Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 5/28/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

My wife and I were in an automobile accident this past week on our vacation in Ohio.  We reside in Colorado.  Our schedule was very tight and have now come back to Colorado, leaving the car for repairs in Ohio.  The other driver admitted fault so obviously the repairs will be covered.  My question is regarding the 'retrieval' of my car.  

The other driver's insurance company has provided me with a rental to use until the car is fixed.  I was told that they are really only required to provide a rental up until the point the car is fixed, at which time they can stop paying for a rental.  Is this true?  We aren't sure when the car will be repaired so I have no idea when I need to get off work.  It could be several days from the time the car is repaired until I can get off enough time.  

Also, as for the trip to get the car, what can I expect/require to be payed for?  I'm assuming a flight out, but will they pay for the fuel to drive back? I already made the trip back, paying for fuel, so wouldn't it make sense that they would pay for that?  Anything else?  Meals, hotel, etc?  Its a 20+ hour drive so I figure at least 2 days.  

Thanks.

Nate

ANSWER: Hi Nate,

You should give them a choice. First wright down all the cost you expect to be paid if you go get your car. That would include airfare, hotel, meals and the gas for the return trip. They will also owe you for any lost wages or the equivilent number of days pay if you would have to use vacation or personal days. You should also contact an auto transport company to see what the cost would be for the insurance company to hire a transport company to deliver the car to you. Whichever you choose should be based on what is convenient for you. Once you have both sets of costs you will be i a better position to offer them a choice from which they can choose rather than having them just say we don't pay for that. If they try to get tough with you then you get tough right back. Stand your ground, tell them what you expect. If need be don't hesitate to elevate to claim to a higher person in management.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the help.  I am getting ready to submit my expenses in the form of faxing over receipts to the insurance company.  I had a question about lost wages.  I recently flew out to drive my car back to my hometown and because of the short notice, had to miss two days of work.  How would I go about writing up an official document stating the pay, hours, etc. that I lost from these two days.  Thank you.

Nate

Answer
Hi Nathaniel,

For lost wages or used personal time you will actually need to get a statement from your employer on their letterhead that includes the name and phone number of the person signing the statement so it can be verified. There is nothing you can state that will be accepted. It must be directly from your employer.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh