Battery!

I hadn't been in an accident until last night when I was stopped on the highway and a Rustang rear ended me. Sent my car forward a decent distance and I'm lucky I wasn't pushed into someone. I was stopped for 15 seconds and this guy wasn't even paying attention to traffic, and it was raining...

Anyway, I'm thankful no real injuries and airbags didn't go off. My back and neck are a little sore. The car had to be towed. I called Mercedes roadside and they got someone out in 30 min and towed it to the dealer's body shop. The trunk is smashed in and won't close after I opened it to get my bag out, the right tail light is smashed out, bumper is smashed in, and there is a little bit of other related damage next to the trunk. Doesn't look like anything major to fix. I got an Altima as a loaner this morning, but it looks like the repairs will take a while.

However, I'm told by my insurance agent I was stupid for calling Allstate's main number last night and telling them what happened. He said I realize you think you did what was right, but now they've entered it into the system as you being involved with no fault, but my premium will not be effected. So I learned a lesson there. They also got a claim number started with the other company, so that was good, but I could've done that on my own. I thought I pay my premiums so these guys can handle any problems I have, but I got served. I told them I don't want them involved in any way with money, the other driver's insurance will pay everything. So I guess I live and learn.

I'm hoping it's no problem to get full reimbursement for my rental car, repairs, and by Georgia law I should be able to get diminished value of 20% of the repairs.

tee_tz

I'm very sorry to hear about your accident. Good thing it wasn't more serious than what happened. Don't worry, when your car comes out it'll be as good as new.

But this brings out a pretty interesting thought to me - I know a lot of people here have done heavy mods to their cars, but do you guys report these mods and parts to your insurance company? Otherwise if you had replaced you stock bumper with an AMG bumper and had an accident, wouldn't they just replace the stock bumper - instead of the new upgrade? I know for NY drivers we have to take pictures of our cars when they are first insured, however, is there a process of constantly taking pictures to show new modifications and stuff?

Anyway, I'm just wondering.


Tee_Tz.

atai888

I was told there is a separate insurance you buy to insure your mods.
Not sure exactly how it is.
Sorry.

timsam

When I had an accident in my SUV, I had a brush guard and PIAA driving lights up front. I just had to show my receipt and the body shop took care of the rest.

mleskovar

You didn't do anything wrong.....what's your agent talking about? You WANT it 'entered into the system' to protect yourself. If they entered it in wrong then have your agent change it and make it right. Let your insurance handle everything....everything....that's what you pay them for. What do you mean "I got served"? You are the victim here and your insurance company is being paid to make everything right and don't accept what your agent says unless you agree with it. Remember, you are the customer and you paid them money to protect you and take care of damages.

Moviela

A Rustang? Hey Scobey-Doo! is that you?

Battery!

My agent scolded me, that's all I know. He said he'll help me out, but shouldn't have to do anything on my behalf because it's easy enough for me to make phone calls. I thought they were supposed to. Reason is Allstate isn't paying anything out, so they will only call if they are to subrogate and recover money from the other party's insurance. I'm glad I pay a nice premium every 6 months. There's still a long way to go before I'm satisfied by everyone. It's very messed up because everyone says do something different. Think about it, what am I going to do, yell at my agent to do something when he believes he's right? I'm probably not going to get much of a lower rate elsewhere with all of the discounts I currently have. Realize that in insurance nobody truly deserves your money...

slammedcclass

i got rear ended too i dunno if its worse than ur car but maybe it is. they repainted my whole back of the car trunk the sides and half of the back doors so it mathces the paint or something. and they had to pull the back of the car cuz it went in and down Lol. And let me know if u get diminished value of 20% of the repairs cuz i did not get one cent diminished value they said there is nothing like that or they dont do that or something so i told them if i sell my car right now they will give less money for it cuz its crashed.

Battery!

Yours may have been worse. I'll know what has to be done once the shop comes up with an estimate. Diminished value can be recouped by some law in Georgia. Fortunately, my roommate knows all about this.

Justinius7

DIMINISHED VALUE?

okay, i pick up my c320 from the shop on friday (assuming it was done properly and finished on time).

I had 6,500 dollars worth of damage to the car. HOW does one go about claiming diminished value?

The insurance company is kinda already "jerkin" me around. As i could not even get them to "replace" the bumper, even though it took a blow at 30 mph. They insisted it was "repairable". The downfall here is, I had it taken to PROGRESSIVE CLAIMS CENTER. Thinking this would be the best and easiest way to go get the car fixed properly. TOTAL REGRET!

mleskovar

Scolded you? What a jerk. You are rear ended in an accident and he gives you a hard time. He shouldn't have to help you because it's easy enough for you to make phone calls?!!! Change agents right now, this a$$hole is only good for taking your money. Keep the same insurance provider but demand a new agent. Go to his boss. Why people think everything that comes out of their agent's mouths is true is beyond me. He wants you to do his job so he can spend the time selling insurance to more victims. You have paid them UP FRONT to represent you in an accident. I once successfully argued with my insurance company because I wasn't getting enough for a car that was totaled from a rear end accident. Tell him your back and neck injuries from the accident are being aggravated by all this effort you are putting out to make things right and see if he changes his tune. Keep escalating in the company until you get what you are due. Jeesh, I get irritated when insurance companies take advantage of their customers.

Battery!

I know what he did wasn't right, but he's the least of my worries now. I'm waiting to hear from the other company now to find out what their story is with reimbursement for the labor rates, as the shop told me it wouldn't be completely covered (don't know if that's true or not). If they will not pay completely, as well as the rental, I will give my agent the opportunity to help me out. If he continues to act like it's not his responsibility, I will have my account reassigned - but who knows if another agent would be more helpful? This is what sucks. I'm not at fault, but I'm the only one inconvenienced and may have to pay for my car to be repaired by the Benz recommended shop. Under this circumstance that should never be the case and I will raise hell if this doesn't pan out in my favor.

mleskovar

And you should. But.....the more involved you get the less chance of that happening because both insurance companies know you are willing to believe them and they will.....and do....take advantage of people that way. Don't become a victim for the second time in one accident. Take the attitude of a paying customer instead of thinking they are doing you a favor by handling everything. Your expenses with this accident should be zero, and your time lost should be minimal. That's what you paid for. Also, don't sign a medical release until you are sure you are 100% the same as before the accident. Neck and back injuries can come back to haunt you. I hope this is all over for you soon, accidents and their aftermath have a way of sucking the fun out of life.

Den.

Guy was probably yapping on his phone. (I can't wait for that ban to take effect here!!)

Antwaaays. Glad you're okay but have those injuries CHECKED! Insurance is the lowest form of scum on the planet and it's unfortunate you have to find out this way.

Just be careful.

Battery!

I'm sure he was on the phone.

The other insurance company called me and said as far as medical, I'd have to go see someone using my employer's insurance or pay out of pocket, then submit a package to the insurance company to be reimbursed. Should I really be using my employer's insurance for this? And I don't want to pay out of pocket. She told me this is the only way to do it and said all companies are like this (that has to be a lie). There's just no arguing with these people and I was starting to get nasty with her, but in the end she's going to pay the claim so pissing her off probably isn't the best idea. I'm going to call my agent soon and get his "expert" opinion. This week has sucked *** because now I'm coming down with a cold from being outside in the rain when this happened and I'm going to cold *** Chicago this weekend.

mleskovar

Unfortunately that's pretty much the way it's done, you get reimbursed for out of pocket. If your employer's insurance covers it they can hold you responsible since auto accidents aren't usually covered by them (unless you were working at the time of the accident). They'll normally hold off collection for the insurance to pay at the end. One of things you will get is a check for "pain and suffering", or that's what it used to be called. However much the medical bills are (regardless of who pays) X a factor = your check for "pain and suffering". So if you keep going to the doctor for accident related pains in your neck and back, and to therapists, and specialists etc., you add all that up as the medical cost and multiply by a factor to come up with the amount. One of the reasons our insurance is so high is because unscrupulous people fake the pain to increase their 'pain and suffering' payout. What ever you do, don't sign the medical release form until you are absolutely sure you are OK. Sometimes they'll wave the pain and suffering check in your face to get you to sign as quickly as possible to stop their losses on the accident. I'm no insurance expert so if there's anyone who knows better please chime in.

Battery!

Well that sux...I'll have to figure out what to do. I know pain and suffering is some joke of an equation, she explained that.

2006c230

I am an insurance Agent for 9 different P and C insurance Companies and Allstate is one of them. I am not sure about GA...but in MD, VA and some other states your own insurance policy covers medical payment coverage or PIP (personal injury) coverage. Most of the time this has to be filed with your own company.
I agree that your agent does not seem to be helping you out...but when it comes to small claims 9 times out of 10 it is much easier for you the insured to file the claim with the other company. That way there is never a claim filed on your policy at all. As far as not at fault accidents effecting your rate that also varies state to state. I have seen some peoples rates when doing a quote for new business actually be higher for a not at fault then it would be to have an at fault.

The best advice I can give you is...no one is ever happy when you have a claim! If you have any problems dealing with the other persons insurance company then that is when you should go through your own insurance company. Your policy insures you if you have an accident that is your fault...they will fix the other persons car wouldn't they so why shouldn't his company fix your car? If you are not happy with the service that you are receiving through your agent...see if your state allows an agent change. In MD and VA all you have to do is request in writing that you want a different agent. And yes it will make a difference...if you have an Agent that wants to keep your business then they will defiantly work hard for you.

Sorry that it happened but keep in mind it could be worse...hope that you get your car back soon...


