Auto Insurance Claims: Underage Fees/Loss of Use, extra insurance, enterprise rent a car

Question
Hello,

My car was in an accident that was not my fault (car was parked) and the other insurance has accepted fault and issued me a check. However, without consulting me, they sent me a "loss of use" on my vehicle at a rate of $25 per day. This would be fine but the situation is that I am under 25 and all the rental companies I have looked at charge $25/day surcharge.

Am I up a creek or is there something I can do? I emailed my adjuster but as usual they never respond. I'm in Florida if it makes a difference.

Thanks,
Elizabeth

Answer
Hi Elizabeth,

The reason they sent you a check marked "Loss of Use" instead of rental car is that they are trying to make it look like you chose to take the case rather than the rental car. You should not cash that check.

You need to contact them and tell them that you want a rental car that is direct billed to them and that that are responsible for the extra cost. They are responsible for what it costs YOU to rent a car. They do not get to dictate the costs. You should call Enterprise rent a car and get them to fax or email you a written quote to rent you a car. The insurance company is not responsible for purchasing extra insurance on the rental car, only the daily rental amount and tax. You should contact your insurance company to see if they cover you while renting a car. If not you will have to pay for the insurance yourself.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh