Question
I got hit last Monday morning while we were sleeping. Some clown utilized the 'backing by sound' method and stopped after he hit my truck.
I spoke with and e-mailed pics w/ a statement of what happened to my insurance company, my safety dept. Then I contacted by his insurance 'broker' They called me back twice that same day. The last words I heard from them (his ins. broker), was...."You'll hear from one of our adjusters within 48 hours."
Well, as of last Friday morning, I haven't heard squat from any adjuster.
I called their insurance broker on Friday afternoon and explained to them that I wanted to keep this BS simple. Fix my truck a.s.a.p. and I'll be happy.
She started in with this 'song and dance' about "well, it takes time to contact the adjusters, etc.........."
I cut her off, saying that 4 and a half days IS enough time to make a phone call or 2 and fax over the necessary info to the adjuster and that I'd really like to get this fixed while I'm on my home time and not have to actually take time off to do it. If I have to take time off from work to have the truck fixed, I'll hit them with 'down time compensation' also.
She started to feed me another 'dog and pony show'.
I cut her off again and told her that if I do NOT hear from their adjuster by the time I get home on Tuesday, I will be contacting my lawyer and go from there.
She tried to 'sing and dance' again, but I hung up on her.
What's my next step?
Answer
Hoss,
Couple things to remember....their insurance company's primary interest is protecting their client. You are not their client. While it is less "out of pocket" if they accept liability and remedy your situation, it is more stressful and time consuming.
Have you thought about filing a claim with your insurance company and letting them subrogate? Yes, you will have to pay the deductible, but your carrier will include that in the subrogation. But, this will get your truck repaired sooner and eliminate a good deal of frustration.
Answer
I finally got a call today from an independent adjuster. We're suposed to meet tomorrow so he can take pics and get my statement of what happened.
No, I will NOT turn it in to my insurance company, because the last time I did that, my rates jumped (personal vehicle ins. claim on my pickup).
Their insured hit me. Plain and simple. They can pay A.S.A.P.
Answer
Hoss,
As long as they are willing to work with you in reasonable time frame that meets your needs, then you should be fine.
I'm sorry to here you got "dinged" on the last claim you submitted that wasn't your fault. That just drives me crazy!
Please be sure to keep good documentation of the entire incident, phone calls, names, conversations, etc. If all goes well and you don't need it, then great. But, as a last result, you always have your insurance company to turn to, in the event something goes wrong.
Good luck and keep me posted on the outcome. I'd be interested to know who the claimant's insurance carrier is. Perhaps you'd be willing to share that information, most especially if you have a good experience.