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Auto Insurance Claims/Total Loss Not at Fault, who pays and when?

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Expert: - 11/9/2009


Question
Ron,
I was a passenger in my car when an 18 yr old made an illegal U-turn, failed to stop at Stop sign and smashed the passenger side of my car.  I reported to my insurance and now they want to settle for ACV of my car.  Shouldn't the at fault driver's insurance pay out?  I have checked with her insurance and they opened an "investigation" into the accident. Do I take my insurances settlement or wait to see what happens with her insurance? My insurance is pushing me to settle with them.

Answer
"Work the claim" with both your insurer and the other drivers insurer and see who gives you the most money. Get your offers in writing and don't cash any checks they mail you until you are sure which one you want. Don't worry about the deductible, you will eventually get that back. If either or both insurers undervalue your claim or you don't know, get one of the eBooks at UClaim.com entitled Total Loss Auto for guidance. They are on sale with money back guarantee.

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Ron Cercone

Expertise

How to handle automobile total loss claims. I am the president of UClaim.com, which sells 29 different eBooks I have written on how to maximize various types of auto, home and business claims and how to get coverage on denied claims. You may view their tables of contents online. Also available are very specialized eBooks such as on EUO (Examination Under Oath) for example. Also available is an assortment of policy forms used by the most popular insurers. The eBooks have a money back guarantee and currently include personal consultation with Ron Cercone.

Experience

I have been adjusting insurance claims since 1980. 1980 to 1995 adjusting for many insurers (6 years as an independent adjuster with my own company). Currently working as a public adjuster in California, since 1995. I'm one of the few public adjusters who has handled automobile damage and total loss claims.

Organizations
CAPIA (California Association of Public Adjusters).

Education/Credentials
BA 1975 in History and Industrial Arts. Full CV at UClaim.com .

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