Auto Insurance Claims: unoccupied parked car hit- what are my rights, collision repair shop, unoccupied vehicle

Question
My unoccupied vehicle was hit by an elderly driver while I was in a counseling session.  I heard the wreck happen and was advised that my car and my counselors car were hit.  I understand he has full coverage and my car is not driveable. This driver hit two cars and an auto garage.  Can I make a claim for lost wages for time off work (personal injury) even though I was not in the car at the time of the wreck.

Answer
Hi Karen,

NO, you may NOT make any claim for time it takes to fix your vehicle or inconvenience.  That seems unfair to many of us, but the insurance industry complains that to allow people to make such claims would raise the rates too much.  So you make the call--fair or unfair?

Bottom line is that when someone causes us inconvenience by hitting our unoccupied vehicle, all we get is a "chance" that a collision repair shop can restore it to pre-accident condition.

Best wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
www.SettlementCentral.Com