I was backed into in a parking lot a couple of weeks ago. The other driver admitted total fault-so far, so good. Anyway, her insurance company is going to send me a list of body shops to get an estimate. I already got one on my own from a highly reputable, certified body shop ($1,000). The claims adjuster today told me that they're only going to allow me $25/day for a rental car (I'm driving a full size car), which seems nuts to me. However, upon looking at the IL Division of Insurance website, it looks like I'm going to be victimized by the other driver's lousy insurance. If I'm reading this right, I have to accept the estimate that I'm given because that's all the other insurance company is going to pay. Also, I'm stuck with the $25/day rental rate, so long as the insurance company (American Service) can come up with a company who can rent me a car for that amount.
Do I have any options here, or am I going to pay the price for the other driver's low-end insurance?
2007-01-29 08:47:42 · 3 answers · asked by SuzeY 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Another option is to go through your own insurance and have them subrogate against the other person's insurance. Bad news is that you will have to pay your deductible and car rental (if you don't have it on your insurance). More bad news is that your insurance company may never recover fully from the at fault driver's company, and it typically takes 6 months to a year or more before seeing any money.
Bottom line is that it's much easier to go through American Service. Hopefully the body shop you want will do the job for what American is willing to pay. If not you CAN pay the difference. As far as the rental car you are likely pretty well stuck there, too. Once again you could pay the difference for a more comfortable car.
To make you feel a teensy bit better - at least the person HAD insurance. If it was a hit and run you'd be having just as much hassle and have to pay alot more out of pocket...
2007-01-29 14:05:14 · answer #1 · answered by Wendy S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am an insurance adjuster in california, so some of the law may be different but not by much. Take the car to the shop the insurance company wants you to get the estimate from. They can not tell you what shop you have to get the car fixed at. Take the estimate to the shop of your choice and if their are any differences have the shop call the adjuster.
Second the insurance company is only required to pay for a safe and reliable vehicle. You can try and fight it but it is an uphill fight.
2007-01-29 09:01:27 · answer #2 · answered by pepp_98 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can fight or take what they give you... how much free time and money can you spend fighting..put their phone # on redial and call 3 times a day asking for more $....
2007-01-29 08:53:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