Hi, I recently backed into a car while leaving my apartment complex. While doing no damage to my car, i cracked the front bumper on theirs. The qoute for the bumper replacement/repainting was $897. (Ridiculus amount!!!) I dont know what my speed was, but i was backing out very slowly, so 1-2 mph? My insurance rates just recently dropped, if i report this & USAA has to pay for it, will this make my rates go up alot? Should i just pay out of pocket?
We also live in New Jersey, she banged into a tree 40 yards from our house. Both airbags went off and the insurance comapny totaled the car. Fortunately her little lapse of concentration only resulted in a lot of metal, plastic and glass getting banged up. Two days later the accident in Freehold happened, needless to say all was forgiven (she's 17 years old, and we spoil her rotten - but that's our fault not her's) and my wife is now having nightmares over what might have happened. We will definitely encourage her and her friends to view the "allie" website.
By the way, the insurance company valued the car at $16,700.
Because of all of these huge SUVs blocking our vision, backing out of parking spaces is harder for us than ever.
However, backing into a parking spot is not that hard if you have power mirrors. Just move the mirror so you can see if you are the right distance from the line that defines the parking space.
I hope you find the website allie4ever.com useful. The 'Legacy Site' option lets you view all of the comments her friends and family have written and they are very moving. Young people these days seem to know how to really express their feelings.
Maybe we will all be more careful if we are reminded how much we mean to our loved ones.
sorry to hear about your daughter's accident but glad to hear she was not hurt. In 2004 my daughter hit a tree.She was in a hurry to get to work. She was driving way too fast and failed to negotiate a sharp turn causing her to cross the road (luckily no cars were coming in the opposite direction) and hit a tree head-on. The skid marks were almost 150 ft. so she definately was going fast. we were thankful she was not hurt or no other cars were involved. We thought we were doing the right thing by not letting her get her driver's license until after she graduated H.S. I co-signed the car loan for her but she had to make the payments. You do the best you can and hope for the best. She lives in N.J and works in Freehold.
I can see you have some serious doubts about the ability or desire of any insurance company to handle your claim. A bit of caution is always better than none -- but I think you're angle on 21st Century is borderline paranoia.
You see, you say you have no intention of filing a claim with your carrier -- indeed, it is too late for that. If an appraiser is going to look at your car (a USAA appraiser that is,) and you are waiting for some contact from your adjuster, you have indeed -- already -- filed a claim. Now, you may not intend to receive a USAA payout, and that is all good and well -- you shouldn't -- but if you call your carrier, they are contractually obligated to pay for your damages (upon your proof of the same) and they will then settle up with the negligent party. Most carriers, to assist their own insureds, however, will guide you through the process to some degree -- that is for customer service purposes above all -- they have no obligation to do the same. To be honest, if you called in a claim and then said you didnt want a USAA payout, they would be well within their rights send out a letter and help you no more with this claim (until you then advised them you did want a payout.)
Now, as for 21st Century. What they are hearing, regardless of what you are telling them, is that you have filed a claim through USAA (which you have) and have a body shop appointment setup (which you have) That tells them that you are choosing to move through your own carrier and have USAA subrogate them for the damages. They sound weasley because, as a adjuter, they just got out of a significant amount of work and they'll only need to review some pictures and an estimate to issue payment. They still owe the money, they know it, their life is just a bit easier.
Now for your specific questions: 1. some companies will take up to 48 hours to call you back -- it likely didn't get to an adjuster until Wed. morning. I would think you should have a received a call however -- see euphonium's answer, it is spot on. 2. neither your company, nor 21st Century is obligated to pay directly off of any estimate you receive from anywhere, but you can obtain as many as you wish. 3. yes 4. yes 5. it depends on your state -- value typically has little to do with a rental. In my state case law has supported replacing the loss -- transportation essentially. If you use an F350 superduty to drive 3 highway miles to your office in the city and the bed is empty and it's just you every day -- insurance companies often do replace that with a compact mode of transportation -- they can get away with it (though it is a bit disturbing.) 6. I think I answered this already 7. you can insist -- and you will probably get original parts (they may be used however.) 8. Well, you own an Infiniti and you were struck while parked. I doubt there is serious structural damage, but understand -- if you wish to make a DV claim the burden of proof lies on you - and it is a tough one.
I was in an accident about one month ago. Fortunately I am ok. The car was totalled. I am fortunate that I am able to use a company car for a short time until I buy another vehicle.
