My insurance claim agent called and said....what should i do?

ohso_quiet

If all that's available is low policy limits, that's all that's available, period. People advising you to get an attorney are either ignorant or... well, just ignorant, really. Why give away 30-40% of that finite amount, for absolutely nothing?? She'd be a personal injury attorney's wet dream - lots of money for absolultely no work.

If she wants to know if they're ready to settle for the policy limits, CALL them and just ask what that conversation meant. There's no super-secret-squirrel handshake here. Just have her call her adjuster (which is what I assume you mean by "claim agent") and ask for claim status, and if her request for policy limits has been accepted. If it's still pending, she can ask for a timeline in writing as to when the claim should resolve - when she can expect either a check for policy limits or a counter-offer.

These things DON'T happen overnight; companies usually won't even begin to discuss settlement until after all treatment is concluded, all bills received, and all records reviewed.

Have her start with a phone call. I'd wager it'll answer all the questions you've asked.

Best of luck.

CowboyBill

IF you are able to get 'pain and suffering' from your own policy I will be shocked. But for the sake of arguement let's say you are entitled to the entire 25K. If you hire a pond-scum lawyer he/she/it will take 40% of the settlement, whatever it may be. The last thing you need to do is hire a damn lawyer to squeeze money out of your OWN insurance company -- which you won't have for long after you finally settle. Try not to to be stupid....

buttrfly52

Most of the time the approval is simply because they are not authorized to pay out $10,000 for "pain and suffering" You might want to follow this up with proof of missed work or anything else that can have a real dollar amount put to it. Otherwise it can go to the potential fraud department. Also, you need to contact her doctors that are assisting her with this and find out how long the treatment is expected to be. That might help. It does seem kinda strange that you ask what her limit is an then submit that same amount as a request. Better have a good explination of why you need $10,000 in "pain and suffering" when her dr's and everything only came to $15,000

bundysmom

Anytime anyone asks for policy limits management has to sign off on it. No adjuster has the authority to pay out limits no matter how high or low the limits are.

They can settle the claim at any time if the value of the claim meets or exceeds the policy limits; they don't have to wait for you. But since your g/f asked for policy limits, your g/f is who intitiated the settlement process.

Alex H

I've never encountered that before, but I remember when I totaled my car, my auto repair shop asked for a specific amount, and they would not provide it. They low balled me and salvaged the car instead. The same thing can be true for your situation. You are at the hands of your insurance company. Some are nice and some are brutal and cheap. Try not to settle for what they give you. Argue until you can argue no more. I am sorry to hear about your gf's injuries and hope she gets better. good luck.

Tom-SJ

You might want to spend 30 minutes to consult with a personal injury lawyer to explain your case, understand your state's statute of limitations (typically 12 or 24 months), and get some idea regarding the other options available to you.

Unless your insurance carrier is extremely generous and cares more about policyholders than its shareholders, the first offer is usually the lowest.

Note that they did not approve your request - you wrote that they said the offer had to 'go through management to be approved.' That means they are trying to figure out how low you might be willing to accept, based on similar claims made by others.

myopinionforwhatitsworth

I agree with FIAT GUY ..
You do need to seek legal advice on this situation .. do not accept or sign off on any settlement from your insurance company until you do .
Your G/F 's problems may just be beginning .. and somewhere down the road she may need medical attention because of it .
Your insurance company will hold out until the last minute ..and try to get you to accept a lower settlement of sign off on any further claims dealing with this accident ..
It won't cost you anything to speak to a lawyer , they generally won't charge you unless they win.. I would also consider suing the person with out insurance too .. no one should drive with out it and if you do you should be willing to accept the consequences .. so go for all you can your girlfriends back and neck will never be the same ....

lemonprotection.com

Don't sign anything and call a personal injury attorney, you may need future medical help, a good attorney will make sure you get the help in the future if you need it without you paying for it. Call an attorney or you will likely loose a lot of money you could have gotten.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: