Expert: Ron Cercone - 9/3/2009

Question
My company is dragging its feet on my stolen auto claim. I have provided everything they've requested - an oral recorded ststement, repeated follow up interviews, a notarized copy of lengthy questionaire, in short, I have cooperated in every way - the one request I have been unable to comply with is an interview withj the friend who picked me upthe night my car was stolen from a public parking lot and who took me back the next day. She does not want to give aa statement and I cannot physically force her to do so. My car was recovered in an adjacent city with some damage and geico is basically saying they have all the information - they only need a statement from my friend. Again, I have fully cooperated and yet the last item is out of my control. Your thoughts would be welcome.

Answer
Hello Jennifer,

Geico cannot deny your claim if your friend does not want to give a statement. Geico can insist that that you cooperate, "within reason", since you have a contract (the policy) with them. You have to start pressuring Geico, in writing. And if they don't accept or deny your claim in 14 days, fax a letter their ceo. Let them know you are building a file and could sue them.

As to the valuation of your vehicle, they will probably lowball it. You can get detailed advice with the eBook at UClaim.com entitled Total Loss Auto for Insureds, currently on sale at 50 off, around $12.00 and with a money back guarantee. If the claim is denied, you can get an eBook with advice on how to handle that as well.