In the mean time, can I cancel my auto insurance for my previous vehicle? As I understand I would get teh prorated value back. I called the insurance agent to ask if there was any reason I should not cancel, as I wanted to understand if there is any purpose in having the insurance if I don't have a vehicle to insure. She said that if I cancel, my premium may be higher when I do I get another vehicle and sign up for insurance, because I would have a "lapse of time without car insurance." Does anyone know more about this? I do not plan to stay with this company when I get my new car. If I sign up for another company, will they discount dependent on if I am still insured under another policy? Does it matter if there is a lapse for 30 days, for a month?
understanding that new factory parts are usually installed in the car is 2 years old or less...I think the car was an 04, so do not be surprised if the parts are used (junkyard) or new but not OEM...
If you demand the cost of new OEM parts (Get that great GM feeling from genuine GM parts), you may have to pay the difference between the two...this probably does not apply if the car was an 06 or 07...IMO
Keep the policy in force. You are the Named Insured, not the vehicle. You need to protect your assets should you be involved in an accident driving a vehicle not owned by you.
Example:That company car will not be available much longer & you may rent a car. Your policy covers you and the damage to the rental, if you keep Comp & Collision, besides Liability.
Another Example: You buy a replacement vehicle on the weekend and the loss payee requires a policy. You need to have yours ready remembering your policy automatically, for 30 days, covers a newly acquired vehicle with the same coverages you have on other cars. Weekend Binders are tough and expensive. Keep your policy in force as it still works for your interests.
I just bought a 1986 Nissan 300ZX and put full coverage on it. Despite 250K miles, it is a very nice car that has been taken good care of. I have seen cars half its age that are not as nice as this 20 year old car. Considering its condition, I paid a good bit more than what the average 1986 300zx would go for.
How will this work if it is totaled? I am concerned that I would only receive the ACV of a very used 20 year old car, which would be next to nothing, leaving me with a loss compared to what I actually paid for it. (which would pretty much negate the extra expense and any benefit of carrying full coverage) Can a car be insured for a "stated value?" ....which leads me to the next question--What is "classic car" insurance and how does this work? I only put about 12K miles on my primary vehicle in the last 18 months or so, therefore I doubt that the Z car would get maybe 3-5000 miles per year as a sunny day fun car.
Full coverage costs me a little over $500 per year on this car with 500K liability; not sure if that includes the additional $30 or so per year that my umbrella coverage will increase by adding a 3rd vehicle.
Qbrozen, Thanks for the info. At first glance, Hagerty looks compelling. I did not see where they explained how much you could drive the car, though. I assume there is some sort of mileage limit??? How many miles do you average on the Alfa per year? I also could not raise the limits above the 25/50K that was pre-loaded into the form. I think I will call the 800 # this week and try to get more details.
you would need an independent appraisal on that Z to qualify for the additional value you say it is worth...while you may have bought a bargain, it still is, probably, an ordinary Z that is now 21 years old and a quarter million miles on it...just how much it this thing actually worth???...is there real antique value or is it just another old car like a 72 Chevy Nova???...and, with 250K miles, wouldn't any antique value have been squashed???...I always thought, and maybe I am quite wrong, that most old vehicles with value also had very low miles, not 250K...but what do I know???
Just to tell an ins agency that you want to insure it for, say, $10K, someone has to verify that it is worth $10K, or else I could insure my 72 Pinto for $25K, pay the extra premium, and then get paid $25K if it is totalled, stolen, or burned up...
The Alfa hasn't moved in 2 years, so I'm not a good yardstick.
I'm not sure of the limitations, if any. I think what they do require is that you show proof of daily drivers for others in the house, and insurance for those cars. So I had to show them that my wife and I each have a car for commuting and who I have insurance on those cars through.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
First, I did not intend to infer that the car was worthy of a Sotheby's auction or anything. It is a very clean, unmolested, well taken care of example of an aging, increasingly hard to find model that I have a sentimental attachment and liking for. It will never have a cult following like 60's Vettes or Mustangs and even in museum quality will never bring the $$$ they will. I personally thought it was worth 2800-3500 dollars and thus this is what I paid for it. The car had a $3000 paint job about 2 years ago and still looks great. My 2004 F150 has more scratches and dings than this 86 Z. With 250K miles, the engine may blow tomorrow but generally are known to be capable of lasting much longer. I have a bulging folder of maintenance and repair receipts, 90% of which were done at the Nissan dealership. (I mean, who really takes a 21 year old car to the dealership for service????....a meticulous car nut that really takes care of his vehicles IMO) The all original (or at least replaced with original) interior looks closer to be 5 years old than 21. Cosmetically, the worst spot on the car is a small tear in the door vinyl about the size of a pinkie nail clipping. All things considered, did I pay too much or did I get a bargain??? I don't know and more importantly I do not care. It was worth it to ME. I could not find any guidebook online that gives any values on vehicles that old. I merely made comparisons with what I observed passing through Ebay and made a personal judgment call. It seems that when dealing with vehicles like this the value is subjective to the eye of the beholder.
