Insurance Advice - Recent Accident

[redmanmitten]

Hello,

I've been a full-time RV'r for over 3 years now, but recently experienced my first RV related auto accident. I'm trying to navigate this on my own using resources available online but i'm finding it complex, hoping that some of the other full-time RV'rs can help with sharing their experience.

I was parked in a parking lot sitting in the rear living quarters area of my RV (Class B Roadtrek) when the earth shook. Another car had rolled back into the side of my RV with me inside it. Full damage is still in progress of being accessed, but initially visually they appear to of hit my propane water heater area, damage side fiberglass, side paneling, clipped the bumper, etc. 

This occurred in the state of Nebraska, a state that designates "At Fault" for auto accidents. I contacted the individuals insurance company (Progressive) and I will be working with them to resolve property damages, injury, etc. (the policy holder is at fault in these circumstances, I was parked).

My RV is my primary home and my primary vehicle. Once it's in the shop, I won't have a place to live or a car to drive.

Would the at fault driver's insurance company be obligated to cover these costs as well? It seems like they should have to cover this in my opinion, its more complex than just an "auto accident".

Are there other considerations I should be negotiating with the insurance company? (ex; Diminished value, vehicle had a perfect record before at fault driver's vehicle hit my RV, this will drop the resale value without a doubt).

What happens when an at fault driver damages a Full Time RV'r's home and only transportation?

Any input is welcomed!

 

- R

 

[Twotoes]

Do you have a full timers policy on yourself? Who is your insurance with? If you have have a full timers policy your insurance may cover the cost of a hotel for the duration of the repairs. Your insurance will go after the other parties insurance for reimbursement. You may also have a loss of use claim for the rental value of your van, not just a rental car, while it is in the shop. 

[redmanmitten]

Thank you Twotoes -- I do have a full time policy on myself, but have been trying to work through the at-fault insurance company first. I've simultaneously filed a claim with my own insurance as a backup (they are aware i'm in process with the other insurance company). I'm trying to have them understand the full-picture before offering a settlement. 

I have not considered "loss of use" claim. I'm currently insured with Nation General and they haven't been the best in my opinion, any recommendations for better full time RV insurance moving forward?

 

[Kirk W]

You need to start by talking with your insurance agent ASAP. In most cases they will get involved since they will have to pay if the other driver's insurance does not. Call the agent today.

 

[Twotoes]

10 hours ago, Kirk W said:

You need to start by talking with your insurance agent ASAP. In most cases they will get involved since they will have to pay if the other driver's insurance does not. Call the agent today.

In most cases it is the claims department that you need to contact not the agent. As far as a better company, it all depends on what State you are registered in. I am in So Dakota, using the Escapees address. When I contacted  Liberty Mutual, Safeco ( a subsidiary of Liberty), Hartford (thru AARP) all said no to a full timers coverage. I went with Geico, and got coverage on my Jeep, Harley, an umbrella, and landlords coverage on three rentals and got a multi policy discount.  Make sure that your full timers policy coverage includes personal property contents and liability coverage while moving down the road and while parked in a campsite.

 

[redmanmitten]

Thanks all, at this time the At Fault Driver's insurance company (Progressive) has said they will be working with me on repairs. I'm planning to bring my RV to a repair shop to assess the damage and have a quote prepared.

I have my full-time RV insurance through "National General". My insurance company is aware of the damage.

At this time i'm planning on requesting the following additional damages from the at fault policy holder outside of the auto/property damage and vehicle repair costs:

1. Loss of Use Claim  - Determining the number to request. Once it's in the shop and unavailable as sleeping quarters this would be at 100% of daily rate for a class B RV rental of similar year. About $150.00 - $200.00 per day.This percentage can be adjusted for days its drivable as a vehicle but not livable as an RV (temperatures dropped, has been very cold these past few nights).

2. Diminished Value Claim -- there appears to be a calculation for this, but would require the repairs and an appraisal to be completed. Somewhere between $2,000 - 3,000 appears to be the average for cosmetic only damage to a $20,000 blue book RV.

Thank you, please let me know if there's any other requests I should be making of the at fault policy holders coverage. You all have been helpful.

- R

 

[ToddF]

You may consider contacting an attorney for legal advice...in a situation like this, most will offer a no fee consultation. It may all be for nothing, but you won't know for sure unless you check.

[Kirk W]

3 hours ago, Twotoes said:

Please when you quote me, type your remarks outside of the quote box.

If you would do that like others do, it would not then look as though the person being quoted said what you type in. 

[redmanmitten]

Hi all,

I will keep this thread updated with the outcome. I'm moving forward with the process of writing a Demand Letter for settlement. Working with the insurance company to date has been a poor experience, there are many damages they do not include as part of their assessment.

Hoping my lessons learned can assist others in a similar situation where they are not at fault. 

 

[Kirk W]

On 9/9/2020 at 5:38 PM, redmanmitten said:

I have my full-time RV insurance through "National General". My insurance company is aware of the damage.

Are you working through your National General agent? In my experience my own insurance took the lead in such dealing since that protects them from liability for your vehicle. We will be very interested to hear how things go for you. Thank you for the update. 

[Jinx & Wayne]

12 hours ago, redmanmitten said:

I will keep this thread updated with the outcome. I'm moving forward with the process of writing a Demand Letter for settlement. Working with the insurance company to date has been a poor experience, there are many damages they do not include as part of their assessment.

In my experience (I am a retired attorney) an at-fault party's insurance company has absolutely zero interest in your needs.  Their sole interest is in paying you as little as possible.  The savings on what they pay you builds those big insurance buildings and pays executive bonuses.  It is likely that your demand letter will be filed and ignored because the company will see you as lacking the ability to enforce your demands.  You have received two sound pieces of advice.  First, notify your insurer.  Second,  if you still have problems contact an attorney in Nebraska.