by Guest » Wed Oct 13, 2010 09:38 pm
My car was stolen 2 months ago, and an outside claims investigator was hired to investigate my claim. Me and my mother have both cooperated fully with the insurance co. and the investigator including sworn statements and a release for my phone records. During these 2 months my entire life has been put on hold, and the only information I have been able to get is that the investigation is ongoing. I received a call today from the investigator saying he still had not made a decision and that he needs me to sign more release forms for my phone records because he is "having trouble getting them". I became angry and told him I had already done that and was contacting my attorney, and hung up the phone. I have not heard back from my attorney yet. I don't know what to do, because I can't afford to fix the car or sue them, and they have been stonewalling me and delaying for 2 months. I have never had any convictions, never made an insurance claim before, and never even had a traffic violation. I don't understand how they can get away with this. Please help.
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 09:56 pm Post Subject: Extra info
I should add that the claim is for repairing the car, I'm not looking for a cheque from them. The car is also paid off, with full coverage and in excellent condition mechanically.
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 09:57 pm Post Subject:
I'm guessing that something with the recovery made the theft suspicious.
My recommendation is to complete the paperwork again and mail it in certified mail so you know they have it. Not completing the forms again and waiting on your attorney will only slow down the process.
I'd also file a complaint with your states Dept of Ins. They will ask the carrier for the status of the claim. Insurance companies _do not_ like DOI complaints as if they get too many, the DOI can audit random files and fine the carrier for any/all errors. So DOI complaints are usually answered by someone pretty high up in the company. This is what you want... someone way high up to look into the matter as... well... sh*t rolls downhill.
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 10:46 pm Post Subject: re:
I received a call today from the investigator saying he still had not made a decision and that he needs me to sign more release forms for my phone records because he is "having trouble getting them".
Sorry, this was not very clear. When he came to depose me I signed the forms for him, and he took them with him. He said he was having trouble getting the phone records from my phone carrier. I believe this is simply another way to delay. My phone is not with a small company, and he's had the signed release forms for a month already.
Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2010 05:24 am Post Subject:
He said he was having trouble getting the phone records from my phone carrier.
You should contact your phone company's Customer Service Dept to find out if they've ever received the request from the investigator, and if they have, why are they taking so long to respond. I would give the investigator the benefit of the doubt on this point.
But tcope is also correct about filing a complaint with the state Dept of Insurance. Your lawyer is worthless compared to the power of the Insurance Commissioner.
The only complication you mey encounter is answering the question that usually is asked, "Have you retained legal counsel in this matter?" Their hands are going to be tied to a significant extent if the answer is YES.
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