Insurance Agent Forum

[royale]

Several days ago, as I was getting into my apartment, my car was struck by the automated gate. These are automated gates where you need a remote to open, and there are sensors that detect objects in its path and will stay open. I have passed through this gate many times, but just my luck this friday it ended up closing on my car. The point of impact was towards the back wheel of my car, so it is obvious that the gate was open, and it started to close on my car as I was passing through it.

Right now I am thinking of claiming this through my Apartment complex's insurance instead of my own personal insurance. I dont want to pay the deductible, and take a chance that my own personal insurance not winning the claim against my apartment company. Is this the best course of action? Any recommendations on what I should do? I have already received estimates, and they are damages that cost about $1500 and my deductible through my insurance is $500.

Appreciate some help from any experts!

[crencom]

As a former claims adjuster, ive actually handled a claim like this before.

Go ahead and call the apt complex manager and advise of this loss. She / he may have you fill out some sort of incident report which is fine. Be specific and try to give as much info you can. Also give the estimates to the manager in order to expedite the investigation. However, the apt insurer may send out their own appraiser to evaluate and estimate the damage. Remember you can choose your own shop.

Make sure your shop agrees with the apt insurers loss figure prior to working on the vehicle. No surprises both ways - it slows things down.

You are entitled to a like kind rental while the vehicle is under repair to completion. Make sure the shop has your parts and is ready to go when you turn in the damaged vehicle for repairs. You are not entitled to rental if there is a delay for parts delivery. Of course this only matters if your damaged vehicle is driveable right now. If not driveable than you should be given a rental as soon as the apt insurer finishes their investigation.

When the vehicle is done, make sure the repairs are to your specs/liking since the shop is working for you not the insurer.

If the apt insurer is taking too long, you may want to turn it into your own carrier to expedite the repairs. Your company will then subrogate against the apt carrier for the damages and your deductible.

Last - I dont know the specifics of what happened, but if the apt complex is at fault, this is how it should go.

Scott

[royale]

Hey there Scott.. thanks for the suggestions on going after the apartment company. I have attempted to get in touch with them, but they did not respond to me. So I ended up going through my insurance. My own carrier will be going after them, and should they win, I will be able to recover the deductible.