Hi Rudy,
I would suggest using a "public adjuster". They know the insurance company
"ropes" and how to get to the meat of things. Usually, when an adjuster is
hired, the ins. company goes to a different playing field and realizes they
are dealing with someone who knows the score. If you hire one, he/she will
charge you a fee based on how much they get you from the ins. co. In your
case, it should be a fee based on the amount OVER $7,400 which you have
already been offered. You shouldn't have to pay them for the amount you could
already get from the in. co. Good luck, it's a terrible situation to have
to resolve.
George Beebe
> Rudy,
>
> Unfortunately we have to deal with insurance companies often when we are at a
> very low ebb. I don't want to say that they know this and take advantage of it,
> but I'm not saying they don't, either. Their goal is to get away with as little
> as possible, not to be fair or to recognize value or anything else.
>
> It sounds like you are on the right road with them, and whether you get someone
> to represent you or fight them on your own, it's definitely worth keeping on
> with your efforts. Here are some ideas:
>
> In your state, is there an insurance department in consumer affairs or an
> insurance licensing board? Try calling them and telling them that your
> insurance company doesn't want to pay on a policy, and see where they direct
> you. In most states there are insurance professionals who represent consumers
> in your situation -- they're called different things in different states --
> sometimes it's a professional appraiser and sometimes it's more of an advocate
> type of role, some sort of a broker -- they will be able to tell you how to find
> one of those, if you just don't want to deal with them yourself right now.
>
> Since you were towing Streamer at the time, your vehicle insurance may be your
> primary coverage, and they may go after your trailer insurance for you. I was
> surprised to learn that my car insurance covered my trailer if it was attached
> to my vehicle (not even necessarily underway), don't know if this is applicable
> to you. If both are with AAA, this may not be useful to you.
>
> Maybe people on this list have experience with AAA and how to deal with them
> specifically as a company? In California AAA is notorious as a company that
> always tries not to pay, their first stance is to under-offer and see what they
> can get away with. Other companies (State Farm, sometimes Allstate) are known
> as better payers. But AAA will eventually come through if you keep after them.
>
> It's hard when you are feeling like you've already lost the most important
> thing, and no amount of money will bring it back, etc., all that is
> understandable, but you will eventually wish you had followed up more
> energetically now, even if right now you're in the frame of mind of
> rationalizing letting it go.
>
> Good luck to you! Keep asking for input, and don't let the buzzards wear you
> down!
>
> --Sarah