The continuing saga of my car....
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stretch2864 · 07-15-2005, 01:43 AM

No, I still don't have my car back yet even though my accident was back on June 12th. The good news is that the body shop finally started working on my car last week and they might even have it done by the end of next week! My insurance company might send me over the edge before this whole thing is over though.

As of Monday, I had maxed out on my rental car coverage on my policy. Knowing that my car was nowhere near close to being ready, I called my agent last Friday afternoon to discuss this with her and see what she could do especially since it was their fault that my car was so far behind schedule. (The adjuster had gone on vacation for two weeks and my car just sat at the body shop because they couldn't get ahold of anyone at the insurance company to come back out and look at it again. The adjuster had underestimated what it would cost to repair the car so they couldn't just go ahead.) She informed me that she couldn't do anything because the weekend was coming up but she would call me back on Monday. Well I worked Sunday night so of course I slept all day Monday. I had put the phone by my bed in case she called, but of course she never did. So when I got up Monday afternoon, I called her office. What I got was her voice mail stating that she had left at noon for the day! That really made my day. Not only did I have to turn my car in that afternoon, but she had made no effort whatsoever to get back to me and solve my problem of having no car to drive. I called the insurance office back and talked to another agent then to voice my concerns. That woman was SO RUDE!!!

She informed me in no uncertain terms that they were not responsible for any delays and they did not just hand out money for rental cars. I voiced my opinion to her that my car should have been completed by now and just how was how I supposed to get to work without a car. She suggested I pay for a rental car and then IF the other driver was found to be at fault, then I would be reimbursed. Well, considering that they have barely started investigating the accident; it could be months before I would see my money again--if ever. Plus we are leaving on vacation in a couple of weeks and my DD starts college soon--I don't have lots of money just sitting around, especially for something like this. Then she suggested that if I had rented a Geometro (subcompact) instead of a Saturn Ion (intermediate), I wouldn't have maxed out as fast. I told her if I had been driving a Geometro when I had my accident, I would probably be dead right now.

I couldn't believe she had the gaul to say that to me. Then she said I could talk to a supervisor if I wanted to or just leave a message for my agent. I opted to just leave a message for my agent as I was tired of fighting by now.

So Tuesday morning when I got home from work, the phone rang shortly after I walked in the door. It was Aaron from the body shop. He had called to tell me that my insurance company had decided to cover the cost of a rental car for the rest of the week and then from Friday until my car is repaired, the body shop would pick up the tab for the rental car. I was speechless!

He continued on by telling me that the rental company would be calling me shortly and that they would deliver the car to my house. I had to pinch myself! Shortly after I hung up with him, the rental company called. They didn't have a car available yet, but they would have one by early afternoon. As soon as they got one in, they would call and bring it out. Then I went to plug my cell phone in to charge it. As I did this I noticed that I had a voicemail message. It was from my insurance agent. In a syrupy sweet voice, she tells me that she thinks that the rental car thing is now "all straightened out." She goes on to say that there "might have been a delay of FIVE days," which is why they have decided to pick up the cost of the car now for the rest of the week. I just stared at the phone wondering what happened between Monday and Tuesday to cause such a turn in events.

So Tuesday afternoon the rental car company brought out a really nice 2004 Chrysler Sebring. Considering that my back and neck have still been sore from the accident, it has been a wonderful car to drive. I guess miracles really do happen!

**chezp** · 07-15-2005, 02:59 AM

Vicky, I'm glad to hear they got it sorted out in the end.

hktmom · 07-15-2005, 04:03 AM

Seee, I knew it!! They should be picking up the extended tab!! Damn insurance companies!(sorry to anyone who works the field. I know it isn't YOUR fault it's such a lopsided industry. It goes WAY beyond our agents, I know that. And there are really good agents out there that are genuinely helpful. I just haven't had the pleasure yet. moving on...)

I'll just bet Miss Snippity Tuesday was overheard by her supervisor or something and the whole thing was a quick better fix it thing. As well they should!!

And hooray to the Auto Body shop for recognizing an opportunity to be stellar as well as the rental car company to see an a really good spot to show great customer service!

Honestly, it sounds like it worked out as best as it could have. You found your voice, you spoke for what you knew was right(and wrong) and you were provided for. GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

Maybe next time your regular agent won't let her ball drop and do what's right so you won't have to go to the mat again to protect yourself.

I'm so proud of you!

Heather

**Colexis Mom** · 07-15-2005, 05:24 AM

Wow Vicky, I'm glad it all worked out! How much more rude can they possibly be

I'd look at changing companies after this whole thing is sorted out!

**LizardCop** · 07-15-2005, 05:57 AM

More

whoSEZ · 07-15-2005, 08:38 AM

Wow, Vicky!! I'm so glad it all turned out with the rental. More

coming your way that this all comes to an end quickly!

my2girls · 07-15-2005, 08:54 AM

I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of that at. I'm glad that things did work out for you in the end. I hope that you get your car back soon. Sending more

**HiddenMickey** · 07-15-2005, 09:19 AM

What a turn of events! So glad to hear it got straightened out...but boy your blood pressure must have been up for awhile! Best of luck with the rest of the car ordeal!!!!

disneymom9092 · 07-15-2005, 10:30 AM

Glad to hear it worked out!

loobyoxlip · 07-15-2005, 10:58 AM

Wow, what a turn of event, huh, Vicky? Well, glad you have a nice car to drive in the meantime. I hope once you get your car back it's in great shape!