A mouse got into my engine of my 04 Corvette, and ate away the insulation lining under the hood of the car. I call the insurance company and they say I am covered under my comprehensive to replace the insulator and to check for any other damage done by the mice; like chewing the wires, etc. Well, these mice stuffed this insulation into the air vents of the alternator, and may well have been inside it too, while building this nest. The insurance claims man says they will take care of the insulator and also any chewed up wiring, but they won't pay to get my alternator cleaned out. The key word is "clean". He says it's a simple clean; I say it is a "repair", as the mice may have damaged the alternator by filling it with their nest. The dealer says they have to take the alternator off and dissassemble it to see if it is damaged and to clean it too, but this will cost a LOT. Should the ins co. be paying for this or not?
2006-10-26 15:18:37 · 5 answers · asked by MrZ 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
This whole deal is silly. What the insurance company is willing to do is pay for any DAMAGE to your alternator. If you are willing to shell out the money to have the unit disassembled and checked the insurance co. will probably agree to pay the entire cost if damaged wiring or electronic components are found. If it just has insulation material in it it can be 'blown' out with air pressure. The insurance company has no obligation to pay more that is necessary to repair your vehicle, however, I don't know of a single carrier that will refuse to pay for legitimate damages. I think the dealer is being somewhat excessive in his/her repair diagnosis, (typical dealer service dept pile-ons). Why dont you TRY a high pressure blow-out first (this will cost nothing). If it really is impossible to remove the material this way I feel certain your company will reconsider.
2006-10-26 16:59:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe this has gone on this long. What were you waiting for? I will assume your primary goal is to get the claim paid. I will also assume since the company sent out an appraiser that there is valid coverage for the loss. I would not go to the Insurance Commissioner first. That will likely delay matters. If you want to file a complaint get the money paid. As a previous poster has pointed out, skip the adjuster and call and talk to a claim manager direct. Be polite but assertive. Find out what if any info they claim they need to settle the claim. Then if it has not already been sent send it ASAP. Many claims like this are due to a manufacturer defect in the vehicle. Make sure you ask the manager about any possible subrogation (reimbursement) claim against the car manufacturer. In the meantime, do research about the value so you know what the car was worth at the time of the loss. That will help you save time also. My guess is that the adjuster who told you that the file was closed and gone is an idiot. Insurance companies are required to keep files for at least 6 years in most states. Good Luck
2016-05-21 23:45:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really doubt it. The alternator is one of those things that occasionally needs to be replaced when it goes out, and is probably under the same category of the other things that need replacement from time to time like batteries, belts and tires. It would be easier, and perhaps cheaper, to just replace the alternator rather than try to disassemble and clean it.
2006-10-27 03:45:57 · answer #3 · answered by oklatom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, not really. I see Cowboy Bill's point, but it's a crap shoot about whether anything happened inside, and I'm sure they don't want to take a gamble on that. They're only going to write an estimate for and pay for what they see.
2006-10-27 09:46:16 · answer #4 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