Expert: Bennie719 - 10/19/2007

Question
QUESTION: I was involved in a hit and run, somebody hit my car when it was parking in front of my friend's house. Fortunatelly, I have uninsuranced motorist coverage and it should cover my repair cost. I have done the repair estimate and accident claim. But my insurance company wanna me to get the police report and send it to them.  I thought it should be their job to wait for the police report and they should help me to repair my car as soon as possible, does that sound right?  and also, they dont wanna rent a car for me since i dont have rental car coverage. I really need my car for work and the police report will likely take more than half a month.... is there anything I can argue with my insurance company?  thanks for your help

ANSWER: Hi Guocheng,
I believe there is a misunderstanding in how you perceive
your insurance coverage.
Uninsured Motorists provides coverage for injuries to you and occupants of your in the event there is an accident where the other driver is at fault, is identified and has no insurance.
When your car is hit and you don't have the identity of the driver, the only coverage that would repair your car is Collision.  If you carry Collision, then your company will repair your car, less the amount of your deductible.
If you carry Collision, I can see no reason why your company is delaying the start of repair work until a police report is available.  The police report is simply not a relevant issue in this case.  You are correct in the point that if they want a copy of the police report, then they should be the ones to order and pay for it.
You need to arrange a face-to-face meeting with your Insurance Claims Adjustor to thoroughly discuss this issue.
Since you did not purchase car rental coverage then they are not obligated to provide you a rental.
However, if you carry collision and they are delaying the start of repairs to your car until they receive a non relevant police report, then they should be providing you with a rental car.  Discuss this issue when you meet with the claims adjustor and he can't provide you with satisfactory answers you should file a complaint with the department of insurance.
Simply type 'yourstatename department of insurance' in your web browser and hit go.  This will bring up many sites dealing with insurance in your state.  Click on the one that says "official site" and scroll through it and you will find the method of filing an e-mail complaint as well as a telephone number to file a report by talking to someone.
I hope this answer has been helpful.  Please write again if I can be of more assistance.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 10-18-07 2:17 PM PST

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,Bennie:
   Thx so much for the quick reply. I think the coverage for uninsuranced motorist varies state by state, I'm in Louisiana and they do cover the car damage as well as the body damage.  I actually already have met to the adjuster and got the estimate already.
   The insurance guy said they need the police report to make sure it's a hit and run. thanks for your information.

Answer
Hi Guochong,
Thanks for the information about Louisiana Law.
One of the great things about working on this site is not only do we provide information to the people asking the questions, we are also able to learn from them.
Thanks again,
Bennie
10-19-07 1:22 AM PST