QuestionI live in WA had an Acura Integra stolen once 1 yr ago than recovered stolen again Mar 9th and was involved in a hit and run
accident. I was at work and had no idea the car had been stolen until contacted by Tacoma Police about who had my car, I proclaimed it was parked in back lot, at which time it became obvious it been stolen and I reported it as such. Officer explained that the driver had fled on foot and my car had been impounded. I notified towing company had to pay them for towing.
Than this week I receive a bill from a credit collection company for 4,085.10 for the accident says their client hired them to collect debt and that thier client is Allstate Insurance.I thought it to be odd that Allstate Insurance just hired a collection company to sue me and never ever contacted me in regards to this accident. I would like to know if I'm responsible for paying this debt and if this collection agency can ruin my credit and suspend my license for non payment.
Answer Hello Helen,
It appears that the owner/driver of the hit and run must have obtained your tag number and then reported the accident to their insurance company, Allstate. Subsequently, Allstate paid for the damages to their insured vehicle and is now going after you for reimbursement of those damages.
What baffles me is that apparently you have never been contact by Allstate? That should have a routine portion of their claim investigation.
You have a police report, and I assume you reported the loss to your insurance company who paid for your damages. You need to contact Allstate directly (I would not contact the collection agency - they do not investigate insurance claims) and provide them with the information.
You can call Allstate, however, I would suggest that even if you do call them you need to provide your documentation to them, in writing, return receipt requested. If you have it, include their claim number and any other identifying information.
There should be two police reports, one for the theft of your vehicle, and another for the hit and run incident involving your stolen vehicle. You will need copies of both. And from the crash report, you should be able to determine the name of the driver and the Allstate Policy number. This will make your efforts easier when contacting Allstate.
You should also provide Allstate with your insurance information confirming your theft claim, and confirming your damages. You don't say, but I assume you had comprehensive coverage that covered your damages with your own carrier.
There are some details missing here. Allstate never contacted you? Have you received any documentation from them at all? If I'm missing something vital, please follow up.
The bottom line is, you personally are not obligated for the damages caused by a thief. Allstate needs to go after the thief, not you.
Jane Pytel
http://SolutionsForYourInsuranceClaim.com
http://FloridaAutoInsuranceCentral.com
