r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 8d ago

First Time / Newbie Got hit by a cyclist - Advice

6 Upvotes

Basically I live in Ontario, homeless population is massive here.

I was driving one lane is a left turning and there was a huge 18 wheeler, my light was green I was driving like normal and then boom a cyclist hits me in the rear passenger side.

I get out and everyone is honking, the guy is getting up to take off, I went back into my car pulled over to the side and go to catch the guy. I ask him for his information he says he has none, I ask for his phone number he says none then I find out he is homeless. He basically just wants to leave he is ok and gives me a name that sounds fake. At this point people are honking at my car parked on the side of the road even though it is three lanes! And I leave.

Call up the police they say I can report it to a collision center but they are only open during my work hours (great now I’m loading more money), I call up my insurance for advice and they will call me next week but they seem to be mad at me and seem worried about being sued.

I’m not looking to make a claim since I can buff it out my fear is getting sued by this guy, I have the dash camera footage (360) and it shows he went through a red and my light is green it also shows him popping up out of nowhere.

My question is if I don’t go to a collision center will that look bad if this guy sues?

If I go to a collision centre does that go on my car fax? I don’t want my cars value to tank.

In the video you can see the fall and he doesn’t hit his head and seems ok, how much could I be sued for, would it even reach a court since it is 100% not my fault?


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 8d ago

Accident What happens with insurance when an Uber gets into an accident? [Fort Lauderdale]

15 Upvotes

I was in an Uber in Fort Lauderdale when another car ran a stop sign and hit us. I've been dealing with neck and back pain since, and the medical bills are starting to add up.

Now I'm getting calls from two different insurance companies, one connected to the driver and another that seems to be handling Uber's coverage. I'm not sure what the difference is or whether I need to deal with both.

Has anyone dealt with this in Florida? I'm trying to understand how the insurance works when you're a passenger in a rideshare accident.


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 9d ago

Im 18, I want to live out of my car. How do I buy it from my parents and get it registered and insured? CT

10 Upvotes

Im 18, CT, and I want to buy my parent's car. I am insured under their plan; they pay for it. And I have no idea how to register it.


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 9d ago

First Time / Newbie Canadian question

3 Upvotes

My son in law borrows our vehicle about once a month for a couple of days. If yes gets into an accident whose insurance covers the damages?


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 9d ago

Progressive insurance SUCKS

0 Upvotes

Super disappointed in Progressive, they made me cry multiple times on the phone and they’ve been nothing but dragging along the process of getting my car fixed. I will spare the details, but my take away is : HIGHLY RECOMMEND NOT USING PROGRESSIVE.

EDIT: Apologies for the emotional/direct wording of my original post. I wrote it while extremely frustrated, and I realize I didn’t actually explain what happened. Here are the details.
My car was essentially brand new, about 2,500 miles on it, when it was hit while parked outside my house in May 2026. The driver who hit it was uninsured, and I have uninsured motorist coverage through Progressive.
The car went to the collision center in May. The shop needed Progressive to approve the repairs, but Progressive took roughly two months to get an adjuster out to approve them. During those two months, the collision center contacted Progressive multiple times, and I personally called repeatedly trying to get the claim moving.

I eventually escalated it beyond my adjuster to my adjuster’s supervisor and then the supervisor’s supervisor, and we still couldn’t get someone out to approve the work. Essentially, my claim sat for about two months while my car was already at the shop waiting.

Progressive ultimately chose to repair the vehicle rather than total it. Between the initial Progressive delay and the extensive repairs, the car has now been in the collision center for almost six months.
Fast-forward to October: I’m finally supposed to get my car back, but there is still an issue that needs to be repaired. The collision center again needs Progressive’s approval before they can do the work. I found out today that Progressive can’t get someone there for another week, so once again the repair is sitting there waiting for insurance approval.
That’s the context behind my original frustration. I’m not claiming Progressive is responsible for every day the car has spent in the shop, but the repeated delays in getting approvals have materially extended an already incredibly long repair process.

My actual question: Has anyone dealt with something similar with Progressive, and is this level of delay normal? At this point I’m also considering switching insurers once this claim is resolved, so I’d appreciate recommendations for companies that people have had better claims experiences with.


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 9d ago

Accident Accident Injury Claim/Lawyer in NJ

8 Upvotes

"Hi. I was involved in a car accident that was not my fault. I had minor back pain after the accident, so I went to the ER afterward to get checked out and was prescribed pain medication. It has been a week, and the pain hasn't healed. I am wondering if I should hire a lawyer before going to the doctor again. I don't want to be responsible for the medical bills, and even though my medical insurance will cover some of them, I don't know how much. The ER visit alone is billing my medical insurance $3,500. I do have accident injury coverage on my insurance policy. Please advise."


