Toads and insurance

[kabado]

Just a fyi. We found out the hard way that the towing equipment on our toad was NOT covered by insurance when a young, teenager texting on her cell phone rear ended our car and the insurance company totaled it. Geico (our ins co) only paid us $500 for our $2000 towing (installed price) equipment which was almost brand new. It seems you MUST tell your insurance company that you have modified your car (toad) with the tow equipment which we didn't think to do.

Here's the worst part. HER insurance co (AAA) wouldn't pay anything either, although their client put us out the $ for the equipment. We WERE going to be nice and not sue for my husband's whiplash and concussion, but I guess it is lawyer time. Stinks!!!

Anyway, just to let any of you know who might wind up in the same boat. Be aware...

[Gary RVRoamer]

Anything stuck in the hitch receiver is considered personal property rather than a part of the car. Her insurance should have paid you for that, just the same as if your camera or your clothing was damaged in the accident. Takes a separate "property damage" claim, though.

[kabado]

We didnt even get a chance to discuss reimbursement. GEICO just said all they'd pay is the $500 and AAA said that is all the 6 months old tow equipment was worth AND it had depreciated. Other than hire an attorney, I dont know how to get them to cough up the entire $2000 it cost to install it. Ofcourse, the attorney will take a cut.

[H. Miller]

These situations are what "small claims courts" are designed for. It's up to $5,000. in Texas. No "shyster" involved. Cost is typically under $50. to have the papers served and all costs including your time are recoverable. When the suit papers are recieved, things normally change in a hurry.

[ahicks]

Geez, was the toad hooked up to the M/H when it was hit? How else could you have destroyed all that equipment? I guess I could see not using the base plate over again when switching make/model of toads - but surely that's not 2000. ?

Or are you saying they aren't allowing you to remove your "personal property" from the totaled vehicle? If that's the case, I'd say you're talking with the wrong person.

Just remember nothing's settled until you sign the check. At that point you've agreed to their offer.

[kabado]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahicks Geez, was the toad hooked up to the M/H when it was hit? How else could you have destroyed all that equipment? I guess I could see not using the base plate over again when switching make/model of toads - but surely that's not 2000. ? Or are you saying they aren't allowing you to remove your "personal property" from the totaled vehicle? If that's the case, I'd say you're talking with the wrong person. Just remember nothing's settled until you sign the check. At that point you've agreed to their offer.

The toad was NOT hooked up to the RV, but we'd have to pay somebody to REMOVE the eqipment and then pay somebody to install it on the new car and we werent sure if it had any damage or not.

As for small claims, the girl that hit is is an unemployed just graduated 18 year old with no money. Only can sue AAA who insured her and that we will since this mess AND my huband still has headaches from his whiplash and minor concussion. Didnt want to, but I guess se will have to.