Car Totaled with an Open Claim
This week, my child totaled my car.
Interestingly, two years ago, they had an accident in the same vehicle, and my insurance company offered me $3,400 for the damages. I opted to fix the car myself instead. Progressive informed me that in my state, I have three years to reopen the claim and receive that payout.
Can I still collect on the previous claim while also filing for the totaled car? I have receipts from the repairs I made before the recent accident.
Before the car was totaled, Progressive mentioned that I didn’t need to provide proof; they would simply issue the payout.
One more thing: regarding the older accident — when does the clock start ticking in relation to my rates? Is it from the date of the accident or when I file the claim? Progressive offers accident forgiveness for claims under $500, so that previous accident shouldn’t have affected my rates. Additionally, there was no payout to the other driver since it was a shared fault situation.
Any advice on how to proceed would be appreciated!
I’m sorry to hear about the situation with your car; that can be really stressful. Given what you’ve shared, here are a few points to consider:
Claim for the Totals: Since you mentioned that your insurer (Progressive) has a three-year window to reopen the claim, it’s worth reaching out to them to discuss the past accident and clarify the specifics about the potential payout for your previous claim. Since you have receipts for the repairs you made, that should help support your case for reimbursement, but it will ultimately depend on their policies and the specifics of your situation.
Concurrent Claims: As for filing for both the totaled car and the previous claim, you should confirm with Progressive if you can pursue both simultaneously. Companies often handle these types of claims differently, but being transparent with them about your circumstances will be key.
Impact on Rates: Regarding the impact on your insurance rates, companies typically consider the date of the incident when assessing rates for future renewals. Since the first accident occurred two years ago and you received no payout for that incident (due to the 50/50 fault), it may not hurt your rates under Progressive’s accident forgiveness program. However, it’s best to confirm this directly with them as each insurer may have different policies.
Documentation: Be sure to keep all your documentation organized and readily available, both for the repairs you did and any communication with Progressive regarding both claims. This will help facilitate the process and provide a clear record of your situation.
It might also be worthwhile to consult with an insurance agent or a legal professional who can provide personalized assistance based on your specific circumstances. Good luck!