Complaint Review: Progressive Causualty Insurance - Mayfield Village Ohio

I was in a car crash on September 09,
2010 around 1:00 pm. The other driver was making a left hand turn on a five
lane road through the business district. The traffic in the inside lane was
backed up and the other car 'Launched' from between the stopped vehicles and
collided with the front of my car causing bodily injury. 

My dealings with Progressive insurance
is a nightmare and very unethical, first Progressive tried to trick me into
accepting $500 for the 'inconvenience' of getting into a car wreck with a
Progressive policyholder.

Next, the claims agent with Progressive tried to dispose of my vehicle after it
was towed. Progressive kept giving me excuses that they would tow my car to my
house the next day, this went on for a week. After five days, my towing bill
was like $400 and Progressive said if I pay the charges I would be reimbursed;
my attorney said it is a tactic and Progressive would never reimburse me for
that bill. 

Progressive was using my vehicle as
'Leverage' to close my property damage claim for a few hundred dollars. Anyone
with any common sense knows that decent running vehicles sell for around $2,500
and anything less is considered to be JUNK!

These are the towing charges: $125 to haul the car across the street and $25
for each day it was in impound. Hanpton's Body Shop (the tow company) would not
allow another wrecker to hook up my car until Progressive paid the towing
charges.

The Progressive claims adjuster deemed the car a total loss by their standards.
The tow company (Hamptons) wanted to keep my vehicle because it is in excellent
mechanical condition [new engine, transmission, radiator, A/C, suspension, brakes,
etc].

I examined my car once I had possession
of it again: the front seat covers were pulled off, my clothing (gear) in the
back seat had been rummaged through and the hood had been opened. I did not
leave the keys with the vehicle because I did not want it to be started or have
my occupational tools stolen from the trunk.

My advice to anyone who reads this report:

Get a lawyer without any delay, do not make any
statements to the claims department, they record your telephone call to
dispute your claim. When I informed Progressive I was getting a lawyer, the
guy with Progressive became irritated and his voice sounded nervous and
worried. DO NOT accept the initial offer made by Progressive, it
is 'Chump Change' compared to medical costs, permanent impairment or
disability, property damage and/or replacement cost.

I was offered $700 for my vehicle, towing was over $400 and the numbers quoted
to me by Progressive did not add up. Progressive said if I took their low ball
offer they would tow the car anywhere I wanted. Progressive did not inform me
they would deduct those charges from my settlement. Just another lie by their
claims agent to close the claim quickly and very cheap.

Progressive
refused to pay the towing company unless I agreed to settle for 700.00 (less
the lowing expense), that leaves me with around 300.00 to straighten the frame,
replace the bumper skin, fender, grill, headlight and corner light. One of the
doors had paint scraped off and the hood was bent in addition to damage to the
rear bumper where the second impact occurred.

I informed
Progressive that $700 will not purchase another vehicle. I am seeking
replacement cost of a similar vehicle, I will not accept a 'Junker' to replace
a good running car. My car gets 35-40 MPG all the time and has never broke down
outside of normal maintenance (tires, brakes, tune-up, oil change, etc.). My
research indicates it will take at least $2,000.00 (closer to $3,000) to
replace this vehicle with one of a similar type and running condition.

My medical claim is the same situation, Progressive will not pay for my
emotional distress associated with this accident or pain and suffering. It has
been nearly a year and I am still very nervous around oncoming traffic, my
employer wants me to drive a big rig which I am not comfortable operating. I
was unable to work for more than six weeks due to the side impact in this crash
and how it affected my spine. I am a Heavy Equipment Mechanic, I am still having
back problems from this auto accident and Progressive is still jerking me off
with their low ball tactics. PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE makes me SICK!

The
claims department will try to pay you off as quickly as possible to prevent you
from suing for the real expense associated with your claim. Progressive will be
nice at first as a feeble attempt to gain your trust and sell you on closing
the claim on their terms which is very cheap.

The other driver insured by Progressive must have
been in several wrecks because I saw her drivers license in her hand when she
got out of her car, this was before the cops were on the scene. The cop gave me
ill expressions when he saw me taking pictures before he started his
investigation.

I would not insure a bicycle with Progressive Casualty
due to the fact other insurance companies take care of claims in an honest
manor. I have seen junk cars repaired because it is cheaper than replacement
cost associated with modern vehicles.