Auto Insurance Claims: Auto liability claim, state insurance commissioners, paint expert

Question
I was driving on the toll road and workers who were painting lines accidentally sprayed paint on my car.  I contacted the Toll Road Authority who directed me to the contractor who was doing the work. The contractor told us to get an estimate and, trying to be equitable, we said we would try to find the cheapest way to get the paint off.  We tried to remove it ourselves - no luck.  We took it to a local car wash and they tried to clean it off - no luck.  We then took it to a body shop and they said the only way to get it off is to repaint. They also said that they had seen several other cars with this same paint issue in the past week or so. The contractor said they'd have to go through their insurance company now since it was going to cost more than a few hundred dollars and, after some time,  they sent an adjuster out.  Several weeks went by and now they say they need to send someone else out - paint expert or something - to look at the car. They were supposed to come this past week but they didn't. Anyway, the overspray event happened in early April and it's now almost August.  I think it's ridiculous that it has taken this long.  What can I do now?  I think they are just stalling and hoping I'll forget about it.  Thanks for any help you can give.

Answer
Hi Page,

You need to try to reach someone in management at this insurance company. You need to become a "squeeky wheel". Write them letters, send them email and call them every day until you get satisfaction. You can also try filing a formal complaint with your state insurance commissioners office. In most states the law allows an insurance comapny 30 days to investigate and either pay or deny a claim. You just have to become their worst nightmare. In the end your final recourse would be to file a lawsiut against the contractor that did the damage.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh