Direct General Auto Insurance delay in claims and not reimburse for rental car. Tampa, Florida

On 11/30/10, my vehicle was struck by an insured ofDirect General, while properly parked. The person was ticketed for theaccident. I called my insurance co. (Progressive), I was told I had 2 options. I could file a claim with my company or thru Direct General. I decided to file through the Direct General, since their insured was the liable for the damage. Big mistake.

My vehicle wasn't driveable. It sit at theaccident scene until I called Directon 12/1/10 and informed them that my car was still at the accident scene. I also requested a rental car. I was told that they will have to speak with the insured and get his statement before they can authorize a rental or do anything. Theyhadmy vehicle picked up and towed to Osteen'sBody shop (they wanted it towed to my resident). The appraiser wasat my house before Igot home from signing the tow orders. They tell me that the insured would have to give a statement before anything is done, but attempted to appraise my vehicle at my home.

I called several times between 11/30 and12/5/10 requesting a rental car and told them that my husband is a terminal cancer patient and I need transportation to get him back and forth to his treatments. I get the same response we have to speak with the insured. I filed a complaint with BBB.

ON 12/7/10, I received a call from Amy Stokes, claims adjuster for Direct General, informing me that they have spoken with the insured and accepts full liability. I once again asked about a rental car, this time tshe has to talk to her supervisor to approve the paperwork for itand will let me know. I called again several times no rental. The body shop is also having a problem getting an appraiser out there to appraise my car and do the necessary work to get the damage to my vehicle repaired. One was sent to my home the day vehicle was towed, I might add.???

It took until 12/21/10, before an appriaser got out to Osteens body shop and 12/22/10 before I was actually placed in a rental. Ridiculous. If you spoke with the insured on 12/7, why did it take so long to get the ball rolling. That was 3+ weeks.

I had to rent my own vehicle from 11/30 until 12/6/11 so I can get my husband to his chemotherapy treatments. Now I'm told by Ms Stokes that she doesn't know If I qualify for reimbursement of the money I paid for a rental car or any loss wages. Loss wages because it wasn't a medical situation. I am entitled to both because I loss the use of my car.

My car is still at Osteens on this 12th day of January in 2011. I would not recommend Direct General to anyone. Something really need to be done about the service that is given. My next step is the Insurance Commission.