The insurance company wants to tow my car to Copart before they give me a settlement offer. Is that standard procedure? I’d prefer to get the offer first since I don’t trust this company.
A bit of background: The other driver was at fault, so this is their insurance, UAIG/UAIC/UAIS. It’s been a nightmare dealing with them. My own insurance company would have handled this months ago, but I don’t have collision coverage. The claims adjuster is impossible to reach, and their call center just uses the same online system I can access myself. It’s been two months, and they’ve barely communicated with the body shop or provided updates.
Last week, they tried to tow my car without informing me, but the shop refused to release it since I hadn’t signed anything. I’ve been paying storage fees, and they hinted they might not cover those. I’m hesitant to let them take the car before an offer is made. Any advice on how to handle this?
Yes, it’s normal for them to move your car to a facility like Copart. Body shops charge daily storage fees, and the insurance company wants to avoid those costs. Letting them move the car is standard.
Cassian said:
Yes, it’s normal for them to move your car to a facility like Copart. Body shops charge daily storage fees, and the insurance company wants to avoid those costs. Letting them move the car is standard.
Thanks. They’ve hinted they might not cover storage fees. I wasn’t sure if they were just trying to scare me or if they meant it. My insurance initially started handling this under uninsured motorist, but later realized the other driver was insured and handed it off.
@Rowen
If the other driver has insurance, your company shouldn’t have handled it under uninsured motorist. Also, if you delay releasing the car and increase the storage fees, that extra cost will likely fall on you.
@Rowen
They won’t cover excessive storage fees caused by delays. If you hold things up, you’ll be responsible for those costs. And yes, it’s normal to let them tow the car before getting an offer. Copart will inspect it and provide a salvage value for the settlement.
You should’ve gone through your own insurance, paid your deductible, and let them handle the other company. This back-and-forth seems like a waste of time and energy.
Storage fees can add up quickly. In my area, it’s about $91 per day, and insurance usually moves the car within 3–4 days. The longer it stays at the shop, the more expensive it gets.
In hindsight, it might’ve been better to let your own insurance handle this. You’d pay your deductible upfront but get it reimbursed after they dealt with the other company.