PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What can I do if an insurance company won’t pay me for my labor?
A driver crashed through a fence on my property and caused extensive damage to my fence, yard, kid’s toys, and more. The estimate to clean up and remove the debris was $1,250 that I could not pay upfront, so I cleaned it up and disposed of the waste on my own. I assumed the insurance company would compensate me for my labor, but they are refusing to pay. Do I have any options?
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear your property was damaged, and I hope everyone is safe! It’s an unfortunate situation to be in, but rest assured; you do have options.
If you feel you are not being treated fairly, you can:
- Contact the insurance agent or company and discuss further
- Request to talk with a manager or executive at the company
- File an appeal
- Seek arbitration or ask a third party, like an ombudsman, to mediate the dispute
- File a complaint with your State Insurance Commissioner
- File a legal claim
While you have options, the insurance company has a solid case not to compensate your time because no agreement was made to have you remove the debris.
In general, you need approval to be compensated for work that the insurance company would have otherwise paid for and the payment amount and method would be agreed upon before performing the labor. Additionally, if you were going to be reimbursed but could not afford to pay for a professional service out of pocket, you should have contacted the insurance company.
Hopefully, the insurance company is understanding, and you both can reach an agreement.
I’m sure this experience has made you realize
car insurance companies
are not always the easiest to work with or understand. If you want someone who can help you understand car insurance, coverage options, and even save you money, download the Jerry
app. Jerry can collect quotes from more than 50 top companies, including Nationwide, Allstate, and Travelers, in minutes for free. Jerry’s licensed and friendly agents are only a text or call away to help answer any of your questions. View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