So, getting back to the insurance issue. If your Pinto was in average condition for a 1972 (terrible paint, few if any metal panels without major dents/rust, smoking, knocking, and sputtering down the road, and the interior looks like you have been raising tiger cubs and pirhana in it) then I would am guessing that an adjuster might give you $200 for it if the little old lady from Pasadena broadsides you on Peachtree Street. Most of the $200 bucks would come from the AAOIASFFDOTLAV charity. {American Association of Insurance Adjusters Sympathy Fund For Down On Their Luck Accident Victims} However, if the said 72 Pinto was inherited from Grandma Marsha, garage kept with shiny paint, healthy squirrels under the hood, and the seats have only been hovered in, then I would say you have a $1000 car. ($1K--I have no idea; just for argument's sake)
My fear is that in the real world, unless I insure my Z the way I want it done, some adjuster is going to try to pay me like the example of the junky Pinto rather than the pristine Pinto. Therefore, I want to insure the vehicle properly BEFORE it is too late. I have been bent over before by insurance companies and do not intend to again, especially with this car. I still remember the name of the adjuster that I battled with over a $150 claims difference on a 1994 fender bender in an older car I hated anyway. I vowed to him that his company would never be a "good neighbor" of mine, 13 years and several insurance companies later, I have been true to my word. Given the choice, I would MUCH rather total our 5 month old $36K Jeep Commander, buy another one and have NEW one totalled on the way home from the dealership than have a grocery store parking lot fender bender in this 300ZX. (before someone gives me some lip, of course I would not want to see anyone get hurt...I am kidding, sort of, BUT NOT BY MUCH) Anyway, I am investigating my options and so far it seems that "classic" insurance will be cheaper and better than keeping it on my regular insurance policy.
And you hit on exactly the problem with many classic cars. The "book" that a typical claims adjuster would use tells him the Pinto is worth $200 no matter what. Classic car insurance, however, will let you claim a value of $1500 and then pay you $1500 if it is totalled.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Did you ever tell us how much you paid for this car? If it was $2500 or less, I wouldn't want to pay the insurance premium for collision/comprehensive to cover that small of a loss..
Even if the car has sentimental value.. do you really plan on fixing it, if it has major damage? Not sure what you are trying to achieve..
Of course, if you paid $5K or more for an '86 Nissan... then you may be beyond our help..
Now I can almost sleep at night...but more medpay, if allowed in your state, would be preferable...then I could sleep like a baby (which actually means I would be up every two hours crying my guts out and wanting my diapers changed...but the diaper situation DEPENDS ( :P ) on other factors...
My mother's car (1997 Nissan Sentra in decent shape) was hit by a sedan backing out of its driveway at a high speed. The car's not drivable (was towed from the accident scene and back to my mom's apartment), there's significant damage to the front passenger side, frong right wheel, front bumper, no sure about any damages under the hood. My mother was taken to the emergency room with possible concussion & other minor injuries.
My mother's insurance does not have tow coverage or collision coverage. The driver who hit her is unlicensed. I filed a claim with State Farm (my mom's insurance); they will only address any medical injuries she sustained. I filed a claim with Allstate, that insured the car which hit my mom. I would appreciate any input you can provide on the following topics:
1) From the looks of it, it appears that the car is a total loss. Am I better off asking for Allstate to give us a check for the value of a 97 Sentra or should they fix it?
2) Meanwhile because the car is not driveable: is my mother entitled to a rental car or taxi paid by Allstate? She cannot go see any doctors or physical therapists b/c she has no way of getting there. (I live in a different state).
3) Any advice on what to expect from the adjuster (Morristown office) or how to handle this claim would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
yes, allstate should be paying for a rental and they will most likely total the Sentra and cut you a check.
HOWEVER, they will take some time to do their investigation. It really shouldn't take long. They interview your mom, interview the other driver, and make a decision. I have had instances where the other driver avoids talking to them, however, and holds up the process.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
My wife was at fault in a recent accident involving our 2000 Dodge Durango. I immediately called my ins. agent (state farm) and was told that I could have my vehicle towed to any body shop I wanted. I chose the one closest to my home. This body shop was also registered on the state farm website. The shop mgr told me that the damage was not bad. The next day the adjuster called and said that they worked with that body shop and everything would be taken care of. Now 10 days later the body shop mgr says that state farm is going to total it. He sent me a bill for $400 to collect tow and storage fees. I thought my car was being repaired. I have heard nothing from state farm about totaling my vehicle. Will I have to pay the tow and storage fees if state farm totals it? I have 250 deductable. Shop mgr said my Durango was valued at $7350. Thanks for any advice out there.
Body shop is correct in sending the $400 bill toyou as you authorized the Dodge be taken there and you are the owner.
Hand the $400 bill to State farm as it is part of the claim for them to pay. SF will negotiate it down, but that's none of your concern. Just don't pay the bill yourself.
