Auto Insurance Claims: loss of use and third party liability, third party liability, fault insurance

Question
Hi, Richard,

Thank you ahead for your any kindly help. I got an accident one week ago. Some guy hit my car from behind when I stopped in traffic. It was totally his fault. I have a full coverage policy, so I think it easy to let me insurer to deal with the damages on my policy(and then they can get subrogation from that guy's insurer). But because I did not buy loss of use so I have to contact the third party's insurer myself for them to cover the rental car expense for the period when the car is to be repaired. The situation is we know that the car is covered but the driver may not be the named insured according to the third party's adjuster. But as I known, any person driving the covered car is insured (except the person drive the covered car with no reasonable belief of being titled to do so. But in my case that guy claimed he is the owner of the car. God knows). My concern is:
the adjuster said she needed sometime for investigation. I know it is a reasonable requirement and I should be patient. But how long do you think it reasonable for me to give them for investigation? Is there a regulatory  limitation of time for the liability claim be settled. If they keep saying no progress on investigation, what can I do to protect my rights and interest? Because I cannot repair my car if they do not pay for me rental car, will it hurt my claim for the damages through my own policy? Both the insurers gave me claim numbers. Is there a time limit during which I should get the car fixed so that the insurer won't deny the claim?

Thank you very much. Have a good night  

Answer
Hi Jasmine,

If you let your insurance company handle the repairs the at-fault insurance may not pay for the rental car until you send them a paid bill after the repairs are complete. Sometimes even when the at-fault insurance pays for the repairs they will handle the rental on a reimbursement basis and not pay for it in advance.

In most states an insurance company has upto 30 days to investigate and either pay or deny the claim.

To keep things moving forward, you should select a body shop they you want to to the work. Have the vehicle moved to that shop. You can start the process with your own insurance company and then if the other insurance comapny accepts liability, you can switch to them and try to get them to put your rental car on a direct bill to them.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh