Auto Insurance Claims: Auto Insurance Response time to write a preliminary estimate., storage fees, collision shop
QuestionHi Richard.
I had a question that i have been searching but not getting the correct answer, I own a Collision shop in Florida and lately the Insurance company response time has been really bad, having cars waiting for insurance companies for weeks to write the preliminary estimate. I thought in the state of Florida the Insurance Companies have 72 hours to respond to a claim. In addition i could not find out any laws about supplements either (time frame). thank you much for your time. will be looking forward to reading your response.
AnswerHi M,
I am not aware of any such law in the state of Florida. The only law that I am aware of states that the insurance company must either pay or deny a claim within 30 days of it being reported to them.
One thing you can do it to keep detailed written records of when you make requests, who you spoke to, the date and time you spoke to them. If the response is slow, get the vehicle owner involved. Have them file a complaint with the department of insurance. You should send certified mail to the claim adjuster informing them that they are slowing down your operation and that you will allow 3 days for someone to come out to write an estimate or supplement and after that time you will take numerous photos and keep parts for inspection, but, you will begin repairs regardless. Start charging storage fees for each day beyond a reasonable time frame. If they then start trying to refuse to pay, you should get a good attorney and look into filing suit on a couple of files. You may want to contact Ray Gunder of Gunder's Collision (also in Florida). He has been successful at getting ins companies to behave at least a little. He just received a check from State Farm for $76,157.88 for their intimidation.
Remember this is your business. Make it run the way you want it to run. Not the way the insurance company tries to dictate.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
