Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 12/12/2009

Question
hey. hows it going. i have a question.

My 2004 Nissan 350z which was customized for car shows. it was stolen on November 14 2009. since about december 1 2009 they have been telling me and collecting receipts and repairs receipts from me and told me they will give me a settlement amount now its 2 weeks later and right before my rental car has to be returned tommorrow. today they tell me they will need to do further investigation but i still have to return my rental vehicle tommorrow. my vehicle was in a minor accident where there was a cash settlement made and i got the car repaired privately. they askd for a receipts but all i could provide was a letter from the autobody guy. this accident happened Feb 2009. my question is it will be 30 days tommorrow. and now they want to do further investigation. but reading about auto theft today on websites seems like at the 30 day point they have to give me a settlement. Am i correct? can i ask for a settlement now? what rights do i have?

Answer
Hi Shaveen,

In accident claims the insurance company has 30 days to investigate and either deny or pay the claim. In theft or vandalizm claims, the insurance company actually has 60 days. This is to provide the police a reasonable time to find the car and to allow the insurance company time to complete their investigation. You should expect that they will look into your financial situation as well as other factors. That may also call you into their office for an EUO (examination under oath). This is where they will interogate you to see if you have anbything to do with the theft of your vehicle.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh