in a car wreck this morning

[rocketfeuille 0]

So, on my way to work, this little old lady who doesn't speak any English runs a red light, hits my car and pushes me into the next lane where I'm t-boned by another car. She didn't even slow down for the red. Not even a little. I've filed claims with her insurance and with mine. My insurance requires a $200 deductible before they start paying out, so I'd kind of prefer to get the money from hers. They won't pay for a rental until they've established fault, but they said I could get one anyway and I might get reimbursed. She'd got Farmer's Insurance. Should I get the rental and pray for reimbursement? Or should I wait until they determine that it was her fault?

[jumpergirl 0]

I would go ahead and get one if you need it. Talk to your insurance company, and hers again. Were the police called? Was a ticket given? Was a report made? If she was ticketed, then that states it was her fault. If not ticket was given, then you can call the police department and ask for a copy of the report. It might say on there that they think it was her fault. Good luck!! I'm still fighting with people about a wreck I had 9 months ago!!

[rocketfeuille 0]

She was given a ticket for running the red. She was the only driver ticketed in the incident. I told her insurance that, but they said they needed confirmation. From whom I don't know. I feel like I should just go ahead and get the rental since it was obviously her fault and the police have confirmed that, but I've never dealt with auto claims like this and don't want to get screwed.

[seekfun 0]

rocketfeuille,

You should go ahead and get the rental car. Your insurance company should be willing to help you with the communication with her insurance company. In fact, if your insurance company is worth its salt, they'll handle your claim for you and then seek reimbursement from her insurance provider.

Also, insurance claims reps are paid to try and minimize the amount of a claim. They do this by making communication with victims difficult, outright denying services they know they owe, and hoping you won't ask again. So, be firm with them. Tell them, quite simply, that they can help you get a rental car through their preferred provider - where they get a discount - or you'll go rent a F*&^$&G Ferrari on their dime.

Note - don't go and actually rent a Ferrari. You'll never get reimbursed. Unless, of course, your own car is a Ferrari. You're entitled to rent something that's commensurate with your personal auto.

Finally, each state has an insurance oversight entity. The name of said entity differs by state. But, you can call and submit a complaint if they don't give you some keys to some temporary wheels.

Good Luck,

topher

"...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

[mailin 0]

I went through this same thing earlier this year.

Talk DIRECTLY with her insurance company - they will get everything rolling. I went through my insurance company and it took me close to a week before I got a rental.

Good luck!

Jen

Arianna Frances

[slug 1]

Quote

She was given a ticket for running the red. She was the only driver ticketed in the incident. I told her insurance that, but they said they needed confirmation. From whom I don't know. I feel like I should just go ahead and get the rental since it was obviously her fault and the police have confirmed that, but I've never dealt with auto claims like this and don't want to get screwed.

Hi Rocket

Start a Daily log of who, when you talked with and what was discussed at both insurance companies. etc.

You may not want to get screwed, but you will, so carry a supply of rubbers & lube. The lube will prevent the pain and the rubbers will prevent any life threatening disease's.

Sounds like you took quite a hit, I'm not suggesting any whiplash crap but you may have injuries your not aware of yet so don't sign any releaes for medical records or any release of liability until you sure tour OK.

BTW we want pictures and you will need them for your file.

R.I.P.

[gremlin 0]

Glad you came out of a such a potentially serious accident with no major injuries...

Did you say this was a first...

I'm drunk, you're drunk, lets go back to mine....

[rocketfeuille 0]

Thanks, everybody, for your advice. After a couple hours on the phone, I got the rental. The witness testimony opened up their pockets... Anyway, thanks again for your advice. I'm taking pictures tomorrow (probably).