HI i need some advice I was recently involve in a minor car accident. I was hit by another car, not much dammage. Just a small dent and a small scratch on my car, This IS my first accident ever. I totally confused about everything. I called my insurance on friday to report the accident. A fild adjuster came out today to estemate the damages. he did't ask me any thing about the accident, just took some pictures. I called the person incharge of my claime today to ask some quistions, but he never return my call. Also the other persons insurance called me and left me a message, wanting to know all about the accident. I figure out they think i am at fault.Her car is an older modle that mine, it had more dammage that mine too.What do I do next? Will this make my insurace go up?
Try doing a spell check before you post next time as well. Putting a claim against your ins. like you did can affect your rates, but since you've never been involved in an accident, that's the way I'd go too. Let your ins. co. do their job. Since it's minor and only your first, unless you're with Cousin Guido's insurance, your rates should be fine. And I agree with the previous poster, don't bother with the other ins. co.
Thank you for responding. Allstate interviewed my Mom and scheduled a day for the field inspector to come in and take a look at the car. I sent them a copy of the police report and detailed photos of the damages. Because the other driver did not report the accident to Allstate and, incidentally, his cell phone number is disconnected, Allstate told me that they’ll sending him letters and giving him at least 14 days to respond and get in contact with them. Allstate also told me that they have 45 days prior to reaching any type of settlement. In your case, what was the longest you had to wait when the 2nd driver did not step forward? I am considering getting a lawyer just in case Allstate and 2nd driver will try to play the “I never gave these dudes the permission to drive my car, thus don’t pay for any damages” card.
unfortunately, i think this gets back to the formulas used w.r.t. incidents per unit time. although this person is not at fault, has a good record and all, first claim, reporting it and submitting a claim may negatively impact them w.r.t. a future claim.
I have a question about a minor fender bender. Was doing maype 2mph coming off ramp was stopped, car in front i though was going, he went then stopped and slightly tapped his fender. There was no visible damage, information exchanged in case as it was dark out. next day he called and had a litle crack in his bumper. Gave him name and number of repair shop and he was told it could be repaired no problem, however he then said he wanted a whole new bumper!! Can anyone help me? I know if insurance co was involved they would FIX The damage not just purchase a new bumper for fun. I am willing to fix it, am i required to get a new one?
Handling outside of insurance companies is fine, as long as both parties agree to the damage and cost to repair. If you don't agree to his claim for a replacement bumper, then you'll need to turn it over to your insurance company to handle. Let them fight it out as to what the acceptable level of repair should be for the damage that was done.
I suspect he wants a new bumper because if you cave i n to that, he'll have more money to pocket because he won't have it repaired or replaced. Take another look at the bumper in better light and note other previous damage. If none, have him present a bill for repair only. When he does that, write a check payable to the Repair Shop. If you pay, do not give cash.
A member of my family was recently in a car accident, she is a student and I am on a extremely low income (and I support her education). Because of those circumstances I was not insured at the time of the accident.
Accident happened while she was turning left at an intersection and couldn't execute it fast enough because the oncoming care was speeding. She got a ticket for failing to yield on left turn.
In any case, we got a letter the other day from a claims adjuster regarding payment of an in exorbitantly high amount of money (probably higher than the opposing party's cars ENTIRE worth).
Advise the claim adjuster of what you have related to us.
No insurance, no money, & not much income. The $ of damage may be too low for them to take legal action against you and the whole incident may be forgiven.
If you have an accident you are responsible for the damage to the other person's property unless you're in a no fault state--if I understand how that works.
I assume if someone else were at fault and damaged your car or injured you that you would expect them to pay your costs to make you whole? I sure do.
While I do not wish to rub salt in the wound, there is no excuse for not having insurance while driving...low income is NOT an excuse, what if the other person was seriously injured???
While not trying to be "holier than thou", if you can't afford insurance, then you can't afford to drive...stay off the highway until insurance is affordable...the rest of us are getting tired of our U/M premiums going up while the uninsured go merrily along...
I have what may be a stupid question, but I will ask it anyway. I have 2 teen age daughters 19+16 and they both drive. by law do I have to have them on my insurance policy? The vehicles they drive are in my name and insured that way also.I have been told as long as the vehicle's are insured then they are covered. But I have also been told that they are not covered if not on policy. Which is true and which is false
The way my policy works is that if my daughter drives a car then she has to be on the policy. If the latter was true I could let any one at any time drive my vehichle for as long as they want and be covered.
Knowing that since you own the car you are ultimately financially liable for anything that happens with that car.....why would you even consider NOT having the children specifically listed. That's what insurance is for, to protect YOU from lawsuits. No way would I give any insurance company, or lawyer acting on their behalf.....an "out" from not having to pay for damages, thereby having the liability fall directly to me.
