Evaluating Damages Collection from Commercial vs. Personal Insurance Companies
When it comes to collecting damages from another driver's insurance company after an auto accident, many wonder whether it makes a difference if the other driver has a commercial insurance policy or a personal insurance policy. My experience suggests that the insurance type alone is not a significant factor, and that the claims process can be just as challenging with one as it is with the other.
Similarities in Process and Insurance Companies
It is important to note that the vast majority of insurance companies offer both commercial and personal auto insurance policies. Additionally, the claims process for both types of insurance is typically handled by similar departments, and the rules for processing claims remain consistent regardless of the policy's type. Thus, the insurance company's type does not inherently make the claim process easier or more difficult based solely on whether it is commercial or personal.
The Influence of Specific Circumstances
The ease of collecting damages from the other driver's insurance company is largely dependent on the circumstances surrounding the accident. In simple, obvious cases, such as running a red light or hitting a stationary car, the fault is readily apparent, and the claims process typically runs smoothly.
However, not all accidents are as clear-cut. For example, imagine a scenario where a car running a red light hits a car making a left turn, and a witness testifies that the accident was due to the driver's blatant violation of the traffic light. In such a case, an insurance adjuster might claim that the person making the turn was at fault due to the risk of collision, despite waiting through a green light and the other driver running the red light without braking. This situation underscores the importance of clear documentation and testimony in the claims process.
The Role of Insurance Adjusters and Policy Forms
Insurance adjusters are trained to handle claims from both commercial and personal insurance policies. However, commercial policies involve a wider range of policy forms that need to be understood and applied, making the claims process potentially more complex for adjusters. Despite these differences, adjusters remain the key figures in the claims process, and their actions can significantly influence the outcome of a claim.
Some adjusters might be more experienced with commercial policies than personal ones, and a newly trained adjuster might start with personal policies and transition to commercial ones as they gain experience. Commercial accounts often present greater risks due to larger exposures and high-value accounts, which may explain the need for more experienced adjusters.
Conclusion
While the insurance type (commercial or personal) may influence the complexity of the claims process, it is not the determining factor in the ease of collecting damages from the other driver's insurance company. The key factors are the specific circumstances of the accident, the documentation, and the actions of the insurance adjusters. Understanding these elements can help in navigating the claims process more effectively.