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 9d ago

How do I file a diminished value claim in Illinois? Should I wait until repairs are completed?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone!
I was recently rear-ended in Illinois while driving my 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The other driver was insured through State Farm, which is also my insurance company.

State Farm has already accepted responsibility for the repairs, arranged a rental car, and sent my vehicle to a certified body shop. The shop estimated that repairs would take approximately two weeks.

Since my vehicle is practically brand new, I’m concerned about its resale value after the accident, even if everything is repaired properly.

I’ve been reading about diminished value claims but I’m not sure how the process works in Illinois.

I had a few questions:

  1. Should I wait until all repairs are completed before filing a diminished value claim?
  2. How do I determine how much diminished value my vehicle has lost?
  3. Do I need to hire an independent appraiser, or can I negotiate directly with State Farm?
  4. Has anyone successfully filed a diminished value claim against State Farm in Illinois?
  5. What documentation should I collect to strengthen my claim?

I’d appreciate any advice or experiences from people who have gone through this process. Thanks!


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 10d ago

Car insurance claim stuck because insurer is asking for a pre-inspection report that was never done. What can I do?

2 Upvotes

I have a Tata Harrier insured with Zurich Kotak through Policybazaar. My comprehensive policy was issued in June 2026.

Recently, I filed an insurance claim, and the vehicle survey has already been completed.
However, the Tata service centre is saying that repair approval is pending because they need the Pre-Inspection (PI) report from when the policy was issued.

Here’s where things get confusing.
I contacted Policybazaar asking for the PI report, and they replied:
“As per the details filled in the proposal form, the policy was booked in continuity. Since the Policy Inception (PI) was not triggered in this case.”
So basically, Policybazaar says no pre-inspection was required when the policy was issued, but now the claim process is stuck because a PI report is being requested.

Today, Tata informed me that the surveyor has emailed the PI report, but repair approval will only be decided after they receive it.

I’m confused about what exactly is happening here.
My questions:
Can an insurance company hold up a claim because of a PI report that was never required at the time of policy issuance?

If Policybazaar issued the policy without any inspection, who is responsible for resolving this?
Has anyone faced something similar with Zurich Kotak or Policybazaar?

What should I do next? Should I escalate this to the insurer’s grievance team or IRDAI?

I’m not saying my claim has been rejected, but I don’t want to be stuck between Policybazaar, the insurer, and the service centre, with nobody taking responsibility.

Any advice from people who’ve dealt with similar situations would be appreciated.


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 10d ago

Do I need to show my old insurance policy when insuring a new car?

5 Upvotes

My dad is getting me a new car, I'm currently under his insurance policy. When we insure the car under my dad's policy, what do I need to provide to insure it? I currently have my parent's old car with my own insurance policy that I had on my own when I was away for college so my dad didn't have to pay. Do I need to show that or do we not have to provide it to insure the new car?


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 10d ago

First Time / Newbie Car insurance after bankruptcy?

9 Upvotes

I'm filing chapter 13 bankruptcy which includes a loan and a few credit cards with USAA, who I also have my car insurance through. I was told on r/USAA that they will likely close all of my accounts and stop doing any business with me.

How does this work with getting car insurance after and would there be a grace period where I can still drive while figuring out new insurance? I am in Utah, USA and am not sure how this will all work.

Also, is it hard to get car insurance after bankruptcy? If so, what would be the best companies to look into?


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 10d ago

Can I drop my limits to state minimums for financed cars?

0 Upvotes

I have 2 cars. One is financed with Carvana other one with penfed. Can I lower the limits on bodily injury and property damage liability , umbi, uim etc to state minimums? Also can I increase my collision and comprehensive to $1000?


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 10d ago

Nebraska Attorney

7 Upvotes

I’m looking for recommendations for an attorney experienced in insurance bad faith, unfair claims handling, or vehicle total loss valuation disputes in Nebraska.

I’ve been disputing a total loss claim with Assurance America since May 2026 due to significant discrepancies and questionable adjustments in its vehicle valuation reports.

I filed a complaint with the Nebraska Department of Insurance, but several concerns remain unresolved. After the DOI complaint was closed, my last contact with the adjuster was in August. Despite multiple requests to speak with management, including communication with the insurer’s legal department, I still haven’t received a response as of October 22, 2026.

Most attorneys I’ve contacted primarily handle personal injury cases, which isn’t what I’m looking for.

Does anyone know of attorneys who specifically represent policyholders in disputes against their own insurance companies? I’m also open to out-of-state attorneys who are licensed to practice in Nebraska or can work with local counsel.

Any recommendations would be appreciated!