The insurance company is not the enemy....they are your friend.
Where I live (New York), it's against the law to not report a regular driver to your insurance company.
Even if that's not the case where you live, I can't imagine a more uncomfortable place to be than having to explain the existence of my heretofore unknown teenage daughter(s) to Ginormous Insurance Provider, Inc., in the aftermath of an accident for which my vehicle(s) was deemed liable with one of them behind the wheel.
Maybe a Turkish prison is more uncomfortable. But probably not by much.
Seriously -- you need to call your insurance agent right now and have your daughters officially confirmed on your coverage. Yup, there's a good chance your rate is going to go up. Maybe a friggin' ton. But it's a no-brainer.
When you have the "Family Auto Policy" all resident members of the household are automatically covered UNLESS they are specifically EXCLUDED by an endorsement signed by you.
If both girls have to share a vehicle with one or both parents, they will usually not drive enough to "earn" the additional premium you will be charged.
The way the company will know if you have a "Youthful Female Operator" is if they ask or when she is involved in a crash and the Financial Responsibilty Division, Dept. of Licenses tries to confirm coverage. If the company asks, tell them, but until then, the company can not avoid being on the risk.
An incentive for the girls to drive very carefully is by not being "involved" in an accident whereby the insurance company would become aware of their driving resulting in a major increase in the premium.
The "Family Auto Policy" is very broad. I suggest you read it, especially the "Exclusions" section.
In many states it has been adjudicated that even though the at fault driver was specifically excluded, the state's minimum financial responsibility coverage applies. Why, because it is against public policy to have a private person disallow coverage via the signed endorsement which results in the companies having to provide the minimum coverages required by law. An individual has not position, power, or authority to waive state insurance codes. Should the policy holder have higher limits of Liability, those higher limits are not available to a 3rd party.
If the girls are not specifically excluded, coverage exists.
you would be obligated to notify your insurance if your daughters and the fact that they drive the car...it is as simple as that...it will, almsot 100% sure, raise your rates, but you are also incurring the additional cost for having the statistical higher chance of them causing a wreck...a family policy would always cover a family of adults over, say, 25, but is you have 2 teenage daughters, I would think you are hiding something if you "accidentally forget" to tell the insurance you had two teenage drivers in the family...now, if they have driver's licenses but you do NOT allow them to drive the car, then no need to notify, just wait til they get married and let the poor husband insure them...:):):):):)...
But if they are regular, or semi-regular drivers of your household cars, you are obligated to notify your insurance...
where that would not apply is if I came to visit for a weekend, and you gave me your car to run errands...as long as I was a permissive driver (driving with your permission), I would AUTOMATICALLY be covered by your policy...the ins does not need notification of my visit as I am not a regular driver of your car...but regular drivers of your household should ALL be named on the policy if they do drive the car...
both girls have to share a vehicle with one or both parents,& they will usually not drive enough to "earn" the additional premium that will be charged.
The system is Insurance industry Genesised, not Law sponsored.
I agree with Bob ... it is a dangerous game you play.
The end result really depends alot on what state you are in and what company you are insured with. One of the biggest problems is that you are specifically not reporting your daughters as drivers so that you can get lower rates. You see, that is misrepresentation and in many states and with many companies is a breach of contract. Mostly because you know that they do indeed drive your vehicles and will continue to do so, yet you think your company doesn't have a right to rate the vehicle based on their part-time driving.
I don't disagree that you will soon have greatly increased rates -- above and beyond possibly the amount of risk generated by the small amount of driving your daughter's actually do. That being said, I think that some carriers are now attempting to resolve problems like this, and that of the person who only drives 1-2 days a month.
End result is that you really need to add them to the policy unless you are positive that your company and state do not deny for mis-reps -- and that they won't non-renew for the same -- and that when your daughter is indeed in an accident (they will add her to the policy then) that they won't back-date her on the policy to her 16th birthday (this is often a way that companies will provide coverage and get you to pay for that coverage.) Either way, if there is a wreck that involves your daughters the carrier will likely get it's money back. Now do you think it's worth the stress and headache of not knowing so that you may get an interest free loan for a few years on a relatively small amount of money?
Just read the "Family Auto Policy", check out the Exclusions, and it will reveal all resident members of the household are covered, not named insureds, but NOT excluded.
There have been cases whereby the 12 year old went for a Joy Ride - crashed, and coverage was in force.
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All Drivers Training Classes should see the web site.
I recently backed into a car while leaving my apartment complex. While doing no damage to my car, i cracked the front bumper on theirs.
The qoute for the bumper replacement/repainting was $897.
(Ridiculus amount!!!)
I dont know what my speed was, but i was backing out very slowly, so 1-2 mph?
My insurance rates just recently dropped, if i report this & USAA has to pay for it, will this make my rates go up alot?
