Requesting Comparable Rental from Another's Insurance

[crox]

My minivan got rear-ended last weekend and the guilty party insurance (State Farm) is picking up the tab. But they state that they are only required (in WA at least) to provide me with basic transportation (i.e. a tiny one). I do use my van's capabilities quite often - from camping to hauling bikes etc. How can I make the insurance to pay for a comparable vehicle? My savvy friends say they file a "loss of use" claim or something similar but I would like to have more precise instructions on which words to say to have this approved. I'm not looking to make any money, just keep driving the car of the same capacity while mine is being repaired.
Thanks!

 

[djs]

Which carrier is paying for the rental car upfront? Yours or theirs?

I don't know how Washington works, could be there is a limit based on the coverage on your policy, but normally, if there is a need for a comparable car, they will provide it.

Assuming the repairs are 3-4 days and given the discounts insurance companies get with rental car companies, the cost difference isn't that big, so there must be a strange WA rule, so I can't really help much with that.

Now, I've seen people request exotic cars for rental replacements, that doesn't usually fly. As long as its a 'standard' rental and is similar to your current car AND the other carrier is paying AND has assumed full liability, there usually isn't a problem (again, not a WA state specific answer).

Dan

 

[crox]

Thanks for the prompt response! I know that if it was my insurance it would be whatever daily limit stated in the policy. But I filed a claim in the other party insurance, that's why I think they should be able to get me a minivan. Which I don't consider an exotic luxury car I don't know why SF is being difficult about this and looking for ideas and arguments to get them to comply.

 

[djs]

No, a minivan isn't an exotic car, should be pretty easy.
Problem is, I don't know WA law. If this was CA, I could help you, but it wouldn't be a problem.

I don't know how much damage was done to your car or how long it will take to fix it, but to the insurance company, the rental difference is probably only $20 a day or so. It's not a big financial issue, which makes me wonder if there is a different problem.

The other option is to go through your own carrier and have them bill State Farm. This way you get the coverages you selected, not what State Farm wants to provide.

The downside to this is you pay your deductible upfront and then get reimbursed by your carrier when they get reimbursed by State Farm.

Of course, you can always tell the State Farm adjuster that you will process it through your carrier if they won't pay for it. If they have already admitted liability, they know they will end up paying anyway, plus go through a lot of other headaches.

Dan

 

[jmr30183]

Thanks for the prompt response! I know that if it was my insurance it would be whatever daily limit stated in the policy. But I filed a claim in the other party insurance, that's why I think they should be able to get me a minivan. Which I don't consider an exotic luxury car I don't know why SF is being difficult about this and looking for ideas and arguments to get them to comply.

I've ran into this issue with SF personally and with many of my customers. If'/when possible, I speak with the SF adjuster initially and make it clear what size/class of vehicle I will be arranging for my customer. If they drive a Camry or Accord, they'll be getting a mid-size sedan. If they drive a Lexus or BMW, I will be arranging a Premium rental similar to their vehicle. And if they drive an SUV with 3-rows of seats (7-seater), I will make sure they get a vehicle with similar passenger capacity.