Fighting Back Against Insurance Company Leads To $856 Refund
Reader Robert used the Consumerist’s Ultimate Guide To Fighting Back to get an $856 refund from another driver’s insurance company.
Robert writes:
I’ve had a horrible consumer problem plaguing me for months now. But thanks to your help, all is well. Here’s the short story:
In September 07, my wife’s car was hit by another driver making an illegal U-turn. We had to get a rental and the other drivers insurance agreed to pay for it. When we picked up our car the insurance company billed us $856 for the rental bill. They claimed that they had never approved to cover a car rental and had “notes” in their logs to indicated they had explained this to me. Let’s just say the other drivers insurance company is not always on YOUR side.
So we finally got fed up waiting for them and emailed consumerist. Theresa, your lovely intern emailed us back with a link for the ultimate consumerist guide to fighting back.
We decided to go the hard ball route and begin filing charges of mail fraud, since they had sent the bill to us via mail. We contacted the local attorneys general office and told them our story. They seemed quite upset about our issue and promised to get right on it. That was Friday. Today I came home to discover the following message on my answering machine:
“Hello, this message is for Jennifer and Robert [redacted]. My name is Mike and I’m with the billing department from [redacted]. I just wanted to let you know that I received your request for reimbursement in the amount of $856. I will process this immediately and will have a check in your mailbox for the full amount by the end of the week. If you have any questions please give me a call at [redacted].”
Oh the power. It feels good. That, and having my $856 back. Thanks consumerist!
-Robert
Yay! Good for you, Robert! Your Attorney General’s office is a great resource for serious complaints involving fraud. Good work!
(Photo:Micah Taylor)
Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.