Should i just pay out of pocket?
By the way, the insurance company valued the car at $16,700.
Thanks everyone for their help on this.
However, backing into a parking spot is not that hard if you have power mirrors. Just move the mirror so you can see if you are the right distance from the line that defines the parking space.
Maybe we will all be more careful if we are reminded how much we mean to our loved ones.
You see, you say you have no intention of filing a claim with your carrier -- indeed, it is too late for that. If an appraiser is going to look at your car (a USAA appraiser that is,) and you are waiting for some contact from your adjuster, you have indeed -- already -- filed a claim. Now, you may not intend to receive a USAA payout, and that is all good and well -- you shouldn't -- but if you call your carrier, they are contractually obligated to pay for your damages (upon your proof of the same) and they will then settle up with the negligent party. Most carriers, to assist their own insureds, however, will guide you through the process to some degree -- that is for customer service purposes above all -- they have no obligation to do the same. To be honest, if you called in a claim and then said you didnt want a USAA payout, they would be well within their rights send out a letter and help you no more with this claim (until you then advised them you did want a payout.)
Now, as for 21st Century. What they are hearing, regardless of what you are telling them, is that you have filed a claim through USAA (which you have) and have a body shop appointment setup (which you have) That tells them that you are choosing to move through your own carrier and have USAA subrogate them for the damages. They sound weasley because, as a adjuter, they just got out of a significant amount of work and they'll only need to review some pictures and an estimate to issue payment. They still owe the money, they know it, their life is just a bit easier.
Now for your specific questions:
1. some companies will take up to 48 hours to call you back -- it likely didn't get to an adjuster until Wed. morning. I would think you should have a received a call however -- see euphonium's answer, it is spot on.
2. neither your company, nor 21st Century is obligated to pay directly off of any estimate you receive from anywhere, but you can obtain as many as you wish.
3. yes
4. yes
5. it depends on your state -- value typically has little to do with a rental. In my state case law has supported replacing the loss -- transportation essentially. If you use an F350 superduty to drive 3 highway miles to your office in the city and the bed is empty and it's just you every day -- insurance companies often do replace that with a compact mode of transportation -- they can get away with it (though it is a bit disturbing.)
6. I think I answered this already
7. you can insist -- and you will probably get original parts (they may be used however.)
8. Well, you own an Infiniti and you were struck while parked. I doubt there is serious structural damage, but understand -- if you wish to make a DV claim the burden of proof lies on you - and it is a tough one.
In the mean time, can I cancel my auto insurance for my previous vehicle? As I understand I would get teh prorated value back. I called the insurance agent to ask if there was any reason I should not cancel, as I wanted to understand if there is any purpose in having the insurance if I don't have a vehicle to insure. She said that if I cancel, my premium may be higher when I do I get another vehicle and sign up for insurance, because I would have a "lapse of time without car insurance." Does anyone know more about this? I do not plan to stay with this company when I get my new car. If I sign up for another company, will they discount dependent on if I am still insured under another policy? Does it matter if there is a lapse for 30 days, for a month?
I would appreciate any info!
If you demand the cost of new OEM parts (Get that great GM feeling from genuine GM parts), you may have to pay the difference between the two...this probably does not apply if the car was an 06 or 07...IMO
Example:That company car will not be available much longer & you may rent a car. Your policy covers you and the damage to the rental, if you keep Comp & Collision, besides Liability.
Another Example: You buy a replacement vehicle on the weekend and the loss payee requires a policy. You need to have yours ready remembering your policy automatically, for 30 days, covers a newly acquired vehicle with the same coverages you have on other cars. Weekend Binders are tough and expensive. Keep your policy in force as it still works for your interests.
How will this work if it is totaled? I am concerned that I would only receive the ACV of a very used 20 year old car, which would be next to nothing, leaving me with a loss compared to what I actually paid for it. (which would pretty much negate the extra expense and any benefit of carrying full coverage) Can a car be insured for a "stated value?" ....which leads me to the next question--What is "classic car" insurance and how does this work? I only put about 12K miles on my primary vehicle in the last 18 months or so, therefore I doubt that the Z car would get maybe 3-5000 miles per year as a sunny day fun car.
Full coverage costs me a little over $500 per year on this car with 500K liability; not sure if that includes the additional $30 or so per year that my umbrella coverage will increase by adding a 3rd vehicle.
its much cheaper and, in the case of a total loss, they will pay you the value you claim it is worth when you first join up.
I pay about $240 per year for full coverage on my '86 Alfa that I have a claimed value of $8K on.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Thanks for the info. At first glance, Hagerty looks compelling. I did not see where they explained how much you could drive the car, though. I assume there is some sort of mileage limit??? How many miles do you average on the Alfa per year? I also could not raise the limits above the 25/50K that was pre-loaded into the form. I think I will call the 800 # this week and try to get more details.
