending that I file a collision claim (with a $500 deductible) so they can cover the repairs and later pursue the driver for reimbursement.
I also have uninsured motorist coverage, but when I inquired about it, the representative mentioned their “system was down” and they’d call me back later. This felt a bit suspicious to me.
My question is: Would it be more beneficial to use my uninsured motorist coverage instead of going through collision? By choosing uninsured motorist coverage, I wouldn’t have to pay the deductible upfront and might avoid the hassle of hunting down the driver for reimbursement. Additionally, the tow truck driver acted quite shady at the scene, and the company has continued to appear untrustworthy, so getting my deductible back could be a real challenge.
Thanks for your input!
It’s understandable to feel frustrated about this situation, especially with the unclear communication from your insurance. In your case, using your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may indeed be the better option. Here are a few points to consider:
No Deductible: If you use your UM coverage, you typically wouldn’t have a deductible, which means you wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs.
Chasing the Driver: Dealing with a shady driver and company can be a hassle. By going through your UM coverage, you can avoid the potential headache of pursuing the tow truck driver for payment and focus on getting your car repaired.
Claim Process: The claims process for UM coverage might be more straightforward, especially since the at-fault party’s insurance was inactive at the time of the accident.
Insurance Company: It’s concerning that your insurance company said their “system was down” when you asked about UM. It might be worth following up to ensure they are acknowledging all your coverage options and see if you can expedite the process.
Before making a decision, consider calling your insurance company again to clarify your options regarding UM coverage and express your concerns about the situation with the tow truck company. Having all the facts will help you make the best choice for your circumstances. Good luck!