NLIC.org

Marlene Said:

My house was hit by a car?

We Answered:

Not having renters insurance is a killer for you on this deal. You would have had more coverage for your personal property and possibly coverage for staying at a hotel etc. It's the best $150 a year you can spend. Once you get settled you need to buy some.

First off ask the Unitrin adjuster for a copy of the drivers "dec sheet." This shows how much coverage the driver has available. That way you can verify is she only has $10,000 of coverage. That is a really low amount for property damage coverage but in many states it's all that is required. Also ask the adjuster if the rental car has to be paid under the property damage coverage. It is possible that if the driver had collision coverage on their policy that the collision coverage would pay for the car damages thus freeing up more money for you and the house damages.

The Unitrin adjuster is correct that there is more than just your claim here. If a car drove through the house the repairs to the house are likely close to or more than $10,000.00. The insurance company for the house will have to pay the homeowner for the building damages. Since the homeowner is not at-fault for those damages the insurance company has a legal right to get reimbursement from the drivers insurance. That is why you have to share that 10K.

The time delay is probably due to the homeowners insurance company not paying the homeowner yet. I know you said that the house was condemned but do you know if it is being repaired or rebuilt. Unitrin can't pay anybody until the know exactly how much each claim totals. Then they have to "pro-rate" payments to you, the house insurance company and possibly the car rental company.

Sorry but the best you can hope is to get a portion of the 10K.

Forget the the advice from the person who said to get an attorney. That won't change the fact that there is only 10K to pay for your stuff, the house and the rental car.

Good Luck