Insurance claim?!!!

87911jon · 87911jon's Garage

I'm in my e28 M5 last Thursday night and stopped to get gas station. This station has two rows of pumps, and at the time both sides to both rows were filled. I was on the inside of one of the ends, had opened my door in order to get out and that's when the lady in the Civic tried to squeeze down the center and pushed my driver's door well past its normal opening distance. God awful sound. Called the police for a report, the lady admitted guilt. Her company (Geico) called me/Hagerty and agreed to 100% responsibility. Here's where I need to the collective wisdom of Pelican. Hagerty is pushing to have the claim go through them but Geico has already told me they'll cover the repairs. Hagerty wont go on record that "if" I go through them my rates won't go up in the future, and wants to send an appraiser to see my car. I have a clean record, no claims, no speeding tickets etc. Why would they want to run the claim and not run it through Gieco?!!! Note, close friend thought maybe Hagerty would manage the claim and then make Gieco pay them, but my Hagerty appraiser said that wasn't the case. Hmmm! Whoever pays, can't imagine it's going to be cheap. Sorry for the long post.

RKDinOKC · RKDinOKC's Garage

They probably want to make sure it is done right if they are going to continue to insure the vehicle is my guess.

Norm K · 12-19-2016, 11:29 AM

^^^ This ^^^ is likely the case, but ...

... depending on how your policy reads - particularly if Hagerty wants to handle the claim - you might want to make certain you can document that there was a car event of some sort on Thursday and that you stopped for fuel either on the way to or home from the event.

_

87911jon · 87911jon's Garage

Thought about that and made sure they knew I was A. on vacation and B. Wanted to fuel up before the first snow storm of the year, which turned out to be an ice storm.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

Likely they will get the car fixed right to make sure the value of the car stays up, and then they will go after Gieco to be reimbursed.

SCadaddle · 12-19-2016, 03:39 PM

My thoughts would be that you pay Hagerty for their "service" through your annual premium, so let them handle it as a "service" that you pay for. More than likely Hagerty will subrogate with Geico to get "their money" back. Get your car repaired to your satisfaction through your insurer, Hagerty.

Then later on down the line, IF Hagerty tries to jack your rate then inquire with them and/or Geico if any subrogation was done on your claim. If so, that is your arguing point. Either way, YOU lose and its a win-win down the road for both insurance companies.

SCadaddle · 12-19-2016, 03:41 PM

My thoughts would be that you pay Hagerty for their "service" through your annual premium, so let them handle it as a "service" that you pay for. More than likely Hagerty will subrogate with Geico to get "their money" back. Get your car repaired to your satisfaction through your insurer, Hagerty.

Then later on down the line, IF Hagerty tries to jack your rate then inquire with them and/or Geico if any subrogation was done on your claim. If so, that is your arguing point. Either way, YOU lose and its a win-win down the road for ALL insurance companies.

LWJ · 12-19-2016, 03:53 PM

Go through Haggerty. That is how it is done. I know, this is how I make a living.

87911jon · 87911jon's Garage

I'm letting Hagerty do their thing. Your collective comments are exactly what the Hagerty rep told me today. Thank you all! Damn shame when you loose another factory original painted panel. Let the fun begin!

legion · 12-19-2016, 04:48 PM

No insurer worth their salt would raise your premiums for a single not-at-fault accident.

SoCal911T · 12-19-2016, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87911jon

I'm letting Hagerty do their thing.

As someone also with an e28 M5 insured with Hagerty and a couple of 'regular' cars insured with Geico, I think you absolutely made the right decision.

87911jon · 87911jon's Garage

Interesting/disturbing call from Gieco this morning. Lady who hit my door is now claiming "I opened my door into her car" and Gieco asked me to re-record my recollection of the accident, which I did. Hagerty had said earlier this week that Gieco accepted 100% responsibility. Now more than ever, happy to let Hagerty fight this out.

1990C4S · 12-20-2016, 08:26 AM

There is a 95% chance the gas station will have video. Go ask for it.

It would be nice to get a sworn statement from her before you let her know what evidence you have.

87911jon · 87911jon's Garage

Asked Hagerty if they could get a copy of the video, was told the station would release it if the police had asked for it the night of the accident, but they would not release it to insurance companies.

ossiblue · 12-20-2016, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87911jon

Interesting/disturbing call from Gieco this morning. Lady who hit my door is now claiming "I opened my door into her car" and Gieco asked me to re-record my recollection of the accident, which I did. Hagerty had said earlier this week that Gieco accepted 100% responsibility. Now more than ever, happy to let Hagerty fight this out.

This is why you call for the police, even if no one is injured. A friend, who worked in insurance, mentioned this just the other day. Persons who are responsible for fender-benders often admit guilt at the scene but, later, rationalize/lie, and change their story. If the police report of your incident contains the woman's original admission as well as your version, that is strong support. Often, the police will make an evaluation of the scene and determine which party's story is more consistent with the evidence. Regardless, you have Hagerty handling the problem and their staff will do the necessary leg work, if it is economically worth it and Geico tries to negotiate a partial payment. It's the insurer's headache now.