QuestionMy husband and I are on a road trip from Maine to California, where we are relocating for his job. Today, in Missouri, we were hit by an SUV. The cop determined that the SUV was totally at fault, but it's a sunday, so we haven't heard back from the insurance companies yet.
Basically, we don't have time to wait around Missouri until our car is repaired and we don't have time to come back for it. The car is not totaled, just not drivable. While I'm reasonably sure their insurance will have to pay for a rental car, will they be responsible for shipping our car to us in California once it is repaired? If not, what are our options, and how can I negotiate something that will allow us to leave?
AnswerHi Linda,
I'm sorry you're going through this.
You first need to make contact with the at-fault insurance company. Explain the situation and see what they have to say. Do not be timid. You should be polite by forceful is describing what you expect, which is, that they pay for a one-way rental and that they ship your repaired vehicle to you in California when it is done. Or you may want them to ship the damaged car to you and then you can have it repaired near where you are. This may be a better alternative in case there are any issues with the repairs, as it will be difficult to obtain warrantee work from several states away.
If the at-fault insurance company does not apear aooperative, then you will have to file the claim through your own insurance. Unfortunately, there are many issues with that as well. Such as thet fact that you would have to pay your deductible, the fact that your rental car coverage is limited to a per day max as well as an overall limit and thewy will not pay to ship you the car wheather repaired or not.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
