What to Do When Your Car Is Hit by a Drunk Driver and the Insurance Company Isn’t Responding
Experiencing a hit-and-run or a collision while your vehicle is parked can be incredibly stressful, especially when the at-fault driver is caught but their insurance provider is temporarily unresponsive. If you find yourself in this situation, understanding your options can help you navigate the process smoothly and get your vehicle repaired without unnecessary delays.
Scenario Overview:
Recently, my parked car was struck by a drunk driver while I was asleep at the wheel. Fortunately, law enforcement apprehended the driver and provided me with their insurance details. However, the insurer, Erie Insurance, is currently experiencing significant operational issues—likely due to a cybersecurity incident such as ransomware—that have knocked their systems offline. They’re reportedly operating on paper-based procedures, which could potentially extend the claim processing time to several weeks.
Immediate Concerns:
This situation poses a dilemma: Should I wait for Erie Insurance to process the claim, risking extended delays in repairing my vehicle? Or is it more prudent to use my own collision coverage through Geico to expedite repairs, with the understanding that Geico will later seek reimbursement from Erie once their system issues are resolved?
Recommended Approach:
In cases like this, many policyholders opt to utilize their own collision coverage to ensure timely repairs. By doing so, you can have your vehicle fixed promptly, minimizing downtime and inconvenience. Afterward, your insurance provider will pursue reimbursement from the responsible insurer once their systems are back online.
Points to Consider:
– Coverage and Deductibles: Be aware that using your collision coverage typically involves paying a deductible—commonly around $500. However, most insurers guarantee reimbursement of this amount if they are successful in recovering the costs from the at-fault insurer.
– Documentation: Keep thorough records of the incident, repair estimates, and communication with your insurance company, as this will facilitate the reimbursement process.
– Future Reimbursement: Confirm with your insurer that they will pursue the responsible insurance company and keep you informed about the progress.
Final Advice:
While waiting for the at-fault insurer to process the claim might be ideal, operational delays—especially due to cyber incidents—can significantly prolong the repair timeline. Utilizing your own collision coverage in the short term allows you to get your vehicle back on the road faster, with the insurer handling the reimbursement process afterward.
When facing insurance challenges, it’s important to weigh the benefits of prompt repair against the potential hassles of reimbursement. Consult your insurance agent
