Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 4:12 am Post subject: totalled
I live in california, iam insured with a company that I really dont know all the details of the policy. just basically full coverage. I totaled my car, and did not make a police report. wasnt even sure where the car was afterwords. This was about 2 months ago. I have given statements etc. and the company is "investigating" it. In the mean while, Iam out a vehicle and my credit is being damaged because I cant afford to make the payment while I have no vehicle. How long do they have to investigate it? I had gap, if the company decides to deny the claim will gap do anything? Iam really frustrated because Ive told them everything and theyre still acting like theres suspicion. I mean what was the point in having insurance then? I didnt wreck the car on purpose! and have lost alot already. what can I do?? Someone please help. Thanks. _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.
In CA your insurance company should be sending you written notification of the claim status every 30 days.
Your totaled out your vehicle, did not file a PR and did not even know where it was taken to after the accident (how/why was it taken somewhere involuntarily if the police were not notified?). Right away I can see several reasons why the carrier would want to look at your claim pretty hard.
If you feel that there is nothing to hide and you've been 100% truthful, you can file a complaint with your states Dept. of Insurance.
I had gap, if the company decides to deny the claim will gap do anything?
Nope, if your insurer denies the claim, gap insurance then will deny the claim too.
The gap insurance only pays for the difference between the claim check written by the insurance company and the loan amount outstanding on the vehicle. Gap insurance isn't the original policy, but acts only as a supplementary to the actual auto policy. Hence, if your insurer decides to deny the claim, you'll be out of luck with the gap insurance as well.
However, having the claim with the investigating department of the insurance company isn't normally a good sign. The investigators get involved in the claim process when the insurance company suspects serious chances of fraudulent claim. And you have to admit that your case is pretty shady with no police report and no information on the whereabouts of the vehicle.
OP, you are right is saying that there is no point in buying insurance if it doesn't pay when required, but buddy, just put yourself in the insurer's place and think, would you have paid out to a claim where there is no evidence or document and not even the car is available to examine?
You have to be patient, it may take sometime to investigate the situation.
Was the car stolen? Was it towed without your permission?
In both cases, you were required to report a theft to the police.
Why there is no police report?
As far I know the police need to be informed about an accident if there are serious injuries or if the property damages cross the limit of $750.
Hence, you see there are loads of unanswered questions. And the investigators are required to satisfy themselves with the findings before processing with the claim.
In the mean while, Iam out a vehicle and my credit is being damaged because I cant afford to make the payment while I have no vehicle.
I don't understand that statement...if you hadn't wrecked it you'd be making the payments right? Were you late or miss any payments prior to this?
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How long do they have to investigate it?
As long as it takes they only need to notify you that they need more time....
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I had gap, if the company decides to deny the claim will gap do anything?
NO...
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Iam really frustrated because Ive told them everything and theyre still acting like theres suspicion
Well yeah! don't you think it would come across suspicious? I've totaled my car, not sure how, when where or when, or even where it is please pay me now...I wouldn't be surprised to see them request an Exam under Oath about any day now....
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I mean what was the point in having insurance then?
To protect you, but you have a duty too...How long after this wreck did you report it to your carrier?
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I didnt wreck the car on purpose! and have lost alot already. what can I do??
I'm sorry about that Jeff I really am, but that's not the carriers fault...when did you report it? how long after the accident? where was it ultimately found...why did you not call the cops, and why did you not know where it was, did you know where it happened? When was the last time you talked to your adjuster and what was the status of your claim at that time?
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Someone please help. Thanks.
We certainly will try but please provide additional information...You have to agree Jeff that this claim has red flags all over it...these types of claims are often times transfered to the SIU dept (special investigation unit)...
Also how long have you been insured with this company? _________________ Have you been helped by a poster? Do you want to show your appreciation? YOU CAN !! Just simply click on the donate button and send them some coin!
If you have a comprehensive coverage then I don't think you should have any problems with your insurance claim.The investigations could go on for any length of time but they are supposed to keep you updated regarding the investigation.Gap will be useful only after your regular insurance claim is accepted ,I think..
Hi renditioner, comprehensive coverage doesn't cover collision losses. Hence, if he had wrecked his car in an accident, he isn't likely to receive the comprehensive coverage benefits.
jeffca, I feel that you need to go through your policy papers to find out if you at all have the collision and comprehensive package on your car or not. If you have no such coverage then you may be out of luck.
The involvement of the Special Investigation Unit is fairly understandable. The case certainly has some shady areas. You need to be patient and cooperative with the carrier. If you haven't done any damage to the car intentionally, you have nothing to worry. The insurer is going to find it out sooner or later.
If you have a comprehensive coverage then I don't think you should have any problems with your insurance claim
How do you figure that reconditioner? First of all this isn't a comp claim, and even if it were that would make zero difference regarding the claim investigation.....
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Gap will be useful only after your regular insurance claim is accepted ,I think..
Only after it is totaled and paid then GAP will pick up the difference if any... _________________ Have you been helped by a poster? Do you want to show your appreciation? YOU CAN !! Just simply click on the donate button and send them some coin!
