by Guest » Wed Sep 09, 2009 08:38 pm
I'm a small business owner with commercial insurance on a box truck. I recently utilized the services of a freelance "temp" to make some deliveries for me utilizing my truck while I was on vacation. He has much experience doing this for others, and when I first used him in the past he had a driver's license.
Unbeknownst to me, he was driving on a suspended license this time when he had an accident involving another motorist (my guy's fault). There were no police involved. The other motorist filed a claim and my insurance company paid off after minimal discussion with me. They never asked me who was driving, and I never volunteered. I didn't make any false statements, either, tho'.
I haven't claimed the damage to my vehicle (which may be totalled) although several people have urged me to. According to them, "that's what insurance is for". My biggest concern is that further investigation will reveal who the actual driver was, and I will be asked to reimburse the insurance company for the damages to the other vehicle. Is this a valid concern?
Should I claim my damage?
Mike
Unbeknownst to me, he was driving on a suspended license this time when he had an accident involving another motorist (my guy's fault). There were no police involved. The other motorist filed a claim and my insurance company paid off after minimal discussion with me. They never asked me who was driving, and I never volunteered. I didn't make any false statements, either, tho'.
I haven't claimed the damage to my vehicle (which may be totalled) although several people have urged me to. According to them, "that's what insurance is for". My biggest concern is that further investigation will reveal who the actual driver was, and I will be asked to reimburse the insurance company for the damages to the other vehicle. Is this a valid concern?
Should I claim my damage?
Mike
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 01:06 am Post Subject:
haven't claimed the damage to my vehicle (which may be totalled) although several people have urged me to. According to them, "that's what insurance is for".
That's true, and you will be hit with a rate increase (most likely) from this accident already, since they have paid the liability portion, and it's a 'chargeable' (at fault) accident. So an additional payment (your collision claim) isn't going to make it any more or worse...My biggest concern is that further investigation will reveal who the actual driver was, and I will be asked to reimburse the insurance company for the damages to the other vehicle. Is this a valid concern?
Well, I don't think so...I can't imagine that they would've paid the liability portion of the claim without asking (in their recorded statement) who was driving the vehicle at the time of loss? They also should've asked the other guy. I can't imagine, why they didn't ask you about the damage to your truck in this inital statement as well....Unless your policy says otherwise, anyone you give permission to can drive your vehicle, and be considered an insured driver. Again unless your policy has wording to the contrary, the fact that your employee didn't have a valid license, will make no difference. AGAIN, and I can't stress this enough, read your policy first to see if there are any exclusions..
Should I claim my damage?
I would...Frankly if none of these questions have been asked yet, and they have already paid the PD claim, it sounds like a reaaaaaaaaalllllllllllly lazy adjuster. I doubt they would ask them now. I would probably just tell them, 'you've got my statement already' only IF it came up.By the way...your temp driver...yeah, he and I would have us a good old fashion sit down, and figure out how he was going to reimburse my deductible, and the increase in your premiums that you're going to experience for several years!
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