Location: Kansas City, MO
I had a negligent discharge with a firearm in my apartment last year (July) that struck a water line and made it rain on the two apartments below me. The apartment directly below me, covered by State Farm, is hitting me with $27,000 in damages over what happened. I was covered under an LLIP from my leasing agency that covered the cost of my apartment repair, however after speaking to an adjuster with the insurance company they will not be covering those damages. I had no other renter’s insurance.
Now legally I am considered a merchant marine, and federal code states that all wages due and accruing for me are protected. The only way a court order can touch my paychecks for wage garnishment is spousal support, child support, and federal tax liabilities. In explaining this to the previously mentioned adjuster I was informed that if I told State Farm that I can’t pay that amount they would drop it.
He said that they were mostly looking to see if I had any insurance at the time that they could go after, and my protected income would make it incredibly difficult to get the money out of me. That being said, I’m not too keen on telling an insurance company to fuck off when I owe them $27,000.
What are your thoughts and opinions on this?
Comments
You owe them $27,000 because you were negligent. Pay up
How do you expect them to pay for the damages you caused? See if they will accept a payment plan and get it in writing to keep it legal.
I can’t imagine who would have told you that State Farm would just fuck off if you said “hey I can’t pay.” Who said that?
And gainfully employed but protected from garnishment is nothing like “can’t pay.”
Almost certainly State Farm is willing to take a judgment against you that will be an albatross until something happens to make you pay it.
> if I told State Farm that I can’t pay that amount they would drop it
Lol, what? They also have ten years to collect, and can renew for another ten years. You might have a different job in the next 20 years. They can also find assets aside from paychecks, that’s not the only thing.
I really doubt that the insurance company is just going to walk away and let you off the hook over $27k.
Your paychecks may be covered but all your other assets are not. Property, bank accounts etc. are fair game.
You can either arrange a payment plan or lesser amount with them or you can have your life turned upside down while they look for and take anything that isn’t nailed down to satisfy the $27k + costs judgement they will be granted if this ever goes to court.
Your choice.