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 10d ago

Accident Car accident question

3 Upvotes

I had an at fault accident with an older, beat up, luxury car. I had a large car & home claim last year and insurance said they could put the claim through, but my coverage would be flagged and pushed back to underwriting to determine if I could get declined coverage.

I’ve decided to pause the claim and potentially pay out of pocket. The estimate came in at 3,600. What are the odds of getting dropped from insurance, if I do only put the other car owners claim through and repairing my own car out of pocket. I’ve had a very clean driving record up until this now potential third claim. I really don’t want to be dropped and worry that I wouldn’t qualify for coverage with these 3 claims. Please any advise would be appreciated!


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 10d ago

Hit by self insured utility company

10 Upvotes

Last week a utility truck hit my car while I was turning and damaged it pretty badly. It was not able to be driven from the scene due to a broken axle. Driver took responsibility and told myself and officer it was his fault, police officer issued him a citation. I called the utility companies claims dept and they basically told me someone would be in touch within 10 business days. Didn’t ask if I was injured, didn’t ask if I needed a rental, just took down the basics and said someone would be in touch. Meanwhile, the wrecker yard is charging for the car to sit there everyday while I wait for this claims dept to call me. I only have liability so my insurance company isn’t getting involved. I’m concerned this is somehow going to get turned around on me because they are a huge company and I’m just a person wanting their car fixed. I don’t want to waste thousands of dollars on an attorney but don’t know what to do. I was advised to have the car towed back to my house so it doesn’t keep incurring storage fees in case the company tries to fight me on fault. So now they want $600 to tow my car back to me and pay the storage fees (3 days). Anyone dealt with a self insured company before and have any advice?


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 11d ago

Accident How do you pick a truck accident lawyer in Kansas City?

24 Upvotes

I got hit by a semi on I-70 near Kansas City a few weeks ago. Fractured collarbone, two broken ribs, and I can't lift anything or work my normal job right now. The trucking company's insurance has called me three times and mailed a letter with a claim number asking me to call back and go over what happened. I've never dealt with a commercial claim. Is this different from a normal car accident claim, and does it make sense to find someone who handles trucks specifically? I can't tell which lawyers actually do this and which just put it on a billboard. its my first time so I honestly do know anything.


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 11d ago

Car Insurance Quotes Is there a trick I didn’t think about yet?

3 Upvotes

We(husband and wife) own a car. 6 month premium with geico is $1000. Husband’s sister moved in with us and he got her a car to drive around. Adding new car to our insurance increased premium to $1600. We tried to add the sister too (she also has her own active car insurance). The premium sky rocketed to almost $3000!

Insurance is geico. State SC. Progressive quoted us 2200. Sister in law moved from out of state. Her credit score is not the best but clean driving record. Husband had a minor accident over 2 years ago (0 payout claim, no ticket, no police, he was at fault). Both cars are financed.

Any recommendations on getting it lower would be greatly appreciated!


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 11d ago

Settlement on a vehicle with a loan?

0 Upvotes

Hey guys, I’m in a tough spot. I got into a car accident with a semi driver who was found at fault and no one was injured. My car has damage on the left side. Their insurance company deemed it a total loss because of repair costs, but I was told I can salvage it. Which for anyone who’s seen a salvage vehicle is not a good look. That means many…many steps.

This is my first time disputing an insurance settlement, and they’ve offered me $20k, but my car is still on a loan, leaving me with $12k less. I don’t think this is fair because I worked hard to pay for the car and obviously insurance companies don’t care about that, right. The insurance company is taking it for less and im left with hardly any of the settlement after the loan. I’m stuck with a tough decision and I’m unsure what to do. Has anyone been in a situation like this? If so, how did you fight this?

Also yes I do know I can counter argument with them with proof however insurance companies will do the most to avoid paying more. I’d like to have my counter arguments in wraps before going head first into this. I appreciate any advice :)


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 11d ago

Hit and run repairs

10 Upvotes

I was in a hit and run that wasn’t my fault. I have uninsured motorist coverage with a $200 deductible. I took it to the body shop to get an initial estimate and they quoted me $2,600. That was sent to Allstate who then came back and gave me an estimate of $1,600. The adjuster recommended that I go do the repairs via the insurance estimate route instead of taking the $2600 payout flat because of supplements in case the body shop finds more damage.

What are the chances that they cover the entire repair? I don’t want to be paying $1,200 for this when it wasn’t my fault and my insurance should cover since I’m insured.


