Rental Car Reimbursement

by Nathan
(Napa, Ca)

I live in California and was involved in an accident at the end of January this year. I did not have rental car coverage on my insurance policy at the time but was informed that if I pay the bill out of pocket that the money would be reimbursed at the summation of the claim. All in all I ended up footing a $760 rental car bill (This included the other drivers insurances discounted rate for a equally comparable sedan as mine).

I ended up returning the car a week before my car was done because the bill was running so high.

Anyways fast forward. I get my car back and fax my bill to the other guys insurance company. They sent me a letter that was hand signed by their claim representative that was assigned to me stating that they had received the receipt and that a payment would follow shortly. After speaking with her on the phone she stated that shortly meant 2-3 weeks. Now I sit here today with no payment received.

I have left 5 voicemails with the claim rep, 2 messages with her secretary and 1 voicemail with the claims manager. None of which have been returned.

So what are my rights and how should I address my current situation?


Answer:


Hello ,

Well, it depends how aggressive you want to be.

The insurance company must pay for this damage as they stated in their letter. You can file a complaint against the insurance company with the Department of Insurance to compel payment.

If that does not work, and you want to be more aggressive, consider going to small claims court. That usually will make them pay for damages quickly.


Good Luck.


As always, it is very important that you talk with a local attorney!
Good Luck,
Auto Insurance Claim Advice