by wendy » Wed Sep 16, 2009 03:06 am
i recently had an car accident, which happened 21 days before my liability policy ends. i called the insusrance company so they have a record, since my car has no damage, and i believe the other party at fault, so i called again to close the claim.
however, the same accident, same insurance company, the other party's claim adjuster also sent me a letter said that she is my claim adjuster, meaning she represents both party. i already was assigned a claim adjuster, and i don't know what to do now. i am very worried, please advise me.
however, the same accident, same insurance company, the other party's claim adjuster also sent me a letter said that she is my claim adjuster, meaning she represents both party. i already was assigned a claim adjuster, and i don't know what to do now. i am very worried, please advise me.
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 03:30 am Post Subject:
As I understand your post, you are saying that both you and the other party have the same insurance company, but different claims adjusters? Doesn't sound like it would be prudent for one adjuster to handle both parties as conflicts could arise as to facts about the accident which could influence the adjuster prejudiciously and effect the outcome of assigning liability. It would seem to me that there are checks and balances in the claims department that should prevent this situation.
You were correct to report the accident even though you had no property damage as it is a policy requirement that you report any accident involving you and your covered vehicle. Even though you do not believe you see any damage, there could be a lot of hidden damage beneath flexible fascias and alignment of panels that only a trained eye or examination could reveal. If you had a bent tie rod or suspension part that affected your ability to operate your car safely and without tire wear, you should certainly want to be compensated for these necessary repairs.
Sounds like a good question for Lori or Tscope who understand claims assignment handled internally with the same company.
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 03:56 am Post Subject:
THere is really nothing to worry about. Look at the other driver's adjuster as just that...their insurance company's adjuster (even though it is the same company). Give them the same information that you gave your adjuster and if you were not at fault there won't be a problem.
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 04:01 am Post Subject:
Thank you very much for clearify the one claim adjuster for one client idea. however, I am still confused about the policy ends soon. what happens when the policy ends before the close of the claim?
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 04:10 am Post Subject:
If you are filing a claim under your own coverage, it does not matter that the policy renewal is coming due. You are owed for the loss as you were covered at the time of the loss and you filed a claim. If you are claimant and the other person's policy liability coverage will be covering you, there are no policy renewal dates that affect whether you can file a claim against them as they were covered at the time of the loss and the insurer becomes liable for the negligence of their insured (other party) if they were assigned liability.
If you are concerned about coverage, ask that the adjuster fax or email you "in writing" to document your concerns.
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 04:13 am Post Subject:
I'm with Mike.... even if some how you were found at fault and this claim when on for 2 years and then went to court... they would have to cover the claim and defend you since you had a policy in effect at the time of the accident (loss).
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 04:31 am Post Subject:
I'm so grateful to have you two by my side during this difficult time. your advise have helped me tremendously, and gave me strength to continue. i don't know how to thank you two for your kindness and valuable time.
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 04:38 am Post Subject:
i don't know how to thank you two for your kindness and valuable time.
Get Mike and Lori to stop arguing about DV claims..... it makes my brain hurt.
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 04:44 am Post Subject:
do you think an apple each will do? we have so many juicey crunchy green apple on the backyard...
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 06:01 am Post Subject:
i'm worried again... is it true when the insurance company assigned the same claim adjuster to both parties which means they already decided the party at fault, and this way they can save money and time? This must has happened before. please tell me.
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 11:05 am Post Subject:
is it true when the insurance company assigned the same claim adjuster to both parties which means they already decided the party at fault, and this way they can save money and time?
You already said it was two different adjusters...How would it save them any money? They will be paying the claim from the at fault party's policy.This must has happened before. please tell me.
It happens all the time it's called a ''double insured'' claim. Typcially what happens is each adjuster independently investigates the claim. Some claims are just obvious who's at fault others take more time. They will then determine the at fault percentage. After the investigations have concluded they will tell you who they deemed at fault, or the percentages of fault. No money is saved though...I am still confused about the policy ends soon.
As you've been told as long as you had coverage on the day of loss that's all that matters. Are you planning to not renew your policy?Get Mike and Lori to stop arguing about DV claims..... it makes my brain hurt
Hey, we don't hardly ever argue anymore! :wink:Add your comment