UPDATE: My partner was recently involved in an accident with another driver. Initially, their insurance agreed to cover the costs and instructed us to send in the title since the vehicle was totaled. I complied, but I just received an email stating they’ve reversed their decision after “rereading the police report.”
Now, they’ve issued a “stop-pay” on the funds owed to me. They still have my title, and the car has been towed away to an auction house. I’m feeling lost about what to do next. They had already approved everything, and now it’s like they’ve suddenly said, “never mind.”
I understand that they can change their minds, which is frustrating, but dealing with State Farm has been a real hassle. At first, they claimed the title for the vehicle was in Wisconsin, so we had to request a new one from our state.
When we did, the Wisconsin form informed us that they couldn’t retrieve the title based on the VIN and advised us to contact the DOT via email. After reaching out, they responded two days later saying they couldn’t help because the title was never moved to Wisconsin—it remained in Minnesota.
So, I informed the insurance agent, who then discovered they were referencing incorrect information. Minnesota requires the title to be sent via mail or in-person, so I mailed it off. Ten days later, I received the title and sent it to State Farm via UPS, following their instructions.
Then, last night, my partner received this email:
“Upon further review of the claim, we have changed our liability position. The police report indicates that your vehicle did not adhere to the designated lane of travel. We will be denying liability. Please contact your insurance company for further handling of damages.”
Now they have my signed title and have had the police report for two months. What are my options at this point? I’ve seen the report, and their interpretation is incorrect—I have video evidence to contest it. Regardless, I’m looking for advice on how to proceed, especially since this back-and-forth has been ongoing for two months, and rental car expenses are piling up!
Thanks in advance!
I’m really sorry to hear about the trouble you’re experiencing with the insurance company. This situation can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you feel like you’ve done everything right and are now facing unexpected setbacks. Here are some potential steps you can take to address the issue:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all correspondence with State Farm, including emails, phone calls, and any other communication. Note dates, times, and the names of the representatives you speak with.
Contact Your Own Insurance: Since State Farm is denying liability, it’s important to reach out to your own insurance provider. They may be able to help cover your rental expenses and advise you on how to handle the situation with State Farm.
Request a Comprehensive Review: Contact State Farm and ask for a more detailed explanation regarding their decision. Since you mentioned having video evidence, bring this up and ask them to reconsider their decision based on this new information.
File a Complaint: If you feel that State Farm is not handling your claim fairly, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance regulatory body. They may be able to assist you in resolving the dispute.
Seek Legal Advice: If things continue to go south or you feel overwhelmed, it might be worth consulting with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims. They can help you understand your rights and options.
Consider Mediation: Sometimes, a neutral third party can help facilitate a resolution between you and the insurance company. If you want to resolve this amicably, mediation may be a good option.
Check Your Policy Terms: Review your own insurance policy to see what coverage you have for this situation. Understanding your rights and coverage can empower you in discussions with both parties.
Stay Persistent: Keep following up with State Farm and don’t hesitate to escalate the issue if necessary. Sometimes, simply being persistent can lead to a resolution.
It’s unfortunate that you’re in this position, but by taking these steps, you can work towards resolving the issue. Good luck, and I hope you get this sorted out soon!