I got rear ended while stopping for a emergency vehicle and it left scratches on my rear bumper. I called the police to obtain a police report and called his insurance company (Geico) to file a claim (it was his fault). BTW, he was driving a rental car and didnt purchase insurance for the car. After setting up an appoinment to get estimates on my car, Geico calls me back and says they cancelled my appoimtent because after their investigation they decided that they cant cover the costs.

Here is their reasoning..."Our policyholder was driving a rental car and therefore we are not liable. We can fix the damages left on the rental car but not yours. Please go through the rental car company."

So what do I do? I called the rental car company (Budget) and told them exactly what I was told by Geico. They were shocked to hear that Geico wanted me to go through them. I'm suppose to call Budget tomorrow to provide some information from the police report.

For anyone who was involved in a situation like this, what should I expect? What should I do? Thanks for reading...

J

 

If worse comes to worst, you can always sue the guy for damages. The damages are probably low enough where it'd be in small claims court and you can avoid costly lawyer fees.

But what Geico is telling you is strange. In most cases, liability insurance coverage should extend to rental cars. I'd try calling Geico and asking to escalate your case, talk to a supervisor, etc.

Also maybe see if your own insurance company can help out with information. Since they're responsible for insuring your car, they do have a bit of a vested interest in the matter.

 

This is on Edmunds' website but I think that's because they're a Geico partner:

http://www.edmunds.com/partners/geico/faq4.html

Geico doesn't appear to be any different...

*****
Are rental cars covered?
When you rent a car anywhere in the U.S., Canada or U.S. possessions, your policy will extend certain coverages to your rented car. Your liability coverage on your current GEICO policy will carry over to your rental car if it is rented for less than 30 days. Physical damage coverages usually carry over as well, but variances exist, depending on the state and the policy involved.
*****

Looks like they left themselves a bit of leeway with that last line, but in general it should cover the rental car. I'd try talking to Geico again before anything else.

 

thanks cyber x for the info...

 

Cyber X is correct.

the only way they could deny liabiliity coverage to their insured (the dude who hit you) would be if he violated the terms of his contract, such as if he didn't have permission to drive the car or if he had regular use (defined in most auto policies as having had the car for more than 30 days) of the car (rental) neither appear to be the case here.

This is a very straight forward claim scenario. Were you talking to an actual Geico claim rep or was it a Geico agent who maybe wants to blow you off?

Call Geico direct and make a formal claim.

 

I called their 800 number and they redirected me to an agent (I guess the one in my region). I'll call that agent tomorrow to further discuss this issue. I'm also gonna call Budget to get further info. Thanks