Just to tell an ins agency that you want to insure it for, say, $10K, someone has to verify that it is worth $10K, or else I could insure my 72 Pinto for $25K, pay the extra premium, and then get paid $25K if it is totalled, stolen, or burned up...
I'm not sure of the limitations, if any. I think what they do require is that you show proof of daily drivers for others in the house, and insurance for those cars. So I had to show them that my wife and I each have a car for commuting and who I have insurance on those cars through.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have a bulging folder of maintenance and repair receipts, 90% of which were done at the Nissan dealership. (I mean, who really takes a 21 year old car to the dealership for service????....a meticulous car nut that really takes care of his vehicles IMO) The all original (or at least replaced with original) interior looks closer to be 5 years old than 21. Cosmetically, the worst spot on the car is a small tear in the door vinyl about the size of a pinkie nail clipping.
All things considered, did I pay too much or did I get a bargain??? I don't know and more importantly I do not care. It was worth it to ME. I could not find any guidebook online that gives any values on vehicles that old. I merely made comparisons with what I observed passing through Ebay and made a personal judgment call. It seems that when dealing with vehicles like this the value is subjective to the eye of the beholder.
So, getting back to the insurance issue. If your Pinto was in average condition for a 1972 (terrible paint, few if any metal panels without major dents/rust, smoking, knocking, and sputtering down the road, and the interior looks like you have been raising tiger cubs and pirhana in it) then I would am guessing that an adjuster might give you $200 for it if the little old lady from Pasadena broadsides you on Peachtree Street. Most of the $200 bucks would come from the AAOIASFFDOTLAV charity. {American Association of Insurance Adjusters Sympathy Fund For Down On Their Luck Accident Victims}
However, if the said 72 Pinto was inherited from Grandma Marsha, garage kept with shiny paint, healthy squirrels under the hood, and the seats have only been hovered in, then I would say you have a $1000 car. ($1K--I have no idea; just for argument's sake)
My fear is that in the real world, unless I insure my Z the way I want it done, some adjuster is going to try to pay me like the example of the junky Pinto rather than the pristine Pinto. Therefore, I want to insure the vehicle properly BEFORE it is too late. I have been bent over before by insurance companies and do not intend to again, especially with this car. I still remember the name of the adjuster that I battled with over a $150 claims difference on a 1994 fender bender in an older car I hated anyway. I vowed to him that his company would never be a "good neighbor" of mine, 13 years and several insurance companies later, I have been true to my word. Given the choice, I would MUCH rather total our 5 month old $36K Jeep Commander, buy another one and have NEW one totalled on the way home from the dealership than have a grocery store parking lot fender bender in this 300ZX. (before someone gives me some lip, of course I would not want to see anyone get hurt...I am kidding, sort of, BUT NOT BY MUCH)
Anyway, I am investigating my options and so far it seems that "classic" insurance will be cheaper and better than keeping it on my regular insurance policy.
I just stopped by to let Bob know that I once again re-upped my collision on my two decade old rides (only have $5k in med payments though).
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'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Even if the car has sentimental value.. do you really plan on fixing it, if it has major damage? Not sure what you are trying to achieve..
Of course, if you paid $5K or more for an '86 Nissan... then you may be beyond our help..
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My mother's insurance does not have tow coverage or collision coverage. The driver who hit her is unlicensed. I filed a claim with State Farm (my mom's insurance); they will only address any medical injuries she sustained. I filed a claim with Allstate, that insured the car which hit my mom. I would appreciate any input you can provide on the following topics:
1) From the looks of it, it appears that the car is a total loss. Am I better off asking for Allstate to give us a check for the value of a 97 Sentra or should they fix it?
2) Meanwhile because the car is not driveable: is my mother entitled to a rental car or taxi paid by Allstate? She cannot go see any doctors or physical therapists b/c she has no way of getting there. (I live in a different state).
3) Any advice on what to expect from the adjuster (Morristown office) or how to handle this claim would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
HOWEVER, they will take some time to do their investigation. It really shouldn't take long. They interview your mom, interview the other driver, and make a decision. I have had instances where the other driver avoids talking to them, however, and holds up the process.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
(state farm) and was told that I could have my vehicle towed to any body shop I wanted. I chose the one closest to my home. This body shop was also registered on the state farm website. The shop mgr told me that the damage was not bad. The next day the adjuster called and said that they worked with that body shop and everything would be taken care of. Now 10 days later the body shop mgr says that state farm is going to total it. He sent me a bill for $400 to collect tow and storage fees. I thought my car was being repaired. I have heard nothing from state farm about totaling my vehicle. Will I have to pay the tow and storage fees if state farm totals it? I have 250 deductable. Shop mgr said my Durango was valued at $7350. Thanks for any advice out there.
