Was in auto accident; how to get responsible insurer to act faster?

Question

I was in an auto accident today (in NC). It was clearly the other guy's fault. My car needs to go to body shop, and I want to get it into the shop ASAP and get a rental car ASAP so I can take a trip this weekend. The responsible insurance company is (intentionally) slow to respond. If I pick a body shop and pay for a rental before hearing from the responsible insurer, can I be confident I will get reimbursed properly? Or what can I say or do to get the insurer to act faster?

Answer 1

Isn't NC a no-fault state? You might need to go through your own insurance company.

Answer 2

Hold your horses buddie!

The accident happened TODAY? I can tell you from experience that I've never sent a car to the shop for repairs and authorized rental the day the accident happened.

The insurance company needs time to:

1. Verify that there is even coverage for the loss

2. Obtain statements and determine liability and obtain the police report (if there is one)

3. Obtain estimates and confirm cost to repair your vehicle.

You are looking at at least a few days to bring the claim to resolution.

If you have collision coverage you can go thru your own policy if you need immediate resolution.

However, if you choose to obtain a rental on yrou own and pay for the repairs on your own, there is no guarantee the insurance company will reimburse you.

There is nothing you can do or say to get them to act faster. And to be quite honest, the more you bug them, (which i'm sure you've called them several times already) the more they will NOT want to help you

Answer 3

Sorry, you have unreasonable expectations.  The accident just happened today, and you want immediate action.  How can you say they are "intentionally" slow to respond.  Do you realize how many claims a claims rep/adjuster gets a day?  I hate to say it, but you are not the only person reporting a loss today.  If you call and start making demands, trust me, your claim will be put to the bottom of the proverbial "pile".

Most insurance companies comply with "best practices".  They will contact you within 24-48 hours.  They also need to confirm the details of the accident with their insured.  If their insured is unavailable, they will continue with their efforts.  Your property damage claim could take up to 30 days to resolve.  

You should not get the vehicle repaired until the insurance company can appraise the vehicle.   You CAN go get a comparable rental if the vehicle is not drivable.  If it is drivable, you will not be reimbursed.   The insurance company will reimburse you if they accept liability.  

Otherwise, file a claim against your own policy, but again you will not have the vehicle repaired by the weekend.  Your insurance company will need to appraise the vehicle as well.   It is Thursday already.  It is doubtful an appraiser can get out to look at your vehicle today or tomorrow.

Answer 4

Have your insurance company contact them.

Answer 5

Use your own collision and rental insurance to get the repairs started and rent a car.  Of course you will have to pay your deductible, but it will be faster and your insurance will collect your deductible back if indeed it really is clearly the other person's fault.

Answer 6

not sure about NC laws..but typically not much can be done to speed it up much.  Just take the car to the body shop, and they can offer you advice.  After a phone call to the insurance company...they may even provide a rental for you.

You may even have rental re-imbursement on your own policy...call you agent to find out.  If you do...you will likely have to begin another claim with your own insurance...but its not that difficult.  Dealing with your own insurance will be much faster as they have a contractual obligation with you....the other insurance company does not.

Answer 7

The insurance has a right to do they own investigating and sometimes it can take weeks. Also they insurance company is not require to get a rental for you. most of the time they will do it as courtesy. If the insurance company gives rents car it only given to you when the car is ready for repairs. Also the insurance needs to find out if the insurance is valid. It is important to keep out of pockets expenses for your car. Sometime the insurance will reimburse you if you rent a car but you have to remember if the insurance company for any reason denies your claim you are responsible for the rental bill. If the other party does not have valid insurance the best thing to do it take him to small claim court.

good luck

Answer 8

If I have an accident that disables my car, I am entitled to a rental immediately I file  a report with my insurance, or, if it is after their hours, with the police.  Fault does not have to be established, nor does it even matter.  I pay extra for that priviledge and convenience.  Did you pay for such coverage?  On my policy it is called loss-of-use.  Not all policies in all states and provinces are created equal, you have to read the face page of your policy to see what you are covered for under your own policy.

If you are dealing with somebody else's policy, you will not get instantaneous action no matter what your policy says, because nobody at the other guy's company is paid dime one to look out for your interests first.  Heck, you haven't even given them enough time to confirm your existence on this earth, much less investigate enough to accept fault.