Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 7/8/2010

Question
While driving in another state my car was in a hail storm. It couldn't be driven back 1000 miles to my state. I have full coverage and my car is only a year old  My insurance company wouldn.t pay for the rental car. I couldn't afford to keep staying in a motel. I had to leave my car and it is not considered totaled but has extensive damage. It is going to take a couple weeks to be fixed. And I will have to go back to get it.
What am I supposed to do? and how do they expect me to get back to pick it up?

Answer
Hi Cathy,

I'm sorry this happened to you.

Unfortunately there is not much you can do. What you are entitled to when you are dealing with your own insurance company is a matter of contract. Your policy states what is covered and what is excluded. The comprehensive section of your policy does not provide coverage for extra expenses when damages occurs far from home. It will be your responsibility to get your vehicle when the repairs are completed. 1000 miles is a long way. You may want to start looking into discount airfare now and purchase tickets far enough in advance to get them at a low cost.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh