Dealing With Metromile Insurance After a Car Accident

Rising insurance costs, combined with urban congestion and a high cost of living, have prompted many Americans to seek alternative auto insurance solutions to save money. One notable option is Metromile, an insurance company offering pay-per-mile insurance tailored specifically for low-mileage drivers. 

Whether or not you have Metromile car insurance, navigating the claims process can be confusing. We’ll explain this type of coverage, what to do if you’re in an accident, and how to find legal help after an accident.

What Is Metromile Insurance?

Metromile, which was acquired by Lemonade in 2022, provides a unique insurance model that combines a monthly base rate with charges based on the actual miles driven. This approach is particularly beneficial for city dwellers who may not drive daily but still require comprehensive coverage. 

By paying only for the miles they drive, Metromile customers can save money compared to traditional insurance plans. Like other auto insurance companies, Metromile determines a driver’s rate by considering their gender, age, credit history, vehicle, driving record, and prior insurance history. 

Since Metromile was acquired, policyholders with Metromile insurance will be offered renewal through Lemonade or given a non-renewal notice if they do not live in a state with Lemonade coverage. Lemonade also offers homeowners, renters, and pet insurance.

How Does It Work?

Metromile car insurance operates differently from traditional insurers. Instead of charging a flat monthly rate, Metromile calculates your premium based on how much you drive. Here’s how it works:

1. Base Rate + Per-Mile Rate
   • You pay a fixed monthly base rate (similar to traditional insurance).
   • You are then charged a per-mile rate, which is multiplied by the number of miles you drive each month.
   Example:
   • Base rate: $40/month
   • Per-mile rate: $0.05 per mile
   • If you drive 500 miles in a month: $40 + (500 × $0.05) = $65 total premium
2. Mile Tracking
   • Metromile provides a Metromile pulse device, which connects to your car’s OBD-II port (standard in most vehicles made after 1996).
   • The Pulse device tracks your mileage but does not track your speed or driving habits (like hard braking or acceleration).
   • Your monthly bill is adjusted based on actual miles driven.
3. Coverage Options
   Metromile offers standard coverage options similar to traditional insurance, including:
   • Liability coverage
   • Collision and comprehensive coverage
   • Roadside assistance
   • Rental reimbursement
   • Glass repair

What to Do If You Have Been in an Accident

Experiencing a car accident can be overwhelming. If you’re insured with Metromile or were in an accident with a Metromile policyholder, it’s essential to follow these steps:

Step #1: Document the Accident

Always do everything you can to document your car accident, whether you were the driver or passenger. Take note of the damage to the cars or other personal property, the license plates, driver’s license information, physical damage, insurance information, and the immediate surroundings. 

Also, be sure to document additional information by:

• Taking pictures
• Getting witness contact information
• Taking videos (with permission)
• Getting the other driver to admit fault 

The more you document, the more information you will have to present your case, prove negligence, and get the best compensation possible.

Step #2: Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention immediately after being involved in a car accident, regardless of whether you were the driver, a passenger, or even a third party. Even if you don’t feel symptoms now, if you fail to see a doctor and symptoms manifest down the line, you may no longer be entitled to compensation. 

Common long-term injuries include: 

• Ligament tears
• Tissue build-ups
• Bone spurs
• Hairline fractures
• Muscle tears 

By seeking medical attention, you can help maintain your health and ensure that your condition is documented by a physician, which will help your case in the future. 

Step #3: Speak With An Attorney

It is imperative to speak with a car accident lawyer immediately.  Even a simple mistake, such as accidentally accepting partial blame, can reduce your compensation.

In addition, car accident victims typically have a two-year statute of limitations to file claims. The statute of limitations for other specific claims can be 30 days. 

This may sound like a long time, but taking all of the proper legal steps on your own to take on large insurance companies is rarely successful. They have the resources to stall for years until it is no longer capable of getting compensation.

That is why it is so important to speak with a legal professional. They can use the law to get instant access to legal information and demand to speak with representatives on your behalf.

The best part is that our attorneys do not charge a cent until the case is won on your behalf and offer free evaluations to help you understand what you are entitled to and what steps to take next. There is no downside to working with an attorney for your Metromile claim. 

Step #4: File Your Claim Online

One benefit of Lemonade car insurance is that each member has an app that makes filing a claim convenient and easy.

There is a lot of room for error when doing this yourself, though. First, it can increase your rates over time, and second, it may not be the best move.

If you were not at fault for the accident, the claim should be filed with your and the other person’s insurance company, who should pay the claim. This can be difficult, as third parties will not work with you on their client’s behalf, and the other person may be advised not to speak with you. 

While doing this, you want to be careful to ensure that you document all information correctly and give as much detail as possible. You should NEVER lie to an insurance company. This leaves even more room for error when filing Metromile claims.

Because specific information can be subject to error, we always recommend speaking with a professional to help you file your claim and receive the compensation you deserve.

How Does Metromile Pay Out Claims?

Metromile handles claims similarly to traditional insurance companies but with a focus on a tech-driven and streamlined process. Here’s how Metromile payouts work:

1. Filing a Claim
   • You can file a claim via:
     • Metromile App (fastest)
     • Online Portal
     • Phone Call to Claims Team
   • You’ll need to provide details like:
     • Accident date, time, and location
     • Photos of damages
     • Police report (if applicable)
     • Other driver’s information (if another vehicle is involved)
2. Damage Assessment
   • If your car needs repairs, Metromile offers:
     • Direct Repair Program (DRP): You can choose from their network of pre-approved repair shops.
     • Independent Repair Shops: If you have a preferred shop, Metromile allows you to use it.
   • In some cases, Metromile may use AI-powered damage assessment for quicker claim estimates.
3. Claim Approval & Payout
   • If covered, Metromile will pay for repairs minus your deductible.
   • If your car is totaled, Metromile will issue a payout based on your vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV).
   • If another driver is at fault, Metromile may help you file a claim against their insurer.
4. Claim Payment & Reimbursement
   • Repair payments may be sent directly to the repair shop if you use a DRP shop.
   • Metromile will reimburse you via check or direct deposit if you’ve already paid out of pocket.
   • For rental car reimbursement, Metromile covers costs if your policy includes rental coverage.
5. Fast-Track Claims for Eligible Customers
   • Some minor claims may be processed within hours using AI.
   • An adjuster may be assigned for in-depth review for larger claims, which can take longer.

Metromile is app-based and heavily relies on artificial intelligence (AI), so you may be unable to speak to an actual human.

Pros and Cons of Metromile

One of the most common complaints about Metromile is that its claims process is notoriously slow. Clients routinely leave reviews regarding how their claim was handled, with little to no information about their case process. This isn’t unusual for the car insurance industry.

This is simply a headache you cannot afford to have. You must be able to return to your regular life, deal with potential injuries, and more.

There is no time to worry about fooling around with a car insurance agent via email or phone, hoping your claim will be paid out in time or that you will be on the right side of the payout. 

However, this doesn’t mean the service is not worthwhile or improving. They recently added a dashboard to their app, allowing users to submit claim data directly and data from the app, which tracks car movement and more. 

Will Your Auto Insurance Rates Go Up After Filing an Accident Claim?

This is a very popular question among drivers. Of course, the answer will vary depending on specific circumstances. Still, if you file too many claims with your auto insurance company, they will raise your rates and possibly not even renew your policy.

If you file a claim based on damage or injuries you caused, your rates will likely increase, but if you are found not at fault, your rates may or may not increase. 

Am I Entitled to Compensation For My Metromile Accident?

If you were involved in a car accident that was not your fault, you can substantiate a claim for compensation. But this is best done with the help of a qualified car accident attorney.

For both Metromile-insured people and those trying to get compensation from the company, it is best to work with an experienced attorney who can help you follow the steps and answer your questions. Knowing what to do next can often directly impact your compensation.

Does Metromile Cover Accidents in Rental Cars?

Millions of people who go on vacation will need to rent a car. If you’ve ever rented a car, you know that feeling when the sales associate tries to sell you “their car insurance.” 

Your best bet is to check your insurance policy before you go to the rental car agency. This way, you will know what you already have and whether your policy extends to rental cars. However, it can get tricky, as some insurance policies only cover rental cars for personal use. If you need help, the best option is to contact Metromile.

Talk to Expert Car Accident Attorneys

Knowing what to do next can be difficult if you have been involved in a car accident with pay-per-mile auto insurance. However, making the right choice can ultimately mean the difference between winning or losing your case.

Our law firm is confident that we possess the experience, passion, and knowledge to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation from one of our expert personal injury attorneys.