But in the remaining 38 states, the use of credit scores is growing. We re pocketing your deductible. If you're hit and it s the other driver s fault, his insurer is supposed to pay for damages to your car. But if his insurer stalls, you can file a claim on your own collision policy and let the two companies fight it out later. Unfortunately, it doesn t always work that way.
Most states give insurance companies up to six months to go after the money owed by another company.
After that, they re required to either give you the deductible or let you go after the other company on your own. If they win only a partial settlement, a whole new set of rules kicks in. Usually, the winnings are split between you and your insurer. That case set off a chain of 22 additional settlements by major insurers for the same offense, including Geico, Allstate, Prudential, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide. We can dump you on a whim.