QuestionMy jeep was hit while parked outside my house. It has about 3 thousand dollars of damage, including one damaged tire. I have 1000 dollar deductible for my collision insurance. Allstate told me that they could not waive my decuctible, as I cannot identify the hit-and-run car (I have police report and had part of that car's bumper and passager side mirror, but no licence plate). In addition, Allstate asked me to pay for half of the tire, as the tire is half worn, in addition to my deductible. I think it is outragous. I think they should pay for the entire repair, minus $1000. I can careless if they found a used tire for the car. They should not ask me to pay for half of a new tire. If they follow their logic, why don't they just paint part of my fender, as it was not a new fender? What is your opinion on this? Thanks.
AnswerHi Seam,
It is typical for an insurance company to take what is called "betterment" on items that normally wear out. A fender does not wear out so that is why they would not take betterment on a fender. Betterment would apply to any items that typically wear out over time such as tires, brakes, shocks/struts,ball joints, belts & hoses, etc.
An insurance company is not allowed to purchase a used tire due to potential liability issues. If the used tire has a weak area or a bubble it could blow out. Then you would want to sue the insurance company for putting a used tire on your car. So they put a new tire but will only pay for the remaining tread left on the tire. You pay for the tread that you have already used on the old tire.
As for your deductible, this is the position that most insurance companies will take. Since you do have some evidence in the form of parts from the car that hit yours, you may try elevating this issue to someone in management. Adjusters may not have to authority to accept this as evidence that another car was involved but someone in mamagement may be easier to deal with.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
