Sample Demand Letter - Vehicle Damage Claim

Sample Demand Letter

Alison Schau
234 Westminster St.
Middletown, OH 12345

September 17, 20xx

Lucas Mulder
Claims Adjuster
Total Risk Insurance Company
444 Waterloo Avenue
Detroit, MI 11235

Re: Your Insured, Alexa Rand
Claimant: Alison Schau
Claim No.: ENT12357
Date of Loss: July 3, 20xx

Dear Mr. Mulder:

As I informed you in my letter of July 7, 20xx, I was involved in a car accident with your insured, Alexa Rand, at the intersection of High Street and Fourth Street in Franklin, Ohio. I was traveling north on High Street in my 20xx Toyota Corolla. I had come to a stop at the stop sign at the intersection of High and Fourth. Your insured, Ms. Rand, crashed into the rear of my vehicle in her 20xx Chevrolet Suburban, pushing my vehicle into the crosswalk.[Note: Using the term "crashed" instead of "hit" paints a more vivid picture that sets up the description of the damage.]

My vehicle was rendered inoperable by the crash and had to be towed from the scene. At the scene of the accident, your insured admitted she was at fault for the accident, stating that she "didn't even see" because she "was texting instructions to the babysitter." [Note: Adding this information shows that the other driver is not just at fault for the car accident but that she also probably violated a traffic law or two.]

The force of the crash destroyed my vehicle's rear bumper cover, crumpled the trunk lid, and damaged the trunk latch mechanism, which had to be entirely replaced. It also broke the light housing on the right side, destroying both the tail light and the brake light. An oil line in my vehicle's engine also broke under the force of the collision, causing oil to spill onto the roadway and requiring me to call a tow truck to remove the vehicle from the intersection. [Note: Detailing the damage to the vehicle shows how extensive it is and explains why the tow truck was a necessary expense.]

The bill for towing services provided by Two Guys and a Tow Truck, Inc. of Franklin, Ohio totaled $430.00. My vehicle was repaired by Mitchell's Speedy Motors in Middletown, Ohio, at a total cost of $2,525.00, which was broken down as follows:

• Rear Bumper Replacement: $966.00
• Rear Deck Replacement: $1500.00
• Tail and Brake Light Housing Replacement: $59.00
• Total Repair Costs: $2,525.00

Before authorizing Mitchell's Speedy Motors to complete the repairs on my vehicle, I had the local Toyota dealership, Muddy Waters Toyota, provide an estimate for the repairs. Muddy Waters estimated the repairs would cost $3,200.00. [Note: Adding information about other estimates for repairs demonstrates that the actual repair costs fall in a reasonable range.]

Because your insured's collision with my vehicle occurred less than 24 hours before my family's annual Fourth of July reunion barbecue, I was forced to miss this event because I could not drive my damaged car to the venue, which is in Michigan. Consequently, I missed a rare opportunity to see many of my extended family members, some of whom drive or fly several thousand miles to attend and whom I cannot travel to see at any other time. Because I had scheduled my vacation time at work to coincide with my family reunion, I also lost a great deal of this time dealing with my damaged vehicle instead of carrying out my vacation plans. [Note: This section describes unique damages that can't easily be captured by a dollar amount, but are still compensable in an injury case.]

Due to the admitted negligence of your insured, my vehicle sustained serious damages, costing me not only out-of-pocket expenses in repairs and towing costs but also the use of my vacation time and a rare opportunity to visit beloved family members. As a result, I demand compensation for my vehicle damages and general damages in the amount of $12,000. [Note: While Alison's claim is probably only worth about $4,000, asking for three times this amount opens negotiations at a point in her favor.]

Since the statute of limitations requires me to file suit in this matter within a few months, I look forward to resolving this claim in the near future. Please respond within 14 days of your receipt of this letter. [Note: This request asks for a prompt reply with a specific deadline.]

Sincerely,

[Signature]

Alison Schau