Self-Insured Auto Insurance

Self-insurance is a risk management method in which a calculated amount of money is set aside to compensate for potential future loss.  When a company is self-insured, therefore, rather than spending money on premiums to pay for insurance coverage, they set aside money to cover anything unforeseen that may come up.  Usually, companies that are self-insured have an administrator to handle claims, if it is a big enough entity.  Try contacting the company and inquiring about who handles claims against them.  If they are a small company, it could be someone in the Human Resources Department, or someone else who wears two hats.  If it is a very small company, it could be the president or owner.

Send them your documentation just the same as if there was an insurance company involved.  If your car was damaged, send them a copy of one or two repair estimates.  If you were injured, send them copies of your medical bills.  Then make a demand for settlement of your claim.  Include an amount for pain and suffering (if you sustained injuries) in the amount you ask for in your demand letter.  If you have any trouble getting them to cooperate, you may have to sue them.  Depending on the amount of damages, you may be able to sue in small claims court.  Each state has different limits, so check with the court in your area.  If your total damages are higher than the small claims court limits, you’ll likely need an attorney’s assistance.