Handling Car Damage Caused by a Drunk Driver: Navigating Insurance Options
Accidents involving parked vehicles can be distressing, especially when they happen unexpectedly. Recently, I experienced such an incident where a drunk driver collided with my parked car while I was asleep. The good news is that law enforcement apprehended the driver and provided me with their insurance information. However, I’ve encountered an unforeseen complication: the driver’s insurer, Erie Insurance, appears to be experiencing a significant technical outage, possibly due to a ransomware attack or similar incident.
This situation has led me to consider the most efficient way to repair my vehicle without unnecessary delays. Erie’s current system is reportedly down, and they are operating via paper-based procedures, which some insiders suggest could take weeks to resolve. Given this timeline, I’m contemplating whether it makes sense to utilize my own collision coverage through Geico to expedite repairs, and subsequently pursue reimbursement from Erie once their systems are back online.
My primary concern is avoiding prolonged downtime without my vehicle. The collision repair process can be straightforward, but delays caused by insurance processing issues could extend the time I remain without my car. While using my own insurance may involve a deductible—$500 in this case—I am told that Geico intends to recover this amount from Erie once they are able to process the claim.
Has anyone faced a similar situation? Are there reasons I should avoid this approach and wait for Erie to handle the claim directly? Any insights into best practices in cases where insurance companies are experiencing widespread system outages would be greatly appreciated. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure my vehicle is repaired promptly while responsibly managing the insurance process.
