Auto Insurance Claims: Loss of Use & Fleet Utilization Log, fleet utilization, fleet vehicle

Question
I had asked a question earlier, and Mr Hixenbaugh answered to that, my follow up question is ...do I end up suffering in this deal?  I have a clean driving record and the accident happened due to some creature crawling under my car...... did I do a mistake by depending on AMEX insurance? if they are secondary insurance providers, aren't they cheating people by saying that they cover upto $50,000, because if the car rental co does not provide that one document (Fleet Utilization) I get screwed




Expert:   Richard Hixenbaugh
Subject:   Loss of Use & Fleet Utilization Log
Question:      I was involved in an accident twice the same weekend, once with third party and second with nobody, the car just rammed into the curb. I had paid for this rental car using AMEX, I filled a claim with AMEX, they have received all the required documents, but the "Fleet Utilization Log" from the rental company. AMEX says it will not cover insurance if they do not receive the Fleet Utilization Log. I don't know why would the rental company not provide it. Is it a plot to screw the customer? as AMEX say they don't cover the Loss of Use. Please Help
Answer:   Hi Amol,

Loss of use by a rental company is usually denied by most insurance companies unless the log is provided. This is because in order for the rental company to claim that they lost money due to this vehicle not being in service they have to prove that every other vehicle in their fleet was rented and they were turning down customer becuse they had no cars available. Just let Amex handle this. They will deal with the insurance company. If the rental car contacts or writes to you, simply refer them back to Amex or send Amex any letters you receive.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

Answer
Loss of use is typically a claim made by the owner of a fleet vehicle that was damaged, which ordinarily produces revenue while it is not being repaired. If you are the owner of the rental car company (or branch manager), you could have a valid claim. Regardless of whether or not there were no other cars at your location that could be rented, I have seen insurance companies pay these claims on the basis that a rental car company needs to have several vehicles on their lot in order to give the impression that they are a viable provider of a rental car. Furthermore, there are different types of vehicles (sedans, SUVs, trucks, vans)in a fleet, which is also a requirement for rental car companies.

However, your situation does not appear to fit this scenario as you do not claim to be the owner of the rental car provider, but are instead asking to be reimbursed for the rental car costs. If the Fleet Utilization Log is a requirement in the AMEX agreement, then that is a justifiable prerequisite to payment of a claim. Read the agreement from AMEX and follow Mr. Hixenbaugh's advice.