Auto Insurance Claims: How to dispute collision damage, How to dispute collision damage

Question
Hello. I will try to make this short. I recently got my SUV (2005 Chevy Trailblazer) repossessed on 2 January 2010 and now I just found out thru my insurance company that I have to pay for collision damage. I was shocked because I don't know what collision damage they were talking about. I was interviewed on the phone about my vehicle and I was asked if I have been in an accident of some sort. I told them no and that my vehicle was in good condition other than the fact that it was dirty and needed to be cleaned. My insurance company stated that my car lender informed them that there were headlight and front bumper damages to the car estimating to an amount of about $938. I was like what the heck are they talking about. The truck is practically new. Anyway, my insurance company said that I would have to pay my collision deductible of $500 and they would pay the rest. Do I have a say in this at all? I asked to see pictures and I was told I was not allowed to. I understand my insurance policy but gosh why do I have to pay for something that did not happen. What am I supposed to do? Please tell me. If these damages do exist it is not from my negligence and honestly I believe it could have happened when the vehicle got towed.

Answer
Hello Shasta,

Your insurance has a duty to you (a duty to believe you). The insurance should override your testimony unless there is evidence that you did do this.

This creates a very interesting situation because if the car is reposed, you did not give them permission for the to drive it (they took the car). Since this is the case, it is very likely that there can be exclusion of coverage there.

See: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/insurance-coverages.html

In addition, you do have a right to the pictures. Contact the Department of insurance of your state or the office of the insurance commissioner (they are called different things in different states) and file a complaint.

I hope this helps,
Anne
http://www.quirogalawoffice.com/