After you have been in an accident, the insurance company, whether it is yours or the other persons, will “suggest” a repair shop for you. I say “suggest” because they will tell you it is one of their “preferred shops”…
Posts Categorized In: Claims
Who’s to Blame When The Street Bites Your Car?
It is amazing. You were driving down your street, minding your own business. You weren’t bothering anyone, especially not the asphalt. Then, out of nowhere, the street jumps up and hits your car. (Okay, more likely there was a pothole…
You Hit an Unoccupied Car – What should you do?
Someone on Craigslist wrote to one of the forums about an experience they had. This person was driving a car in the evening and struck another vehicle. The driver got out, looked around, and saw no one was there. So,…
Adjuster Writing Skills
As part of my “fun” activities, I have written for several journals. I write extensively for the CPCU Society and the Claims Section. I primarily do this as a way to provide information and insight to adjusters so that the…
Reservation of Rights: What does it mean?
Sometimes you will hear an insurance adjuster tell you that he/she is going to send you a reservation of rights letter. It is a fancy name for a really long letter (at least the well written ones are good!). But…
Uh-Oh: You Forgot to Add a Driver!
I met with a new client this week. Her brother was driving a friend’s car when he was involved in a motor vehicle collision. I asked about the brother’s insurance and was told he does not have any. (Fortunately, the…
So Your Dog Gets Out and Someone Runs Away And Falls – Now What?
Yes, as funny as it sounds, it happens. People’s dogs do get out and chase people – usually little kids. The dog runs, some kid turns and runs away and falls or runs into a parked car. The dog then…
Liability Issues for Domestic Partners
Someone today asked me about liability for domestic partners. They were registered as domestic partners and buying a new car. How much insurance did they need to protect the assets of both partners? I told them that they may both…
Your Car Was Stolen – or Was It?
So someone asked what they should do when their car is “stolen.” What is “stolen” and how does it differ from stolen? Your car is stolen when someone takes it without your permission. You call the police and report it…
More on Changes to Your Auto Insurance
I came across the BEST story I have read about the competing interests with regard to changes to auto insurance. The story is by Erin Sherbert of the Stockton Record. Ms. Sherbert lays out Garamendi’s position on why he wants…