Expert: Bennie719 - 2/22/2008

Question
In October of 2007 my truck was stolen. I have filled out every form and met with every lawyer they wanted. So, finally they agreed to a settlement amount on my truck. Based off of their ACV figures i am about breaking even with my lease company in terms of my payoff. But, my question is, shouldn't they be responsible for the last 5 months of payments that i was forced to pay on a vehicle i didn't have??? I was cooperative ever step of the way and it has still taken almost 6 months now

Answer
Hi Kitt,
I have no idea as to the reason for the length of delay in settling your theft claim.
In most cases, an insurance company is prepared to offer a settlement by the 35th day following the theft and they have been paying you car rental coverage during that time.  Most policies state that in event of theft, you will be paid rental coverage for 30 days and until a fair offer has been made by your insurance company to settle the total loss.
In the event of theft leading to total loss, your insurance company is only liable for the vehicle's actual cash value as of the date of theft plus sales tax and a partial license fee reimbursement.
There are no conditions in an auto policy to reimburse you for payments to a lending institution or a lease company while the claim is being settled.
Unless there are extenuating circumstances beyond my knowledge, you should have been furnished a rental vehicle until the claim was settled or a fair offer was made.
If you feel that your insurance was dragging their feet while handling your theft claim and did not provide rental for the entire time, then you should file a complaint with the Department Of Insurance in your state.
I hope this information has been of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area