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KK2 · Nov 21, 2006, 01:58 PM

My SIL was recently in an auto accident and did not have any automobile insurance. Bad SIL, I know. The accident was the fault of the other driver (isn't is always!! ) and that driver did have insurance. My SIL is now trying to get something out of that insurance company for her car which is a total loss. Any advice? She seems to be getting nowhere with them at this point. We live in Missouri, if that makes a difference. The insurance company is Safeco, I believe. Does anybody know what steps or protocol she should follow? There were also substantial injuries to 2 people in my SIL's car, but at this point she's looking to get some $$$$ so she can get another vehichle and then deal with the personal injury claim separately. Can this be done?

mr.yet · Nov 21, 2006, 02:01 PM

File the claim against the other persons insurance co. If they don't resond, file complaint with the insurance commissioner in your state. Don't agrre to anything on the phone, make them put it in writing.

ScottGem · Nov 21, 2006, 02:02 PM

She needs to file a claim with the other driver's insurance company, get the claim number.

If their insured is denying fault, then she will need to sue the insurance company for damages. The fact that she was uninsured is not going to help her.

If she was insured, she would file a claim with her company and they would handle suing the other driver. Now she has to handle it all herself. The first step is to get a claim number and find out if they will pay on the claim.

KK2 · Nov 21, 2006, 02:14 PM

Thanks. I believe she does have the claim number and has given her statement to the insurance company. The other driver is "non-reponsive" at this point, they're thinking is that she possibly had a stroke or other medical emergency and that was the cause of her erratic driving. I don't know if that is the reason that she's not getting any where with the insurance co. or not. The accident happened 2 1/2 weeks ago. How long does it typically take to settle on an automobile claim (not personal injury).

ScottGem · Nov 21, 2006, 02:20 PM

She needs to get on the insurance company's back. If the claims adjuster doesn't provide satisfaction, then go up the line. Threaten to report it to the state insurance department.

KK2 · Nov 21, 2006, 02:39 PM

Thanks, Scott!

Fr_Chuck · Nov 21, 2006, 07:06 PM

Yes and depending on her damges, if not that big, she can file a claim against them in small claims court if they don't respond in a timely manner.

Many large insurance companies, normally have a unwritten policy to try to deny a lot of claims esp when there is no other insurance company.
I have held it too many times on sites like this.