Auto Insurance Claims: claims process, value appraisals, diminished value claim

Question
I was in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. It was totally his fault. The vehicle was his wife's and we believe has insurance coverage. We thankfully only had minor injuries. My car will most likely be fixable since it is only a few months old. How does this process work? I have filed a claim with my company but have heard nothing from the other insurance company. Do I start having the car fixed? Will the other company pay for a rental car while my car is fixed? How do I claim diminished value and get reimbursed for medial bills? My insurance company has not been very helpful in the process so far.

Answer
Hi Vanessa,

You should contact the at-fault persons insurance company directly to file a claim. Once they have completed their investigation and assuming they accept liability, they wil pay for your repairs as well as a rental car. You would pursur the diminished value claim once the repairs are complete. To do this you will have to hire an independent vehicle appraiser that specializes in diminished value appraisals. For more information on diminished value visit www.collisionclaims.com.

If the at-fault insurance company is too slow or does not accept liability, you will have to have your own insurance company take care of the repairs. If you have rental coverage on your policy that will handle that as well. In most states you can not collect diminished value from your own insurance policy. So when the repairs are complete you would pursue the diminished value directly from the at-fault persons insurance.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh