You are here:

Auto Insurance Claims/Getting the Run Around

Advertisement


Question
Recently I was involved in an accident where I was heading southbound on the 4 lane road and the other driver didn't yield and cut in front of me coming out of a drive way heading northbound.  Long story short, the driver didn't want to go to the police so after I file the report, he was called into the station and given a ticket for failure to yield.  Since then his insurance (Progressive) has been dragging their feet and giving me the run around.  First they tell me they needed to 'investigate' the scene, which was over a week ago.  Now almost 2 weeks from the day of the accident, the agent tells me they're still waiting for the police report from the police station.  At this point I'm totally frustrated and don't know what to do.  I feel that I'm being lied to.  The agent never returns my call and always giving me the one word answer.  Please help.

Answer
It sounds like the other driver has given Progressive an accident description that differs from yours.  Progressive needs to investigate what happened so they can decide what or if they owe you.  Their job is to defend their insured customer from claims brought against them and make payments if they believe their insured is liable.

Here are some things you can do to speed the process:

-call the police and see if you can get a copy of the police report.  If so, fax it to Progressive.

-If you have a witness, ask him/her to call Progressive

-Ask to speak to the adjuster's supervisor.  Explain you think this is taking too long and he/she is not returning your calls

- if you have collision coverage on your policy, ask your company to handle your damages and they can then subrogate against Progressive.  Subrogation is the process where your insurer tries to collect reimbursement on your behalf from Progressive.

Auto Insurance Claims

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Claims Guy

Expertise

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer......I can answer questions related to any aspect of Automobile insurance claims and coverages. I can provide an inside look at how insurers operate. I always treat my customers fairly and want to help make sure you are treated fairly. However, please keep in mind that being treated fairly according to the law does not guarantee that you will get what you want. I can also answer some questions regarding Homeowner's and other types of insurance claims. I have handled all types of auto insurance claims and coverages. I am NOT an automotive repair expert but can give advice re how insurers handle complex repair issues. Please keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws pertaining to rules of the road, liability, and insurance. No one is an expert on every state. I am most familiar with laws in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Virginia, but will attempt to answer questions for other states. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Experience

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Organizations
CPCU Society. Adjusters license in multiple states. International Association of Specal Investigators

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.