Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 7/22/2009

Question
Hello! Richard, I currently have an auto claim against Allstate. Actually,it has been in process for nine months now. I believe Allstate mishandled this claim from the beginning by not providing me with information on a timely basis. Could you please tell me what insurance companies must provide the claimant with during the claims process?.ie. time of appraisal, settlement or claim extension letter.. I hope you understand my question. If you cannot answer it for me. Would you please advise me where I might find the answers to these questions.
                                           Thank you, Paul

Answer
Hi Paul,

I will try to answer in general terms. If you had provided more specific information, I may have been able to be more specific.

Assuming that you were not at fault for the accident and Allstate is the at-fault persons insurance company, Allstate should handle things as follows:

1) take statements from both drivers to determine liability
2) check internally to be sure that their coverage is good and applicable.
3) inspect your vehicle an write  repair estimate
4) determine is there were injuries involved
5) issue checks to pay for repairs of vehicle

In most cases the insurance company has 30 days to complete the above. If there are issues such as liability determination or coverage issues, the insurance ccompany should send you a "reservation of rights" letter. This is a letter that explains the issues they are experiencing and increases the time allowed for settleing the claim indeffinately.

Any injury claims are reviewed, negotiated and settled after all treatment is completed and you have beem released by your doctors.

If you have questions related to a specific aspect of your claim, feel free to ask again. Please be as specific and descriptive as possible. Also describe if your questions relate to auto damage or injuries.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh