by Guest » Wed Jan 04, 2012 04:56 pm
I drive a 2008 Hyundai Accent which had collision, comprehensive and BI coverage. When I had purchased the policy, I had told the insurance company that the car is for personal use. In 2010 I started working as a private courier for sensetive material. During the last week of December, I got rearended by a Jeep while I was on a delivery run. Now my company refuses to compensate me saying that they will provide me with a vehicle as far as work is concerned. I won’t be allowed to use the vehicle for personal purposes. On the other hand, my insurance company is refusing to validate my claim because I had been using the car for work purposes while it had been listed with them that I use the car for personal purposes. Is there anything I can do to cover my damages? The car is not a total loss and it would take about $2100 to fix it.
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 07:22 pm Post Subject:
If your insurance company is probably denying coverage as you were using your vehicle in a wage earning capacity. If they are denying the claim then they need to send you a letter stating what exclusion applies. Traditionally auto policies exclude livery (carrying _people_ for hire) but many now exclude using your vehicle to earn wages for any reason.
Unless the company you work for agreed to provide you coverage for an accident, I don't see that they would address the damage to your vehicle.
If the other person rear ended you, simply file your loss with that person's carrier.
You then need to obtain insurance that will cover you while using your vehicle for work.
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 03:31 pm Post Subject:
I filed the claim with the other party’s insurance company and they said that they would send over an adjuster to look into the matter. Should I get an estimate from a bodyshop before the adjuster takes a look at the car? Can I amend my policy to include using my vehicle for work? I am ready to pay a higher premium if there is such an option.
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 06:54 pm Post Subject:
Should I get an estimate from a bodyshop before the adjuster takes a look at the car?
You can... it won't change anything.Can I amend my policy to include using my vehicle for work
Depends on the insurance company. They might have a rider you could add. You'd need to ask your agent.Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 04:32 pm Post Subject:
Thanks for the help tcope, I appreciate it. I’ll ask my insurance company if they have that rider. The other company’s adjuster showed up and gave me a pretty decent estimate, about $1900. Thanks again for your help.
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 07:24 am Post Subject:
If your company won't cover you for using your vehicle as a courier, try to find a personal auto insurance policy willing to do it, but you may likely need to buy a commercial auto insurance policy, which can be much more expensive.
An important factor may be if you receive a fee/payment per delivery, or if you are salaried.
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