Seeking Advice on Car Accessories Insurance Issue
Hi everyone,
I hope you’re well. I wanted to share my situation and see if anyone has advice.
I recently lost my truck to a fire, which was classified as a total loss due to its high mileage and age (13 years). During negotiations with the insurance adjuster, I mentioned some aftermarket accessories. The adjuster dismissed them as “creature comforts,” stating they weren’t covered and suggested I remove what I could and sell it. While I was able to replace some factory parts, there are a few accessories (wheels, mirrors, lights, intake) that I couldn’t substitute.
Fortunately, I had some savings and bought another truck while I waited for the insurance settlement. When I contacted my insurance broker, I requested at least $1,000 coverage for accessories. To my surprise, they informed me that all their policies automatically cover $2,000 for accessories.
With this new information, I returned to the adjuster (who hasn’t completed my claim or paperwork yet) and now they are willing to cover some accessories. However, there’s a catch: they are asking for receipts, and I don’t have them for everything—some items were secondhand or gifts.
The adjuster is insisting on receipts, but I’ve argued that the items still exist regardless of documentation. I am hesitant to sign any paperwork until we resolve this issue.
So, I’m reaching out: What should I do next? Has anyone faced a similar situation? I’m based in the US.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I’m really sorry to hear about your truck and the situation with the insurance. That sounds incredibly frustrating, and it’s understandable that you want to make sure you’re compensated fairly for your aftermarket accessories. Here are some steps you can consider:
Document Everything: Take detailed photos of all the accessories you had on the truck. This can include the current condition of the items if you still have them, as well as any installed accessories that might not have receipts.
Gather Evidence: If you can’t find receipts, consider gathering other forms of proof of purchase, such as:
Any communications with vendors (emails or messages) that might show when and how you acquired the accessories.
Research Valuation: Look up the approximate value of the accessories you had. You can check online marketplaces or automotive forums to see what similar items are selling for. This can help you provide a more solid argument for the value you’re claiming.
Contact Your Broker Again: Since you mentioned your policy covers $2000 in accessories, it might help to go back to your broker and clarify that you expect compensation for what you had. Explain the situation with the adjuster and your evidence.
Request a Supervisor Review: If the adjuster remains firm, consider asking to speak to a supervisor or a claims manager. Sometimes a higher-level employee can provide more options or flexibility than the initial adjuster.
File a Complaint: If all else fails and you feel you’re being treated unfairly, you may want to file a complaint with your state’s insurance department. They can provide guidance on your rights and what steps you can take.
Consider Legal Advice: If you feel the situation is not resolving, consulting with a legal professional who specializes in insurance claims may be beneficial. They can give you personalized advice and help you navigate the process.
It’s great that you’re standing your ground and waiting to sign anything until you feel confident about your compensation. Stay persistent, and good luck!