Expert: Bennie719 - 10/18/2007

Question
My girlfriends car was stolen out of a parking lot when she was out with some friends. at first she thought it may have been towed but it never turned up. She filed a police report and finished her claim procedure. It seems like they are ignoring her and she needs a car for our to children. They didnt even offer a rental car. How long do they have to send her a check and should they be getting her a rental? Thanks

Answer
Hi Paul,
If she has Comprehensive, which covers theft, the insurance company should have started providing her a rental car 48-72 hours after she filed the claim.  Under the terms of the policy, they can provide her with a rental car for up to 30 days and if the car is not recovered within that period then they must cash settle with her based on the fair market value of the car.  Depending on the age and value of the car, they also have the option of settling earlier and discontinuing the rental.  If she made the report over 48 hours ago, she should immediately call the claims adjustor and request that immediate arrangements be made for a rental car.
I hope this has been of help.  Please write again if I can be of more assistance.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 10-18-07 7:12 AM PST