Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 11/21/2010

Question
Hi, I recently hit a deer on Oct 3rd went off the road and flipped the car resulting in a totaled car resulting in a broken hand, vertabret and hospital expenses..luckily I am alive. My insurance company paid the cars loan off, and gave me a rental for 30 days as explained on my policy coverage. I have missed work since the accident..they have still yet to pay me any compensation like they say.
My rental expired and I have yet to find a replacement car..being that I have been recovering from my injuries and havnt had the energy to look at cars. Now I owe the rental company $500 that I don't have..can I get my insurance company to pay for my extra rental bills?
There where also 2 fairly expensive items in the car that were completely destroyed Esurance keeps telling me I cant get them replaced. I have complete coverage on my car because it is being paid through a loan.
I'm stuck in a crappy situation that is not my fault with no money for a car or to pay off the rental. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You


Answer
Hi Max,

Unfortunately, I have only bad news. When a car is totaled there is generally no or very limited rental car coverage. The insurance company will usually extend 3 to 5 days of rental car after they have issued a check for the total loss claim, but even that is as a courtesy.

Personal property in your car is not covered by your auto policy. If you had expensive items in your car that were destroyed in the collision, you may have a claim against your homeowners or renters insurance.

As for your injuries, NY has Personal Injury Protection (PIP) which will pay for some of your medical expenses as well as soem lost wages. You may also have Medical Payment (MEDPAY) coverage that could cover some additional medical expenses. Youy should ask your adjuster about that.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh