Hit a Christmas tree..?

Question

So we were going out of town (45 miles) to buy Christmas gifts, and this may sound crazy but it was dark and all of a sudden we hit something.. hard. Come to find out it was someone's Christmas tree laying in the middle of the interstate! (We live up in the woods and people often come up here and cut down their own trees). Anyways.. we pulled off at the next town and realized the tree did ALOT of damage.. destroyed the front bumper, made the radiator look like an ice cream cone (caved it in), and wrecked a few other parts on the car. We got my father-in-law to put the car on a flatbed trailer and took it home for us, and we decided to file a claim. But now what do we do? How long does it take for State Farm to get the ball rolling to fix it? It is bitterly cold here and we are without a car. Yesterday (Sunday's) are our shopping days so we're w/o much food, and w/o a car. This is a total nightmare! Do they provide you with a rental car or do you have to ask for one? My husband called and talked to them and they said we have to pay 20% of a rental car while the car is being fixed, but the car isn't being fixed yet (still sittin here at home) and the gal he talked to wasn't sure how it worked as far as getting a car BEFORE your car is being fixed. I am so stressed here.. it's too cold to walk any place (the high temp yesterday was below zero, not including the windchill) so I would think they'd be at least a bit understanding. Any incite would be appreciated.

Answer 1

They are not understanding, they have a job to do, please understand the difference. It doesn't make them bad people, but they have a job to do. They will pay your claim based on the policy provisions. So, if you have coverage for a rental car, then they will likely pick up the tab for some of it.



However, they will only pay for the rental car while the car is actually being repaired; you need to get the car to a body shop (not sure why you had it flatbedded home when there are obvious necessary repairs). Get the car to a body shop and get an estimate because if the car is totaled, you wont even get a rental car.



Good Luck.

Answer 2

"While the car is being fixed" should include the time it is sitting in the garage lot waiting for the parts to come in. You probably have a maximum daily/total (like $30/day up to $600 total). Have the State Farm adjuster give you some phone numbers for rental car companies; they can usually get a discount from some of the big vendors. If they don't have any preference then make sure that you get a car within whatever guidelines the policy states. Usually the policy limits to getting a vehicle that is comparable to the damaged vehicle or just limits the per-day reimbursement.



One thing to double check with your agent is to make sure that you have the coverage you need with the rental car. Most policies should pick it up automatically, but just double check to be sure.



Make sure you keep your agent in the loop on all of these discussions, he/she should be working for you to get you everything that you paid for (and earn that commission).



Good luck.

Answer 3

First, you thank God it wasn't a kid on a bike; you would have killed him.



Then, you file a collision claim under your policy. Your deductible will apply, and it counts as an at fault accident for the driver - there will be a surcharge.



If you bought rental car coverage, they'll provide you with one. State Farm is fast, they'll be out there in a day or two - if you have collision coverage.



Make sure you ask for the insurance discount from that car rental place.

Answer 4

As long as you set up a claim and have rental coverage on your policy you can go and get a rental. Take your vehicle to a repair shop OR you can have State Farm give you the name of one of their preferred repair shops that you can take your vehicle to.



You agent should have given you options and explained everything to you. This is what he/she is there for. If he/she did not take the time I suggest you find another agent to handle your insurance.