How my afternoon went the other day

[Looking4new]

Except for the deductible of course. And it looks like I have at least a chance of getting that back out of the other guy's company.

Don't hold your breath. You might get lucky and get your deductible back.

 

[LD1]

IF the accident was not your fault, you shouldnt have to pay anything.

The OTHER driver should be the one paying their OWN deductible to their OWN policy to fix both theirs and your vehicle.

 

[JJZ 109]

Now I've been contacted by the victim's assistance branch of the local DA's office. Apparently the DA can also push for restitution for me. But knowing our local office, it'll be pled out and I'm sure that restitution won't be a part of it.
It's a little bit of a mess. The other driver didn't own the truck he was driving in the accident. I find out now that State Farm insured the other vehicle. My company tells me that they're paying me now so that we can get the truck fixed and I can be on my merry way. Travelers (my co.) will go after State Farm to recover the money they paid out for my claim. But I'm going to be pissed if I'm swinging for that $500 deductible. I hope that somebody gets it back for me.

 

[Looking4new]

I hope it turns out good for you. I would be pissed too if I had to shell out the $500. and no way to get it back.

 

[LD1]

Maybe I missed it or something...but was the truck stolen?? or just a parent/relative let a kid drive their car??

If it was a parent or friend, or relative letting someone drive, they AND their insurance should certainly be on the hook.

Not sure how the insurance companies handle matters like this, but if YOUR insurance is going after the full amount from state farm, they should pass that along to you by NOT charging your deductible. OR at least refunding it once they settle. AND, if they settle for anything less than full recovery, it is their own fault and not yours and you should still be entitled to full compensation.

Now if your insurance co is only going after what they are out of pocket, a simple call to state farm should recoup your deductible.

Either way, you need to call your insurance company and ask them these questions. And see how they are handling things on their end. Make it very clear that this is NOT your fault, and should NOT be subjected to your deductible, and that you want full restitution. Find out if they are fighting for you, or if you have to deal with State farm. Then go from there.

 

[JJZ 109]

Maybe I missed it or something...but was the truck stolen?? or just a parent/relative let a kid drive their car??

If it was a parent or friend, or relative letting someone drive, they AND their insurance should certainly be on the hook.

Not sure how the insurance companies handle matters like this, but if YOUR insurance is going after the full amount from state farm, they should pass that along to you by NOT charging your deductible. OR at least refunding it once they settle. AND, if they settle for anything less than full recovery, it is their own fault and not yours and you should still be entitled to full compensation.

Now if your insurance co is only going after what they are out of pocket, a simple call to state farm should recoup your deductible.

Either way, you need to call your insurance company and ask them these questions. And see how they are handling things on their end. Make it very clear that this is NOT your fault, and should NOT be subjected to your deductible, and that you want full restitution. Find out if they are fighting for you, or if you have to deal with State farm. Then go from there.

My insurance company is very aware of whose fault it is. The driver apparently was a friend of the vehicle owner. I don't know for sure, we didn't have a conversation about that after the accident. But the charges lodged don't reflect any criminal use of the vehicle. The other vehicle's insurer, State Farm contacted me yesterday and I made it very clear to them who was at fault and spelled out to them the charges against the driver of their insured vehicle.
My company has also made it clear to me that they would go after the other company to recover my deductible, but that there was no guarantee I would get it back. They've actually been very good about calling me to see how things are progressing with getting the work done and updating me with any information they might have. Now I suppose it's a waiting game. In the meantime the body shop has ordered parts and I'm just waiting for the call to bring it in.

 

[LD1]

Well then I would just wait and see how it plays out.

And regardless of what anyone thinks, here is my opinion:

If they cannot recover your deductible, one of two things happened:

Either they did and decided to screw you and keep it. Or two: they didnt try hard enough.

These insurance companys deal with each other in situations just like this more than we can imagine. State farm knows they need to pay. Your insurance knows that state farm needs to pay. And you know you are entitled to your deductible back. Weather SF pays your insurance co for it depends on how hard your ins pushes them. And weather they turn it over to you depends on weather they think you are going to make a big deal if they dont.

Personally, If I didnt get my money back (weather from SF or from your ins eating it), I would seriously be shopping for another policy.:2cents:

 

[aczlan]

Personally, If I didnt get my money back (weather from SF or from your ins eating it), I would seriously be shopping for another policy.:2cents:

I agree. You were not at fault, you should not have any out of pocket costs to get your truck brought back to the condition it was in before the vehicle they insured hit you...

Aaron Z

 

[JJZ 109]

Personally, If I didnt get my money back (weather from SF or from your ins eating it), I would seriously be shopping for another policy.:2cents:

Here's the funny part. I'd only been with Travelers 2 days before the accident! In fact they had just taken pictures of my truck the day before the accident. They were about $400 a year cheaper than my previous company for the exact same coverage.
So far, I've got no complaints with how they're handling this. They've been prompt and always available. It's only been 5 days since the accident so I'll sit tight for a bit and see what happens with that $500.

 

[LD1]

So far, I've got no complaints with how they're handling this.

I wouldnt either at the moment. Only if they try to stiff you on the deductible.

It's only been 5 days since the accident so I'll sit tight for a bit and see what happens with that $500.

Thats what I would do right now as well.