You are here:

Auto Insurance Claims/what does the insurance company got to do

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/28/2011


Question
hello i was hit by lady who run traffic light and it damaged my van a rental trailer and a lot of personal property inside my van motorcycle electronics and i had a gps on dash and a gold braclet on my left arm i was thrown half way out the truck insurance company say they dont have to pay for gps or braclet because i dont have it to show them but if i had my stuff i wouldnt have a problem it smashed a new custom motorcycle and alot of personal elecronics and scrached alot of stuff including office furn that all was in van i was moving into new shop and had alot alot of stuff in my van what does the law say they have to do they telling me i have to except small amounts of money for my scrached stuff and dented stuff i want my stuff like it was when i got smashed and i want my gold braclet back what can i do can u please help me give me some kind of info thank u jason leigh

Answer
The insurer owes you the market cash value of the damaged items before the accident.  This is the amount you could have sold these items for before the accident.  They will try to estimate the value, but the ultimate responsibility is on you to prove you had the items and what they were worth.  If you disagree with their offer, you need to find some way to prove it existed and the value.  Do you have any photos, receipts, or other ways to prove this?

Auto Insurance Claims

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.