Help with auto insurance claim July 16, 2006, 11:29:45 PM Thought y'all could help...Was driving my new car to work and got side swiped by another driver. I was in the left lane of the Southern State Parkway on Long Island when the person in the middle lane and slightly back more than I decided he wanted to occupy the same space I was currently in. The result was his drivers side mirror causing body damage to my passenger rear door and slight damage to the panel behind.Since that isn't enough... the driver was operating his grandmothers vehicle with a suspended licence. The car was/is insured by Nationwide so at least it was covered. I also had the state police make a report.I called Geico first (my insurance) and told them of the incident and was given the option of making a report or a claim. The nice woman explained if I went thru Geico I would have to pay my deductable ($500) and that my rental car would be what is in my plan ($30/day up to 90 days) or I could make a report and go after nationwide. Seeing as I dont have an extra $500 laying around I went to Nationwide. Nationwide asked me the standard questions and assigned me a claim # and an adjuster. The adjuster called me, questioned me and informed me that he had yet to contact the insured or the person who was driving the vehicle. Since he has had no contact with the driver he cannot hear his side yet and place the liability... which leaves me waiting to get my car fixed.Additionaly the repair shop my mother has used in the past is where I want to bring the car. I am afraid if I bring it to one of their "networked" auto body places it is going to be a patch job on the car that I just bought in prestine condition.If anyone has any advice or past experiences I would really be greatful to hear it... Quote Selected
Help with auto insurance claim Reply #1 – July 16, 2006, 11:38:28 PM just be careful of the quote, your insurance company may want to total your car... it sounds stupid, but my friend with a 93 sport got rear ended(broke a tail light, pushed the trunk and bumper in like an inch...) and they are still arguing about totaling it. its not like a car eather, its in almost perfect condition. infact, you can only tell now because the paint on the bumper is chipped, and his spoiler is cracked, so be careful. Quote Selected
Help with auto insurance claim Reply #3 – July 16, 2006, 11:40:19 PM I doubt they'll want to total a car w/o frame damage worth $15k... Quote Selected
Help with auto insurance claim Reply #4 – July 16, 2006, 11:42:56 PM o wow thats nothing... the pictures didnt load before, i thought u had quarter dammage or something. i also kina assumed it was a tbird or cougar lol, not rembering. they will probley just replace that door. Quote Selected
Help with auto insurance claim Reply #5 – July 16, 2006, 11:48:54 PM OMG I thought you would have been on his passenger side not on his drivers side, how the hell did he not see you?! People frighten meSorry I cant help but I do find your avatar highly amusing. Quote Selected
Help with auto insurance claim Reply #6 – July 17, 2006, 12:57:16 AM Believe it or not your body shop should be able to give you pretty decent legal advice. Just do them a favor and do so leg work for them like getting a copy of the accident report. Second your insurance company has to help you with any legal issues. Just get ready to get the run around from his insurance company this is what they do today keep giving you the run around till you go away. So keep proper documentation of everything and you are going to be your own best lawyer. Small claims court is your final option in NYS judges tent to side with you because they get upset that insurance company can’t settle it on there own.Another thing don’t think your going to get 100% its going to be his word verse yours. Besides I was told in NYS there’s only 2 types of accidents that are cut and dry 100% (rear ended & parked cars). But it’s not impossible with a good case. Quote Selected
Help with auto insurance claim Reply #7 – July 17, 2006, 01:08:09 AM I agree with the you about the two types of accidens but it is also the interpertation of the officer that writes the report.Think about this one a 4 lane non devided highway without a turn lane. Sounds dangerous already I know. Lady pulls away from the curb makes a U turn across all lanes of traffic. Guy hits her in the rear driver quarter with the nose of his car. Officer looks at the scene and writes the guy that hit her a ticket becasue the damage was behind the drivers door and in his opinion that makes it his fault for following too close, too fast for conditions, and failer to avoid an accident.The case went to court and was setteled in 2 hours after the ladys driving record was brought forward. This wasn't the first time she had done this. Now my point look at the report and see what the officer said and make sure it corrisponds to what happened. Quote Selected
Help with auto insurance claim Reply #9 – July 17, 2006, 01:41:31 AM I do not know how it works where you are but since the accident would automatically be his fault (no liscense). We go through our insurance and when the other driver is found at fault during the subrogation process you get your deductable back.I doubt Geico would pay the claim and not try to recoup something from nationwide unless you are proven at fault Quote Selected
Help with auto insurance claim Reply #10 – July 17, 2006, 10:41:04 AM Oh, I'm sorry to see that. It you off to no end. I had someone hit my Tib not too long after I got it. It wasn't as bad as that though but I still am mad about it from time to time.In getting the body fixed, contact Nationwide and see what repair facilities are in their network. They just may surprise you and the place you want to take it may be included. (That worked for me) If it's not, I'd demand that you take it where you want. Nationwide should take full responsibility for the repairs and you should also get a rental car at no cost to you.Do you even have a police report? If so it will really help. I got rear-ended in my dad's truck by a girl who didn't report the accident to her insurance company. When I contacted her insurance, they said they had no notice of a claim so I sent them a copy of the police report and I was gold from there on. From my experience your insurance company, Geico ( I have them too) will work for you. If he is at fault and his insurance company is not taking action, contact Geico and they will go after Nationwide.So it's good that Geico is aware of the accident. Do not file a claim with them unless you aren't getting anything from Nationwide. If that happens, call Geico customer service, explain your situation and they will help you. Quote Selected
Help with auto insurance claim Reply #11 – July 17, 2006, 11:46:54 AM Quote from: tbirdscottPeople frighten meI've seen a lady parallel park right into the side of a parked vehicle. It was a bright red car and she had just driven right by it, stopped, and began backing up and turning her wheels. Clipped the car right between the door and fender. I was unable to do anything at the time (honk or otherwise) because I was just in shock...asking myself "is she really doing this?!". There were only 4 spots on the side of the road, none of them open, yet she seemed to want that spot . I'm afraid to park anywhere now.At least she pulled up and stopped after ramming into the thing. Quote Selected
Help with auto insurance claim Reply #12 – July 17, 2006, 02:22:00 PM You do not need to bring it to one of their networked body shops. You have the right to get your car looked at by their adjuster at a shop of your choosing. When they tell you to bring it to their place, you tell them no, and inform them of the shop who did the estimate, and when it will be there for them to look at.Oh, and when you get it painted, see if the shop can give you some of the paint as touch up paint. It'll match better than any stuff you get from Pep Boys. Quote Selected
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