Auto Insurance Claims: I have liablity covage and uninsured property damage, underinsured motorist coverage, civil remedy

Question
QUESTION: I was out last week shopping someone hit my car. I do not know who or where it happened. I turned it in to my insurance and they say there is nothing they can do. Since I have uninsured propery damage shouldent that cover it? The person who it hit must not of had insurance or they would of left ther information.

ANSWER: Jeanetta,

I am not familiar with uninsured property damage and this may just be a misunderstanding as to coverage. There is bodily injury coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage all of which pertain to injuries sustained by a person (bodily injury). For purposes of property damage there is comprehensive and collision coverage. If you have these coverages, then the repairs to your vehicle should be paid by your insurance company. Ask them explain to you in writing why your claim is not covered, citing the specific policy language or exclusion from coverage.

Also, ask in writing for a copy of your DEC page (declarations page listing the coverages you have and the amount of coverage you have under each type of coverage).

If you are not satisfied with their response, in Florida we can file a civil remedy notice with the department of insurance stating what we are dissatisfied with about the way an insurance company is handling a claim and the insurance company must respond in writing to the civil remedy notice. You can probably search online to see if your state has a similar provision. It provides for a little extra leverage in trying to obtain answers.

Best of Luck.

Marc B. Nussbaum, Esquire

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I guess I asked this question wrong I have liblity coverage I also have the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. So since this was a hit and run that I did not notice until I got home that evening should I make a police report and do you think it should be covered under the uninsured? Thnak you for you help

Answer
Jeanetta,

If you don't have property damage coverage on your vehicle, you can not get money from your insurance company for the damage to the vehicle. Neither liability coverage nor Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage pays for damage to the vehicle.

Marc B. Nussbaum, Esquire