Auto Insurance Claims: Rental Car, mail return receipt, state insurance department

Question
Hi Richard,
 I have recently had a 2000 Ford Expedition catch on fire. This was due to a recalled defective part. When we received the recall we tried several times to schedule an appointment with the local Ford dealership to have the part replaced. They never seemed to have the part in stock. The Expedition caught on fire in the parking lot at my wife's work place. The insurance company covered the claim and the Expedition was fixed. However, the payment took over two weeks to arrive. In fact, the payment never arrived and we had to go get a check from a local insurance office. Then the insurance company tried to deny part of the claim on the basis that they would only pay for the repair of the part and it had to be replaced. This delay resulted in my having to rent a car for 21 days. the insurance company paid $20.00 per day as per my policy. But the repair was finished for two weeks before we could get the payment to pick it up. Should the insurance company pay part of the out of pocket expense for the rental car?

Answer
Hi John,

I agree that since the delay was the fault of the insurance company that they should pay for the addition cost of the rental. Unfortunately, they will not likely offer this freely. You will need to write them a letter out lining what happened, the number of days you had a rental and the cost you are expecting them to pay. You should send that letter by certified mail / return receipt requested. If they refuse to pay, you can file a complaint with your state insurance department. This may get them to pay at least some of it. Unfortunately if that paid according to your policy it may be difficult to get them to pay any more.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh