Subrogation allows your insurer to recoup costs (medical payments, repairs, etc.), including your deductible, from the at-fault driver's insurance company, if the accident wasn't your fault. A successful subrogation means a refund for you and your insurer.
Insurance companies don't have forever to make a subrogation claim. While the statutory limitations period can vary depending on the type of subrogation claim made—and in which jurisdiction it is made—the standard statute of limitations ranges from one to six years.
When factoring comparative negligence and improper referrals, the recovery rate should be somewhere in the range of 85-90%. This requires adjusters properly identifying subrogation, assessing comparative negligence and pursuing only what they are entitled to.
The Anti-Subrogation Rule (“ASR”) is a common law defense to subrogation. It states that a subrogated insurance company standing in the shoes of its insured cannot bring a subrogation action against or sue its own insured.
A waiver of subrogation is an agreement that prevents your insurance company from acting on your behalf to recoup expenses from the at-fault party. A waiver of subrogation comes into play when the at-fault driver wants to settle the accident but with your insurer out of the picture.
How long does subrogation take? In general, the average subrogation process takes around 6-months. However, depending on the severity of the accident in question, it could take longer.
If it's unclear who's at fault, or if both drivers are responsible, it could affect the results of the subrogation process. If you're partially at fault for an accident, your insurer may only be eligible to recover part of your costs or none at all, depending on state law.
Ways to Fight a Subrogation Claim for Property Damage Showing you are not at fault for the damage. Challenging the amount of the claim. Subrogation waiver. Technical violations of subrogation claims. Negotiate the claim.