And just a side note...insurance companies are in business to make money. It kills me when people think that insurance companies are scum...or crooks. Well the only reason that most people feel this way is because you have to have it, and you do not understand what you have bought. There are times when that is not the case though...and all of us in the industry must suffer for it. Are banks and finance companies...crooks and scum too, you don't have to have a bank account. They charge you interest if you borrow money and they have all kinds of hidden fees. A insurance policy is very complicated but it has to specify everything that it does and does not cover otherwise if there is a loophole there will be a class action law suit. Insurance companies are regulated by the state and anytime that you are unhappy with any decision that an insurance company has made all you have to do is file an appeal with the State insurance commissioner...but I am sure if he/she doesn't make you happy you will call them scum too!

anonymouse

you should have had them direct bill the rental. The standard lin eis always, "pay for the rental and we will reimburse yuo" but if you were not at fault they will set up direct billing within seconds.

mleskovar

This is why most people are not happy with insurance companies. Do we not pay insurance companies to represent us in accidents, regardless of fault? Isn't that what is advertised? Most people never have an accident and many more have just one so few know what to do other than report it. There should be no thought as to whether to report or not if you were the victim and any company policy that would allow there to be a difference is just plain wrong. Then they are told "do this or that to get your money" and they usually end up getting stuck between two insurance companies. Usually it comes out OK after a lot of grief by the victim of the accident. As far as fault/no fault goes with rates I just wouldn't do business with a company that makes me pay more for an accident that was beyond my control.....I don't care how "insurance commission" legal it is, it's still a joke that a company would do that. This guy's car had to be towed and he may have injuries. Now he doesn't know who/what is being payed for and he has a life to get on with. How serious does it have to be before it's handled for him, not by him? End of rant

2006c230

That is true! You should not have to be out of pocket for anything.

Battery!

Thanks for your advice. Looks like the other guy's insurance company has agreed to pay the full price for fixing my car ($4,310) and I will not have to come out of pocket, except for extra insurance on my rental car. Insurance is very competitive, so I don't think this will blemish my record and my rates should remain stable if I stay with Allstate, which I plan to. There are too many factors to even comment on why someone with a no fault claim would have their rate increased. I will see what the other insurance company comes back with for diminished value. It will be about 3 weeks until I get my car, so that sucks, and my car has taken a hit in value that I will not be closely or fairly compensated for (I can tell you that before even hearing the number).

You are entitled to voice your opinion on insurance companies as well. I don't know why you chose to work for one, but if I were you, I would also defend the hand that feeds me.

2006c230

You can certainly report the claim to your own insurance company...as I said his agent did not seem to want to help him out. I have called in the claim for many people... I have argued with the adjusters for many people. If he was hurt he is entitled to be compensated for that...and just be happy that the person that hit him has insurance. You would not believe how many people drive without it...sucks that we have to carry insurance for people that drive without insurance.

That is why many states are becoming no fault states...you run into my car my insurance has to pay to fix mine and your has to pay to fix yours...and that is

If you hit me your insurance company should fix my car and reimburse me for pain/suffering etc... if you do not have insurance or do not have enough insurance then I need to use my own policy.


Why? If you have a claim on your policy it is still a claim. If I have not had a claim at all, why should you get the same discounts as me? Now, the reason that this has happened is because of "hit and run" that is classified as a not at fault accident. If your car is in a parking lot and someone hits it you have to pay a deductible to get it fixed or at least in the states that I am licensed you do...but it is filed as a not at fault accident. If you stay with the same company in most cases they will not remove any discounts or raise your rate. But if you shop for new insurance you may not qualify to get all of the discounts as some one with no claims. Is this right no it is but that is the way the world is... people abuse the system all of the time. Someone backs into a car and leaves now you will have 2 separate people calling in not a fault accidents one that truly did nothing wrong and the other a jerk that should have to pay. Man I could go on for weeks about this crap. No it is not right but it is not always the insurance companies that are screwing people there are many times people are screwing the companies too!



Hey I love what I do. I work very hard to make sure people that I represent have the right coverage, and have a through understanding of their policy. There are many people that hate insurance...and insurance companies. I see it on both ends...I see the person who loses everything and the insurance company is all that they have. House burns down and they have nothing but a insurance policy. I have had people have heart attacks and not worked for weeks but I hand them a pay check because of a disability policy. I have hand delivered death claim checks to the surviving spouse when their husband/wife has passed...trust me that is when people appreciate insurance companies. Sure everyone always hears about when a company screws someone...but you do not always here the good news...

mleskovar

That's because we expect to get paid from the insurance company. That's what we paid for. It's a business arrangement that insurance companies set rates based on actuaries and makes money. If the actuaries fail they raise the rates anyway....correct? It's a no loss business. The relief should be "thankfully I bought insurance" not "I'm glad they paid me." I know there are many agents out there that treat their customers like you say you do so I don't want to be overly cynical but remember we are paying money to be protected and served so it's not exceptional when we collect or are helped. My agent also keeps my insurance coverages updated, shops for the best deals for me, and keeps me updated as well. That's why I keep him over others I have tried. Many/most people don't find out how good their agent is until they need them unless they know what to look for and questions to ask. I hope it works out for the best for Battery.

W Cole

I have this exact same question. My buddy with a 400awhp audi a4 got into an accident. It was obviously 100% the other drivers fault. The driver made a permissive left in front of my buddy and despite driving the speed limit and braking as hard as he could, he couldn't avoid the accident.

Regardless of what my buddy has done to his car its up to the other guy to pay for the damages, right?