Need advice on dealing with Insurance claim. Re: Assignment of Title?

Question

My truck was totaled in an accident where the other party is at fault. Their insurance company seems to be avoiding me and doing everything they can to stall a settlement.

After 3 unanswered voice mails and 10 days after my truck was appraised. I finally spoke with the adjuster.

The adjuster said my truck was deemed to be a total loss with a value of $5,080. I have no problem with that along with payment of medical bills related to this accident. To date, an adjuster has not even contacted me regarding medical bills.

Today I recieved a letter from the adjuster. Basically it restated the facts of the loss and settlement for property damage. Then it asked me to sign a Power of Attorney Form giving them authority to transfer the title to their name. The adjuster also requested that I return the Form to them and they would mail me a check for $5,080.

Is this normal for an insurance company. Shouldn't the adjuster make the settlement in person. What do you think I should do?

Answer 1

sounds fishy to me, i would try to do it in person

Answer 2

In Ohio the typical way it is settled is that the vehicle title has to be changed to a Salvage title and yes it is normal for you to have to send them the title before they will issue you a check.. If you are still uncomfortable see if you can set up a date and place that you can meet with the adjuster for you to make a trade.  (typically if this is a Large insurance company I wouldn't be too concerned)

As an afterthought  If you still have concerns I would contact your insurance company and ask them to handle it for you.. thats what they are there for.

Answer 3

This all sounds normal but you haven't mentioned your own insurance company.  They should be the ones that help/advise you on this.  Have you notified them ? if not, do so ASAP and use their expertise.  That is why you buy insurance.  Sign nothing til you get some "expert" advice

Answer 4

1) Have they been notified of your injury?

2) In a bodily injury claim you should be working with a liability adjuster.  That adjuster (if informed) should be having you sign a medical authorization for the facility you treated at & gathering your bills/medical records from them.

3) Property damage and bodily injury settlements are paid separately.  If you agree with the value of the vehicle you can go ahead and sign the settlement for 'property damage' only!!  Then you can proceed with the bodily injury.

4) Bodily injury consists of pain/suffering, lost wages and medical.  So don't settle for less than it's worth.

** As for adjusters settling in person, it's not done that way too much anymore**