Auto Insurance Claims: claim settlement, squeeky wheel, voice mail

Question
I totaled my truck on icy road 12/22/06. Insurance company contacted me via phone 1/6/07. I did not accept their first lowball figure which was over $3000 less than NADA. On 1/8/06 I faxed and emailed them a letter from me, current pic of the truck, NADA verification printed the same day as the accident, statement from my dealer on vehicle condition and what they would have asked on the lot if they were selling it. I asked for verification they received the info and never got it. So on 1/11/07 I again contacted them to be told they never got it. Finally after some discussion I did get the rep to admit she got the info but she couldn't read it, claiming the attachements couldn't open etc. I verified the problem wasn't on my end and sent them again with the same response. I even sent them as whole documents and not attachments. She then gave me another fax number to use, I asked her to call or email me verifying receipt. I also left a voice mail for her supervisor telling him of the problem and asked that he oversee this as there seemed to be a problem at their end in getting my info. I am sending it all return receipt also. I still have not had a return call or email verifying receipt of email or faxes yesterday. The company was over the six day time frame for commencing negotiations and a good faith offer of settlement but I don't know if two days is reason for concern. However adding to it the problem that I seem to be having with something that should be as cut and dried as their receiving a fax or email I wonder how much time I should allow for all of this and if I should be the squeeky wheel and keep on them to settle this or would I only aggrivate the issue. Also what is the time frame if any, allowed for timely settlement? Thanks so much

Answer
Hi Cindy,

In most states, an insurance company has 30 days to either make you an offer or deny the claim. They have made you an offer which you are now trying to negotiate.

From this point forward, all correspondence with the insurance company should be done by certified mail/return receipt requested. You should state in each thing that you send them that you expect a written response with in 10 days. If after all this you still feel the insurance company is dragging their feet, you should file a complaint with your state insurance commissioners office.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh