Auto Insurance Claims: Axles broke, wheels fell-off accident, state insurance commissioners, coverage insurance

Question
While my wife was on the highway, and the axles broke which caused the wheels to fall off. She lost control of the car and it started spinning in the highway. The car is a total loss since it hit the guard rails on both sides of the highway. We have comprehensive/collision coverage insurance. The insurance company said they will not pay for our car since it was a mechanical breakdown that caused this accident. Is this right/legal? The car is a total loss and there is body damage everywhere.  I am not asking to fix the axles or the wheels, the parts that failed, but the car crashed into a wall.

Answer
Hi Cindy,

No this is not correct. The insurance company does not have to pay to the part that broke, but they do have to pay for all of the other damage.

You need to call back your insurance company and ask to speak with the claims manager. Explain the situation to him/her. If they still try to deny your claim, you should contact your state insurance commissioners office to file a formal complaint.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh