Trying to collect a debt from an car insurance company that will not pay or return phone calls?

Question

acident happened on Dec. 16, 2005, claims adjuster did not show up in till Feb. 2, 2006. I called insurance company a week later to find out status of claim. Have not been able to get an answer from them and am unable to get a real person on the phone only voice mail and thay will not return my calls. What can I do to get them to pay without spending a lot of money or time?

Answer 1

I used to work for Mercury Insurance and I know first hand how irresponsible and m.i.a adjusters can be.  If you can't even get a hold of a supervisor, look up the Dept. Of Insurance (Doi) for your state.  They follow through to the insurance companies with all complaints, and that will definitely get the adjuster or supervisor to give you a call back.

To save yourself some time I would first threaten to call the DOI on someone's voice mail, that should do the trick.

Good luck, I know how frustrating that can be.

Answer 2

Do you have a local agent, or are you insured by one of those internet or TV policies? If you are insured thru the internet or a TV policy, you get what you pay for.

If you have a local agent, he/she can help in the claims process. You have a REAL person to talk to.

Write a letter of complaint to the State Insurance Commissioner's office, giving the name of the company and your policy number. Also, send a copy of the letter to the insurance company by certified mail.

Call the insurance claims office and tell them that you have contacted the insurance commissioner, and that you will be contacting a lawyer.

Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper explaining the situation, naming the insurance company. When your letter is printed in the paper, send a copy of it to the insurance co. Insurance companies don't like bad publicity.

My advice is to find a local agent who represents a reputable company. Sure, the agent will earn a commission on your business, but you have local support when you need it.

I wish you success in getting your claim solved.

Answer 3

What state are you in?

There is a statute of limitations for accidents.  The statute of limitations that applies depends on what state you are in.

At this point, you are 2 1/2 years from the date of loss.  Some states have a 2 year statute. But most are a 3.

I suggest you contact your state insurance department. They will be able to tell you what the statute is in your state. If necessary, you can file a complaint with them.

Answer 4

Their address should be on some of the insurance documents you have, go to their office and make a stink.  Or call a lawyer and ask for a free consultation to see if it's worth it to take them to small claims court.  They will usually settle before going to court.

Answer 5

Call your State's Attorney and submit a complaint to the State Insurance Dept.

You'll want to research this some more....

http://www.safelinked.info/go.php?link=i...

Have a nice day.

Answer 6

Sue them.  Now, because the deadline may be approaching.