Hi, my car was hit at the end of last year. Since the driver was hiding until this week, I finally got check from her insurace company now. However, they didn't pay for a rent-a-car cost which I need while my car is being fixed. I will call them tomorrow but wanted to know what the exact procedure I should take in case they say they won't pay me the cost? I should be knowledgeable so that they can't manipulate me. I am a foreigner and the chances are they assume I don't know anything. Thanks for your help.
2007-01-17 10:37:29 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
The insurance owes you for Loss of Use, and they only it to you for the days YOUR VEHICLE IS BEING WORKED ON.
Loss of use covers 1)public transportation or 2) rental car charges.
Call them up and ask them to setup a direct bill for a rental car.
They will only cover the cost to rent the vehicle, they WILL NOT pay for gas charges (you'd have to pay for gas in your own car), additional mileage (most rental agencies offer unlimited mileage), or insurance (it's up to you to make sure your current insurance transfers to a rental, not theirs).
Additionally, it's to your benefit to have your car repairs start on a Monday vs. a Friday--they won't pay for your car to sit at a body shop over the weekend waiting for Monday and the repairs to start.
2007-01-17 12:24:46 · answer #1 · answered by bundysmom 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should first contact YOUR insurance company to get their opinion on the matter but here are a couple of things.
Did you send them the bill for the rental (do they KNOW you rented a car?
Was it a reasonable rental? You have a duty to mitigate the costs which means you don't just rent a car and tell the body shop to take their time (or simply allow them to). If your car could reasonably be repaired in a week, then you are likely entitled to a weeks rental.
Did you have uninsured motorist coverage. If so it may be YOUR insurance company that is involved (see step one).
Lastly...
keep in mind that the WOMAN owes you the money not the insurance company. If you don't like the settlement you don't have to accept it and you can sue her. But you have to decide this BEFORE you sign the check they sent. Typically if you accept the money, the matter is closed.
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good luck
,
2007-01-17 10:48:30 · answer #2 · answered by ca_surveyor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't cash the check if you want to get the rental car coverage. By signing the check you agree to accept that as payment.
Insurance companies try to get away with paying as little as possible, so they don't offer to pay for anything that they can try to deny.
Having to rent a car similar to what you have is part of your damages. You should not be out the money if the accident was not your fault. Explain that to them and that if their insured did not cause the accident, then you would not have to go through all that. If they don't want to pay, you can say that you will go through an attorney or sue in small claims court.
Everytime someone has damaged a vehicle of mine they have had to pay for a rental car.
The decreased value of your vehicle can also be compensated since now you have to admit to people that it has been in an accident.
It is a good idea to have rental car coverage on your insurance policy, in case you are at fault, but it does not mean that when the accident is not your fault that you have to pay.
2007-01-17 10:55:22 · answer #3 · answered by Ghost 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like you're dealing with the other person's insurance, right?
They're not going to "prepay" a rental car. Just call in and ask what the procedure is for a rental when your car goes into the shop. They likely have car rental vendors they work with and will set you up once they know a repair date.
Verify how much they will pay a day (daily rate) and for how long. If you don't have collision coverage on your own car, let them know you will likely need the collision damage waiver (an extra charge.)
Be aware that most car rental companies will require a credit card as security. Even if the other insurance company is paying for your repairs and rental, they need something to make sure you're not going to run away with the rental car and sell it for parts.
Good luck!
2007-01-17 10:49:31 · answer #4 · answered by ohso_quiet 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maximum own motor vehicle assurance regulations will conceal a condo. The seize is that if in an twist of destiny any deductible you have will prepare. you apart from mght risk of a cost strengthen with your assurance. The assurance you purchase has no deductible and heavily isn't reported on your assurance business enterprise. besides the undeniable fact that if undesirable sufficient to contain the police they are going to discover out approximately it besides. I even have own experience in this rely. I worked at a keep the place a customer rented a sparkling STS and totaled it. She took out the assurance and did not ought to pay a penny. base line is its as much as you, maximum say its not necessary, some wouldnt evaluate going without.
2016-10-31 09:40:10 · answer #5 · answered by alyson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't say whether the cost of renting a car is included in your coverage. My policy covers 50% of the cost.
Don't let the insurance company to rip you off. Chances are, they will try.
2007-01-17 10:42:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell them to pay, or you'll be speaking with a law firm will not only recover the amount of the rent-a-car, but will also bring punitave (by the cause of) damages to them in court.
Stick to your guns, they might just see if you do it- remind them, that either they can simply pay the rented car costs or you will NOT SETTLE out of court on this matter.
2007-01-17 10:43:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
They should agree to pay since they are required to. If they refuse, come back and ask us what to do. Usually calling the examiner's supervisor will do the trick, but I can't imagine them refusing to pay if they owe the claim. Call them and they will explain the procedure to you.
2007-01-17 10:44:58 · answer #8 · answered by Chris 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Are you certain you have "rental car" coverage on your policy? If you don't have it, thats why they didn't reimburse you for it.
2007-01-17 10:44:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they pay for you a rental. I've never seen that happen
2007-01-17 10:41:51 · answer #10 · answered by Monet 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