Seeking Guidance on Next Steps
Hi everyone,
I’m navigating this situation for the first time and could really use some advice on whether I’m on the right track.
Here’s a brief timeline of what’s happened so far:
- Last Wednesday (02/26), I was involved in a serious rear-end collision on the I-405. I’ve been informed that the full crash report will be available next week or the following.
- On Thursday (02/27), I filed a claim online with Progressive, the insurance company of the other driver. I haven’t received any updates from them yet.
- My car is a brand new 2025 Tesla—just two weeks old—and I have an appointment scheduled at a Tesla collision center next Friday (03/07).
From my understanding, the other party’s insurance won’t provide any estimates until they can confirm liability, which will depend on the police report. Should I wait for Progressive to reach out before taking my car to the collision center? Additionally, when should I start inquiring about rental car reimbursements?
I really appreciate any insights you can offer. If I’ve overlooked something, feel free to let me know. One lesson I’ve definitely taken from this experience is the importance of having good collision coverage.
Hi there,
First off, I’m really sorry to hear about your accident—it sounds really stressful, especially with a new car involved. You’re definitely not an idiot for seeking clarity on the process; it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when navigating insurance claims.
Based on what you’ve shared, it seems like you’ve taken the right initial steps. Here’s a general outline of what to consider moving forward:
Wait for the Crash Report: You’re correct that the insurance company often waits for the police report to establish liability. It’s advisable to hold off on any repairs until you have a confirmed liability, especially since you’re dealing with a new car and an insurance claim.
Follow Up with Progressive: It’s reasonable to check back with Progressive if you don’t hear from them in a few days. They should provide you with updates on the status of your claim and any next steps.
Collision Center Appointment: Regarding your appointment at the Tesla collision center, you may want to wait until you get more information from Progressive. However, if your vehicle is not drivable or you feel it’s urgent to have repairs done, you can still proceed with the appointment. Just make sure to communicate with the collision center about your situation.
Rental Car: As for rental car reimbursement, you typically can start discussing this with the other party’s insurance once they confirm liability. If they accept liability, they might cover the costs of a rental car for you. It’s best to keep any receipts for rental expenses just in case you need to submit them later.
Keep Records: Document everything—take notes of your conversations with the insurance company, keep receipts, and take photos of the damage. This will help if there are any disputes later on.
Consider Your Own Insurance: Depending on your policy, your own insurance may help cover some costs in the meantime, like rental reimbursements while you wait for the other party’s insurance to respond.
Remember, you’re navigating a complex situation, and it’s okay to seek help and advice. Good luck, and I hope things get resolved smoothly for you!