Auto Insurance Claims: storage fees to insurance com., Storage and Loss of Use

Question
ii bought a car in florida, hired to have it delivered, it was totaled in a wreck coming to arkansas, they did total the car , i sent title , release to insurance. they say they dont have to pay storage fees in my shop. its their car now, and on my primises, blocking my shop work to be done . they have not tried to set up , to get it out of my shop. they  wont cut me a check for my car,  they don't get the car till i get the price we decided on by a check, i feel i deserve  the storage fees.

Answer

Carl,

You didn't provide me much info such as whose insurance is covering the loss...your insurance,  or the transporter’s or the at-fault party’s.

If you owned the vehicle (and actually still do until you get paid# the insurer will owe you storage either on behalf of their insured or your policy as the situation may be.

If it is the at-fault party or the transport company’s responsibility you will want to go after them since they caused the damages. Their insurer should step in to resolve all issues…if not, you continue to pursue against that at-fault driver and let them go after their insurer under the terms of their contract.

Regardless; you have care custody and control over the vehicle and owe to protect it while there thus you have real and distinct liabilities #what would the insurer claim if someone stole it!?) and as such you are entitled to reasonable storage and car cover or whatever else is reasonable to protect the property.

Know this; Insurance companies will sometimes tell you things that simply aren’t true to save money and will treat you with respect only after you earn it.

I hope this helps and if you'd care to discuss further perhaps a an e-mail where we can swap numbers would be best. You can reach me @ Barrett@AutoDamageExperts.com

BTW: You're also entitled to Loss of Use for the time you've been without your vehicle until you receive sufficient payment to purchase another plus a few days! This is due you regardless if you incur a rental or not or if you own several other vehicles.

Hope this helps a little bit!

Barrett