Auto Insurance Claims/what is covered

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Expert: - 12/6/2009


Question
while on vacation my car was backed into by a pickup in the parking lot at a motel. it was the day before thanksgiving. their auto repair shop was not open until monday.  i took my car into the shop first thing monday.  they gave me a rental car and the body shop guy said that it would be done this coming friday.  i have now been stuck here in bullhead city, az., for 9 days.  then on friday i'm told that the grill was not right and it will be monday before i can get my car.  now this is 11 days stuck here.  now that i have wasted my vation time and money i have to go back to oregon when i get my car back.  my question, " do they have to pay all my expenses for the 11 days i've been stuck here?"

Answer
This is really something you should have discussed and clarified with the insurer in the beginning.  They are responsible for what a court would award you if you filed a lawsuit against the other driver.  The law does require that you mitigate your damages.  This means you cannot incur unnecessary expenses.  I do not have enough information to know what options you had.  Were there other repair shops that could have done the work sooner?  Was the vehicle driveable?  Could you have taken it home to repair and avoided the hotel and other expenses?  These are all questions that will determine what they owe.

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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