Handling Auto Accident Claims During Insurance Network Outages: A Practical Guide
Imagine this: your vehicle is parked peacefully, and suddenly, a drunk driver collides with it during the night. Thankfully, law enforcement arrives promptly and provides you with the at-fault driver’s insurance details. However, there’s a complication— the insurer listed, Erie Insurance, is currently experiencing significant technical difficulties due to a widespread network outage, possibly stemming from a ransomware incident. This situation raises important questions for vehicle owners in similar circumstances:
Should I proceed with my own collision coverage to repair the vehicle and handle the insurance reimbursement later?
Understanding the Situation
In cases where your vehicle is damaged by an at-fault driver, you typically have two options:
- File a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurer (in this case, Erie Insurance).
- Use your own collision coverage to expedite repairs and seek reimbursement afterward.
Due to the current outage, Erie Insurance is operating on paper-based processes, which could potentially delay claims processing for weeks. This slowdown could extend the time your vehicle remains out of use, impacting your daily life and plans.
What’s the Best Course of Action?
Given these circumstances, many professionals recommend using your own collision coverage to promptly repair your vehicle. Here’s why:
- Speed of Service: Filing through your own insurer generally ensures faster repairs, especially when the at-fault insurer is experiencing technical difficulties.
- Control Over Repair Timeline: You can choose a trusted repair shop and schedule fixes without waiting for Erie to process claims manually.
- Reimbursement Process: Your insurer, such as Geico, will handle the subrogation process— seeking reimbursement from Erie afterward. Although there’s a deductible involved (e.g., $500), the insurer has indicated they’ll reimburse this amount if they successfully recover it from Erie.
Important Considerations
- Document Everything: Take photos of the damage and keep any police reports or communication records.
- Understand Your Policy: Confirm that your collision coverage covers incidents like hit-and-run or drunk driving crashes.
- Stay Informed: Keep in contact with your insurer for updates on the reimbursement process.
Final Thoughts
While it might seem preferable to wait for Erie Insurance to process the claim, the current network outage could cause significant delays. Opting to use your own collision coverage can allow for swift repairs, helping you get back on the road sooner. Just be aware that your insurer will
