Auto Insurance Claims/Hit & run

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Question
The car is registered under my name; however, my husband is the one who drive the car. I have received a letter stating that I was a hit and run. THe information on the letter contain only the date, my licensed plate and the hit & run location. However, according to my husband, he did not hit anyone, any car, or anything. What should i do? What if he did and what if he did not?

Answer
You need to report the claim to your insurance company immediately and tell them the truth.  They will investigate and defend you.  If they believe your husband did this, they will pay the claim.  As long as he had your permission to use the car, and he was not specifically excluded on your policy, they will provide coverage.

Before you call your ins co, have a very honest conversation with your husband.  Is there any unexplained damage on the car?  Where was the car on the date of the loss?  

Explain to him that lying about this is a felony - insurance fraud.  Also, if the insurance company determines he or you are lying about this to them, they can disclaim all coverage to you and him.  You do not want this, as you will then be sued personally by the other insurance company.

The key thing is he needs to tell the truth, whatever that may be.

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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