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Auto Insurance Claims/undiscovered damage

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Expert: - 9/9/2010


Question
I have a 2006 toyota corolla that was involved in an accident . Our corolla rear ended another vehicle. The corolla was 6 months old and had 3700 miles on it. Part of the repair included replacing the plastic intake manifold that had cracked. 3.5 years later the car has 45,000 miles on it and has lost compression in the number 1 cyclinder. The dealer found a large piece of plastic that is the the same material as the intake manifold wedged under the intake valve. They claim this has been in the intake port since the accident. Is my insurance company obligated to take care of this since it wasn't discovered during the initial repair?

Answer
Probably.  Call your insurer nd ask them to cover it.  It will depend on whether you can prove the current problem would not have happened if not for the original accident.  There may also be some liability on the part of the shop that did the original repairs, so you should also place them on notice now.

The time delay is not really relevant, except that it becomes harder to prove.

Auto Insurance Claims

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Claims Guy

Expertise

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer......I can answer questions related to any aspect of Automobile insurance claims and coverages. I can provide an inside look at how insurers operate. I always treat my customers fairly and want to help make sure you are treated fairly. However, please keep in mind that being treated fairly according to the law does not guarantee that you will get what you want. I can also answer some questions regarding Homeowner's and other types of insurance claims. I have handled all types of auto insurance claims and coverages. I am NOT an automotive repair expert but can give advice re how insurers handle complex repair issues. Please keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws pertaining to rules of the road, liability, and insurance. No one is an expert on every state. I am most familiar with laws in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Virginia, but will attempt to answer questions for other states. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Experience

I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Organizations
CPCU Society. Adjusters license in multiple states. International Association of Specal Investigators

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.

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