Insurance Company Passing The Buck

[SEMAJ]

What is the name of your state? Illinois I was in an auto accident several months ago. A guy ran the light and hit my car with a pick up truck. He produced an expired insurance card and was ticketed by police for running the light. The guy who hit me was driving a truck owned by somebody else. When i reported the accident to my insurance company, i gave them all the information on the driver. the truck owner and the other insurance company. Anyway the other insurance company stated that the pickup truck's insurance had expired the day before the accident and therefore they would not be responsible for repairing my auto. My insurance company repaired my auto and i had to pay my $500.00 deductible. It was my understanding that my insurance company would sue the owner of the pickup to get their money back and return my deductible but my insurance company has advised me to sue the driver and the pickup owner in small claims court to get back my deductible. Tell me is this the way insurance companies operate.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

Yes. That's the way it works. Your insurance company has no obligation to exercise your rights. That's your job.

The insurance company gave you accurate information.

IAAL

 

[JETX]

Yep, the insurance company (who paid the bill) has the option of pursuing the at fault driver or not.

They may decide to NOT pursue for lots of reasons, such as:
- If their investigation shows that he either doesn't have sufficient assets, or
- that the case may not be strong enough to support their investment (legal fees, etc.)

And if they decide to 'eat' the expense, they can 'release' you to go after your deductible on your own.