Expert: Charlie Barone - 9/9/2003

Question
My question is about a claim I filed on the 26th of aug after a minor accident in which there were no injuries other than damage to my car I called the insurance co. and was told that a claims adjuster would be dispatched to the shop the car in within 24 to 48 hours  today is the 9th of Sept. and no adjuster has shown up and the Toyota dealer in which the car is in has  told me he is going to start charghing storage fees if nothing happens. What are my options in a situation like this.

Answer
Call your insurance company and demand that they get someone out to see the car immediately. Otherwise you will authorize the shop to repair the car and they will have to pay the bill. Your policy gives them the right to see the damage and make an offer in settlement, but if their delays are costing you in terms of rental and storage charges you have a duty to mitigate damages.

Send your demand in writing and by fax to the claims office. Tell them you will authorize repairs in 48 hours regardless.