[Rich_lol]

Hello, looking for some advice, if anyone has dealt with a similar situation would love to hear your thoughts.

My car was towed to the dealer after the steering rack had an error message and wasn’t functioning properly. Dealer tech assessed it and concluded a wire was chewed up and its rodent damage. Basically the car has electric steering and the rack needs to be replaced in its entirety for a significant amount.

The adjustor came a few days later and assessed the car, and claimed it’s not rodent damage, so they aren’t covering it (claiming someone intentionally cut it?? How do you even prove or dispute that?). With comprehensive coverage, shouldn’t it be covered regardless of vandalism or rodent damage?

What direction should I pursue next? With the insurance company to escalate, and get a second opinion? Or the Dealer, where I have to make a case for a warranty claim? Or worst case I need a lawyer involved?

Has anyone had the same fault with the steering rack before?

Thanks, appreciate in advance for any advice!

[tturedraider]

I absolutely agree comprehensive should cover it regardless.

[Rich_lol]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

I absolutely agree comprehensive should cover it regardless.

Thanks for this. Feel like i got shafted with the adjuster

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by Rich_lol

Thanks for this. Feel like i got shafted with the adjuster

What insurance company? Might be a good one to avoid.

I have Hanover and 1 month after I signed with them we had a nasty hail storm. My house has cedar shakes which are crazy expensive. The roof was $53K by itself.

The adjuster didn't even hesitate. Full reimbursement for roof, windows, gutters, wood deck, some car damage, even my grill cover.

The roofing and window/gutter contractors asked who the insurance company was. When I told them Hanover they both said "Awesome, we will start the work right away because Hanover never disputes estimates and pays right away". I never even saw a bill. Hanover even paid for oversized gutters with leaf guards as a "preventative measure".

Rates didn't change at all.

[Assassin]

Check the fine detail of "whats covered" in your policy. In the UK, malicious damage / vandalism is specifically inlcuded in the wording and as such the insurance company would not have a leg to stand on. Failing that I would get a second professional opinion ( you already have the garage asessment) perhaps from a motoring organisation specialist. over here you can get the AA to inspect any vehicle for a relatively small fee. Then, assuming they agree with the garage, get back onto the insurer. Remember, the assessor's reward package will likely include incentives for keeping claim values to a minimum.

[zoso4534]

Originally Posted by Rich_lol

Hello, looking for some advice, if anyone has dealt with a similar situation would love to hear your thoughts.

My car was towed to the dealer after the steering rack had an error message and wasn’t functioning properly. Dealer tech assessed it and concluded a wire was chewed up and its rodent damage. Basically the car has electric steering and the rack needs to be replaced in its entirety for a significant amount.

The adjustor came a few days later and assessed the car, and claimed it’s not rodent damage, so they aren’t covering it (claiming someone intentionally cut it?? How do you even prove or dispute that?). With comprehensive coverage, shouldn’t it be covered regardless of vandalism or rodent damage?

What direction should I pursue next? With the insurance company to escalate, and get a second opinion? Or the Dealer, where I have to make a case for a warranty claim? Or worst case I need a lawyer involved?

Has anyone had the same fault with the steering rack before?

Thanks, appreciate in advance for any advice!

Someone isn't being honest. I wonder if BMW is trying to get out of covering it under warranty. How much $ are we talking about? I would ask the dealer to show you the chewed up wire. You can't trust people anymore these days.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Assassin

Check the fine detail of "whats covered" in your policy. In the UK, malicious damage / vandalism is specifically inlcuded in the wording and as such the insurance company would not have a leg to stand on. Failing that I would get a second professional opinion ( you already have the garage asessment) perhaps from a motoring organisation specialist. over here you can get the AA to inspect any vehicle for a relatively small fee. Then, assuming they agree with the garage, get back onto the insurer. Remember, the assessor's reward package will likely include incentives for keeping claim values to a minimum.

In the U.S. we have collision insurance, which covers anytime the vehicle hits something or something hits the vehicle while it’s moving down the road. And always included with collision is “comprehensive”, which is literally just that. It covers any other kind of damage. If a tree falls on your car it’s covered. If someone vandalizes your car it’s covered. If an animal damages your car it’s covered. It’s a universal coverage that’s the same across insurance companies.

Originally Posted by zoso4534

Someone isn't being honest. I wonder if BMW is trying to get out of covering it under warranty. How much $ are we talking about? I would ask the dealer to show you the chewed up wire. You can't trust people anymore these days.

Good point.

[Rich_lol]

Its with Allstate. I’ve had good experience on the homeowners side with a flooding issue in the past, but this auto side is different.

The quote is $6k+ !!!!

Yah but in limbo today. Checking with a potential law firm. Really wish I dont have to go down this route. Tried a public adjuster, but they said they dont do Auto

[ham340]

Tell the adjuster to show you the policy language that specifically excluded vandilsm before getting a lawyer or look at your policy forms yourself. My guess is it is included but you won't know for sure unless you look at your policy.

[Rich_lol]

Just want to give an update, in case anyone goes through the same thing. Finally got a 3rd investigator to analyze the part under and microscope after a month of the incident and they noted some teeth marks. Apparently the wiring insulators are soy based. Pushing up the chain definetly helped, though theres a lot of resistance. It’s still dumb that just the wire cant be replaced.

[LostInSpace]

Look for tiny bite marks.

[I800C0LLECT]

Probably can’t fix the wire due to legality as a safety issue. Truthfully, that can be repaired and’s be just fine.

I think this lawsuit culture has really hurt every service industry. It’s also left the door open to destroy anybody that attempts honest repairs. That leads to “replace everything” mentality…lots of waste and financial cost that is dumped on the consumer. We do it to ourselves.

[zazzau]

Originally Posted by I800C0LLECT

Probably can’t fix the wire due to legality as a safety issue. Truthfully, that can be repaired and’s be just fine.

I think this lawsuit culture has really hurt every service industry. It’s also left the door open to destroy anybody that attempts honest repairs. That leads to “replace everything” mentality…lots of waste and financial cost that is dumped on the consumer. We do it to ourselves.

Can't fault your logic but IMO it's more likely for dealerships to "replace everything" than your regular indy. There's a reason why they have earned a reputation as stealership. Not saying there aren't honest shops out there but this is a common experience.

[I800C0LLECT]

I moved back from Germany and the mindset here is just hard to appreciate. The Germans get real nitpicky about perfection. Americans just don’t ever want to see it again…or get a lawsuit