Hand the $400 bill to State farm as it is part of the claim for them to pay. SF will negotiate it down, but that's none of your concern. Just don't pay the bill yourself.
You probably should not tell the other insurance company anything.
Don't discuss the accident with them. Refer them to your Rep with your insurance company.
i have yet to see someone refut that assertion.
Gave him name and number of repair shop and he was told it could be repaired no problem, however he then said he wanted a whole new bumper!!
Can anyone help me? I know if insurance co was involved they would FIX The damage not just purchase a new bumper for fun. I am willing to fix it, am i required to get a new one?
Accident happened while she was turning left at an intersection and couldn't execute it fast enough because the oncoming care was speeding. She got a ticket for failing to yield on left turn.
In any case, we got a letter the other day from a claims adjuster regarding payment of an in exorbitantly high amount of money (probably higher than the opposing party's cars ENTIRE worth).
What is our best recourse for these events?
No insurance, no money, & not much income. The $ of damage may be too low for them to take legal action against you and the whole incident may be forgiven.
I assume if someone else were at fault and damaged your car or injured you that you would expect them to pay your costs to make you whole? I sure do.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
While not trying to be "holier than thou", if you can't afford insurance, then you can't afford to drive...stay off the highway until insurance is affordable...the rest of us are getting tired of our U/M premiums going up while the uninsured go merrily along...
The insurance company is not the enemy....they are your friend.
Even if that's not the case where you live, I can't imagine a more uncomfortable place to be than having to explain the existence of my heretofore unknown teenage daughter(s) to Ginormous Insurance Provider, Inc., in the aftermath of an accident for which my vehicle(s) was deemed liable with one of them behind the wheel.
Maybe a Turkish prison is more uncomfortable. But probably not by much.
Seriously -- you need to call your insurance agent right now and have your daughters officially confirmed on your coverage. Yup, there's a good chance your rate is going to go up. Maybe a friggin' ton. But it's a no-brainer.
If both girls have to share a vehicle with one or both parents, they will usually not drive enough to "earn" the additional premium you will be charged.
The way the company will know if you have a "Youthful Female Operator" is if they ask or when she is involved in a crash and the Financial Responsibilty Division, Dept. of Licenses tries to confirm coverage. If the company asks, tell them, but until then, the company can not avoid being on the risk.
An incentive for the girls to drive very carefully is by not being "involved" in an accident whereby the insurance company would become aware of their driving resulting in a major increase in the premium.
The "Family Auto Policy" is very broad. I suggest you read it, especially the "Exclusions" section.
In many states it has been adjudicated that even though the at fault driver was specifically excluded, the state's minimum financial responsibility coverage applies. Why, because it is against public policy to have a private person disallow coverage via the signed endorsement which results in the companies having to provide the minimum coverages required by law. An individual has not position, power, or authority to waive state insurance codes. Should the policy holder have higher limits of Liability, those higher limits are not available to a 3rd party.
If the girls are not specifically excluded, coverage exists.
I think with the new laws here in TN now its the same here. I belive they can go as far as to impound the car if they want. But I am not sure on that.
But if they are regular, or semi-regular drivers of your household cars, you are obligated to notify your insurance...
where that would not apply is if I came to visit for a weekend, and you gave me your car to run errands...as long as I was a permissive driver (driving with your permission), I would AUTOMATICALLY be covered by your policy...the ins does not need notification of my visit as I am not a regular driver of your car...but regular drivers of your household should ALL be named on the policy if they do drive the car...
Stop trying to beat the system...:):):)...
The system is Insurance industry Genesised, not Law sponsored.
The end result really depends alot on what state you are in and what company you are insured with. One of the biggest problems is that you are specifically not reporting your daughters as drivers so that you can get lower rates. You see, that is misrepresentation and in many states and with many companies is a breach of contract. Mostly because you know that they do indeed drive your vehicles and will continue to do so, yet you think your company doesn't have a right to rate the vehicle based on their part-time driving.
I don't disagree that you will soon have greatly increased rates -- above and beyond possibly the amount of risk generated by the small amount of driving your daughter's actually do. That being said, I think that some carriers are now attempting to resolve problems like this, and that of the person who only drives 1-2 days a month.
End result is that you really need to add them to the policy unless you are positive that your company and state do not deny for mis-reps -- and that they won't non-renew for the same -- and that when your daughter is indeed in an accident (they will add her to the policy then) that they won't back-date her on the policy to her 16th birthday (this is often a way that companies will provide coverage and get you to pay for that coverage.) Either way, if there is a wreck that involves your daughters the carrier will likely get it's money back. Now do you think it's worth the stress and headache of not knowing so that you may get an interest free loan for a few years on a relatively small amount of money?
There have been cases whereby the 12 year old went for a Joy Ride - crashed, and coverage was in force.