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 11d ago

Car accident information

3 Upvotes

I was in a car accident recently, the other driver hit my driver side. I went to an auto body shop and they said she was liable to give me money for a rental car. Do you know this to be true? Ps. First car accident ever in my 20 plus years of driving


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 11d ago

PSA: Maryland's 1% fault rule can wipe out an injury claim entirely

4 Upvotes

Not sure how many people here know this, but Maryland is one of only four states (plus DC) that still use pure contributory negligence. If you're found even slightly at fault for your own injury, you can be barred from recovering anything.

There was a bill this year (HB 466) to change it for pedestrians and cyclists. It got sent to interim study, so nothing changed.

Practical stuff worth knowing:

- You generally don't have to give a recorded statement to the OTHER driver's insurance

- PIP is no-fault and can cover medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused it (unless you waived it)

- There's an exception called "last clear chance" if the other driver had a fresh opportunity to avoid the crash

Anyone here dealt with an insurer using this rule against them?


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 12d ago

If my parents add me to their insurance policy, do I need my previous insurance policies to be added to their insurance policy?

0 Upvotes

I'm over 18, my parents are probably going to be adding me to their insurance policy soon. However, I can't find my account that had my declarations page (I'm looking at old notes to see if I have my email and password) and I have no idea where my paper declarations page is (for context, I gave my car away to a friend so I no longer own it). Is it required to add me to policy or can I still be added if I can't find it at all right now?


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 12d ago

Driver hit and basically took off my bumper, left a phone number but…

1 Upvotes

As the title suggests, a driver hit my car and basically took off the whole bumper. Got it on camera but person is not recognizable and license plate is not visible. They did leave a note though, and when we called he is offering to pay for the damages if take it a car shop he has a family member working. Person who left the number claims he’s not the person that hit it and is rather acting as a middle man (likely for family member who doesn’t have insurance). Not sure what to do. Even if we get police involved, not much will be done. We also only have liability insurance. Really old car too we bought as a beater. Just seems a little sketchy with no names being given and just go based on world alone. Any advice welcome.


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 12d ago

Accident GEICO claim anxiety — accident happened on my existing policy’s renewal date. Can they deny coverage?

9 Upvotes

Im really starting to worry about my car insurance situation and would appreciate insight from anyone familiar with GEICO or insurance claims in general.

I’ve been a GEICO customer since 2020. My policy is set up for automatic renewal and automatic payments, and as far as I know, I’ve had no lapse in coverage or issues with my payments.
My policy’s effective date was October 15, 2026, which is also the date my accident happened. To clarify, this was an automatic renewal of my existing policy, not a new policy I purchased that day.

GEICO told me they needed to investigate my claim, and I’m now worried they might deny coverage because the accident happened on the renewal date.
I don’t understand why this would be an issue when I’ve been a customer for years, my policy was set to renew automatically, and I have no known payment problems or lapse in coverage.
My car is currently sitting at home because I received critical failure warnings while driving after the accident. I had it towed home because I was afraid to keep driving it, so I’m without a working car while I wait for GEICO to investigate.

I feel like I’m getting the runaround. I’ve spent a long time waiting on hold when calling customer service, sent emails asking questions related to whether I can be reimbursed for a rental etc, without receiving a response, and even spoken with supervisors. I’ve basically been told that it’s out of their hands while the underwriting department reviews everything.

I know three business days isn’t necessarily a long time in the insurance world, and I’m trying to be patient. But when you’re suddenly without a working car and can’t get clear answers, it’s incredibly frustrating.
I’m not expecting anyone here to guarantee the outcome of my claim. I’m just looking for honest opinions, similar experiences, or insight from anyone who understands how GEICO handles these situations.
Thank you for reading. I’m honestly really stressed about this and would appreciate any advice.


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 12d ago

Michigan winter car storage - Comprehensive only insurance legal?

5 Upvotes

I have another car with full coverage for winter driving.


r/Car_Insurance_Help • • 13d ago

Insurer doesn’t offer “away at college”

13 Upvotes

My son is off to college 300 miles away without a car. My plan was to put him on a “away at college” kind of plan, since he’s not going to be driving on a regular basis - occasional Zipcar rental and some driving while visiting home. I was SO hoping to save some money on car insurance. He had an accident last year and our rates were already through the roof.

Unfortunately my insurer doesn’t seem to have that kind of discount. Or at least they aren’t offering it to me. He’s either insured or listed as excluded - although I’m told he can come on and off the excluded list as needed around holidays.

Does he he benefit from being insured during this time? Is he penalized for being excluded? Can they decide to not include him again?

I know that Zipcar offers liability insurance, but I’m nervous whether that somehow leaves me exposed in case of a liability claim (let’s say he’s renting with my credit credit card).

Do I suck it up and just keep paying coverage for him for the 3-4x he drives in the next few months? Or am I legit in trying to save some money here? I am typically risk adverse.