Dear Claudienne,

On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, I was heading to work, driving my sister’s 2007 Nissan Note, and attempted to enter the eastbound traffic of Mandela Highway in the vicinity of Central Village. I was given the opportunity to merge into traffic by an oncoming motorist and began turning into the right lane. While manoeuvring into traffic, (Mr D) the driver of a Chevrolet Aveo, came from behind me and also attempted to make his way onto the highway, and in his miscalculation hit the right side of the vehicle.

I took pictures of the damage to my sister’s vehicle and the front of his vehicle, with the aim of showing points of contact and extent of damage. I also took pictures of his documents and exchanged contact numbers. The police officer who took the report later that day also looked at the vehicle and said the other driver was clearly in the wrong since it was the right-hand (driver’s) side of the vehicle that was damaged and we were making a right turn and both vehicles were travelling in the same direction, clearly indicating that he was attempting to overtake on the right.

A report was made to my sister’s insurance company (Firm Insurance) the following Monday and the completed claim form along with an estimate for repairs, copy of Mr D’s driver’s licence and insurance documents as well as receipt for initial accident report were submitted on December 28, 2022. Mr D also sent a copy of the receipt for the report he made to the Central Village Police Station, but this was on December 3, 2022 (four days after the incident).

My sister was informed by her insurance company that the accident was not reported by Mr D to his insurance company (Advantage General), so I would need to submit proof of their client’s involvement as the pictures did not show his licence plate. I could not get this report from the Central Village Police Station but instead had to request it from the Greater Portmore Police Station (Hundred Man). This was done and the police report was submitted to Advantage General in May 2023.

All efforts to contact Advantage General were stonewalled by the company which told my sister that the accident had not been reported by their client. Advantage said that we should submit substantial proof of their clients’ involvement for their review and consideration.

It was later explained to me by my sister’s insurance company that Mr D used an independent broker whom he informed of the accident. However, the broker had submitted no official report to Advantage General on the accident.

In early 2024, I was informed that Advantage General had finally agreed to a meeting to discuss some outstanding claims including mine. I followed up two days after the date of this meeting and was told they would respond in 14 business days. I followed up after this time had elapsed only for them to revert to the same excuse “this is a no report for us”.

I am therefore asking for your kind assistance in resolving this matter

Dear FD,

Tell Claudienne has been in communication with Advantage General Insurance about your concerns. The company told the column that the information they got from Mr D was incomplete. They promised to follow up with their client to obtain all the details of the accident.

On August 2, 2024, Tell Claudienne received the following e-mail from Advantage General:

“We are now in receipt of a report from our insured, and the information in our possession suggests that our insured is liable. We will settle any reasonable claim presented by the third party. “

Please contact your insurance company.

We wish you all the best.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 876-936-9436 or cell/WhatsApp 876-484-1349; or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail:edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.