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Auto Insurance Claims/rear end hit and run

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Expert: - 9/13/2008


Question
i(d-2)in(c-2) was rear ended and the driver(d-1)in(c-1) then drove away. there were three juvenile males in (c-1) who later turned themselves in and confessed.(c-1) hit me(c-2) and then i hit (c-3) and then(c-3) hit(c-4) all cars were able to be driven from the accident scene. liability does not seem to be a problem. the driver of the car that hit me was a friend of the underage son of the registered owner of vehicle (c-1). the underage son of the registered owner of (c-1) was also a passenger(p-1) in (c-1). the insurance company of the registered owner of (c-1) gave me an estimate for damages to my car and then because the accident was still under investigation said that they could do nothing until the investigation was complete. which insurance company should pay for property damages and medical damages? how do i find out what the policy limits are on both potential insurance companies?

Answer
Insurance generally follows the vehicle, so it is very unlikely that the driver's (d-1) insurer will cover this.  The insurer for c-1 should cover the entire loss, unless they determine that d-1 did not have permission to drive the vehicle.

If they deny coverage because D-1 was not a permissive user, then your insurance company would handle your damages under Uninsured Motorist coverage.  This applies to both property and medical damages.

Since so many cars were involved, it is also possible that the liability policy for c-1 is not large enough to cover all the damages to everyone involved.  If this is the case, again your insurance company would handle your entire loss under Uninsured Motorist coverage.

If you have not yet done so, please report the claim immediately to your insurance company so they can investigate and help you.  They should be able to give you good advice on how to proceed.

Auto Insurance Claims

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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.

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