Auto Insurance Claims: auto insurance, plastic molding, loss history


Question
HI Richard,
My Mini Cooper was hit by two shopping carts. (Three-four of the wolves were surrounding my lamb when I came out of the store!) One hit the drivers side and bounced off leaving a small dent.  The other, I believe, hit the right front wheel well just above the plastic molding leaving a small dent.  Then it must've bounced off and the wind blew it into my bumper leaving two gouges. There is a distance of 8-10 inches between these two injuries. This is winter in Michigan! It was a very windy day and the shopping carts were those grey ones that tend to walk or even "run".  I usually park well away from everyone, including shopping carts but that day I was tired...
My insurance company seems to be suggesting that I will have to file three claims with 3 deductibles.  They are also implying that perhaps a car hit me and therefore it's not just a comprehensive claim but a collision (higher deductable) I've been with the company for ten years w/ only one claim for a windshield three years ago. This all seems patently unfair!  What recourse do I have?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Forget your loss history or lack thereof... it has no bearing in the matter at hand.

As soon as I started reading your scenario the issue of multiple deductibles crept into my sub-conscious.

The company is well within their perogative/right(s) to assert multiple deductibles and unless you have witnesses to the contrary or some other way to document how the damages occurred you are S.O.L.

I would talk with the company and see if you can't negotiate your way down to two or even possibly one COMPREHENSIVE deductible.  

Failing that your only real recourse is to file a complaint with your State Dept of Insurance and ask them to intercede on your behalf.  They do not have the power to alter what has occurred but their mere presence may get the company's attention to the point where they would be willing to negotatie with you.

Good luck.

Hope and trust that the above answers your question(s) and provides some direction.

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Thanks