Progressive Claim Question

[samantha101]

Hello,

Here's my situation, my car was vandalised and declared totalled by Progressive.

A few days ago the claim adjuster asked me to sign a credit info release paper. So I signed it, she told me it was to check if I had a "financial motive" to ruin my own car....I don't mind that they do the credit check thing. My question is this: Yes, I do have late payments and what not in my history. It's not a huge deal, just some late payments for my car loan (not the car I have a claim on) So will my bad credit affect if my claim is paid or not? I've never had a claim before in my life and have had credit issues just like any other person. I'm very stressed over this situation. I've tried to ask the adjuster this question but she hanged up on me even though I have been nothing but polite and she hasn't answered my calls even after I left her a voicemail.

 

[Guest]

Ut Oh..................

 

[samantha101]

Have you ever heard of anything like this happening to someone? I should have stayed with State Farm......

 

[djs]

If you had nothing to do with the damage to your car, the claim will get paid. Bad credit might slow the claim down a bit, but it won't stop them from paying it.

This is routine. All carriers do pretty much the same thing, so don't sweat it. Its an attempt to minimize paying fraudelent claims, which happens more than you might imagine. They may also ask for you cell phone records. Don't sweat it, just do it.

And yes, as an agent, I have had clients deal with this many, many times. Bottom line, if you didn't do it, don't worry about it. Be glad they check because it really does help hold the rates down for the vast majority of insureds.

Dan

 

[samantha101]

Djs thanks for your post. So why would they ask for cell phone records???
I just think its strange because nobody I know has ever gone through this process....They are making me feel like I'm the bad guy, that my claim has "red flags"?! and that it's in "special investigation unit" WTH? I don't know what that is!! That car isnt even the most expensive one I own and its not even financed (the other more expensive one IS financed). Arrgh I just hope this is over soon :/. And no, I didn't vandalize my own vehicle.
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Djs I forgot to ask you how long do these "special investigation" claims take to settle?

 

[djs]

Don't worry about it going through special investigations. There are a LOT of things that will trigger this and then a certain number of claims will be sent there just more as an audit. A lot of these triggers have nothing to do with you, just a process concern.

If the policy is reasonably new and a vandalism claim, those will go almost 100% of the time. You didn't mention how long its been since you switched to Progressive, but that would be my guess why you went to special investigations.

I've seen these take anywhere from 2 days to 2 years. Okay, anything over 30 days takes some explaining, so they tend not to go that long, but sometimes they do. Most get done pretty quick.

If you had an agent, they could answer this for you and help understand what the concern is.

The good news is, if I have to explain why they might want a copy of your cell phone records, you don't need to worry about it

I've never had a claim denied due to special investigations review that wasn't for a very, very good reason that any average person would agree with.

Dan

 

[BlockO]

unless the vandalized car is close to being a lemon, most vandalism claims don't exceed the value of the vehicle. vandalism claims usually involve a broken window, someone keying your car, etc. (minor stuff).

when vandalism damage is enough to total the car, it's usually because the person either did it themself, or know the person who did it (e.g. an ex-boyfriend or a current boyfriend's ex). so your claim for that reason alone raises red flags. That's why they may ask for phone records.

if you have nothing to hide, simply relax and follow DJS's advice. it will work itself out after they look into everything.

 

[Guest]

Yes, The Vandalism is the key here, I havent ever seen a car totalled from Vandalism yet in my career,

Usually its broken windows, or someone spray painted parts of the car, but I personally havent seen a totalled from Vandalism.....

Hell, what kinda area you live in? LOL

 

[Denise509]

I've seen cars totaled from vandalism before around here! One time a girl came in because someone drained all of the oil from both of her cars, when she turned them on or whatever the engine blew up....among other things I've seen/ heard around here so this doesn't sound too unusual. You guys must live in the "good" part of town lol

 

[djs]

While I agree that a total on a vandalism claim is a bit of an oddity, apparently you guys don't have cars insured in some particular areas..... such as parts of Oakland.... Turns out cars make for good bonfires!!!!!

And yes, being that it is an oddity, its one of several red flags that was raised in this claim.

Actually, if you take a car worth $5-$6K, you can hit that amount without to much of an issue. It does take work, but its very manageble. I've had paint jobs on Mercedes cost that much. Of course, people wonder why Mercedes are expensive to insure.....

Dan