USAA Insurance USAA didn't pay diminished value San Antonio Texas
USAA member rear ended me at a dead stop. Totaled her 2016 VW Jetta. I was driving a 2013 Ford Escape SEL with around 45,000 miles on it. They put me in a rental car and had my car towed to the dealership I bought it from. I asked for the diminished value of my vehicle since the entire rear end was needing work over $4,000. They told me to go online, print out the form, fill it out, and mail it to them. I did so that afternoon. I still haven't received word or an offer to make it right, since now my car has been in an accident, I will not be able to sell it or trade it for the same amount. I will follow up with them again this afternoon but I am sure I will be given the run around and they will say something along the lines of "we never received your paperwork."
1 Updates & Rebuttals
STLUCIEAPPRAISAL
Fort Pierce,United States
USAA Diminished Value Claims
#2Consumer Suggestion
Wed, September 26, 2018
A constructive suggestion is to do all of your correspondences in writing because the possibility does exist that an insurer will forget what was said in a telephone conversation or deny that any communications took place. Even after a telephone call, follow it up with an email detailing what was discussed.
I have seen the USAA diminished value form. It is very simple, asks about previous losses, etc. It doesn't determine either the existence or amount of diminished value, however.
You need to hire an independent appraiser who specializes in preparing auto diminished value reports, preferably one who does not employ formulas, algorithms, NADA comparisons or other short cuts. You want to present an irrefutable report that contains real research. Also, make certain the appraiser is willing to give testimony in a deposition or at trial should these be necessary.
Once you have submitted the diminished value report, expect a low-ball offer after which you should escalate your claim to the supervisory level and even higher up. You have hopefully provided them with a comprehensive DV report using a legitimate methodology. Ask USAA how they arrived at their figure. Also ask them to provide you with the name of a dealer who will pay onl (example) $500.00 less than fair market value for your car.
Should USAA fail to correspond or settle your claim in a timely manner, or should their offer be unfair, you can make a complaint for Unfair Claim Practices to the insurance department in your state.
Auto diminished value and your right to be compensated for your car's loss of value is a closely-guarded secret in the insurance industry which is why most people have never heard of it.