Feb 6, 2026
When Bryan Schoonover was hit by an alleged drunk driver on a Pasco County, Florida, road in October, he assumed the insurance process would be straightforward, especially after receiving assurances from the other driver’s insurance company.
“They acknowledged that he was at fault and they would settle the claim,” Schoonover told Tampa Bay 28 in a story published Jan. 26 (1). “Early November, I was told Thanksgiving was around the corner and just be patient.
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Months later, he was still waiting for an insurance payout — and the holdup may stem from something as mundane as a damaged road sign.
It’s a delay that highlights how even seemingly clear-cut cases can leave victims stuck in financial limbo.
Broken sign and months of waiting
Schoonover was driving on a county road when another car cut in front of him and slammed on the brakes, according to a police report obtained by Tampa Bay 28.
“I hit him instantly — I didn’t have time to react,” he said. “I tore 2 muscles in my neck, broke my nose and got a nice scar on my arm.”
The other driver was charged with driving under the influence, per the local broadcaster. Schoonover’s truck was totaled in the crash, and apparently a one-way road sign was also damaged. Schoonover now believes the other driver’s insurer has used the since-fixed sign as an excuse to stall the claims process because Pasco County has yet to send its own bill for damages.
“They claim they’re not able to reach anybody or get any type of response, and their stance is they have two years to settle this,” he said. “So, I’m put on hold until then.”
It’s unclear why the insurer declared it had a two-year window. Tampa Bay 28 says it reached out to Pasco County but didn't receive a response. Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance Co., the insurer with the open claim, also wouldn't answer questions.
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The importance of underinsured motorist coverage
Schoonover says the other driver only has the Florida-minimum $10,000 property damage coverage. Insurance minimums vary from state to state, with many requiring between $25,000 to $50,000 in coverage for property and personal injury coverage. Low minimums can leave victims undercompensated, especially as vehicle prices and repair costs climb.
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In Schoonover’s case, the used replacement truck he bought out of pocket cost about $11,000, Tampa Bay 28 reports. Meanwhile, his totaled vehicle was a newer model that had been paid off. He’ll never be made whole.
Something that could have prevented this situation, however, is if Schoonover had uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If he’d had it, he could have filed a claim through his own insurance company for damages exceeding $10,000. Without it, he had no choice but to rely on the other driver’s insurer. His own policy did cover part of his medical bills, but he will lose money on the vehicle.
What can drivers do now?
If drivers in Florida or anywhere else want to reduce their risk, consider the following:
- Check your state’s minimum liability requirements. Compare the amount with the actual value of your vehicle.
- Review your policy options for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This feature might be worth it, especially in a state with low insurance minimums.
- Understand the claims process, which includes whether your insurer can pay you first and pursue reimbursement later.
- Document everything. Follow up regularly if you’re dealing with another driver’s insurer.
Schoonover says the wait has been exhausting and financially draining.
“It’s kind of sickening,” he said.
His case is a reminder that fault alone doesn’t guarantee fast insurance relief — and that the coverage you choose before a crash can make a big difference when it comes to hitting the road again.
Article sources
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Tampa Bay 28 (1)
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Monique Danao is a highly experienced journalist, editor and copywriter with 8 years of expertise in finance and technology. Her work has been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Decential, 99Designs, Fast Capital 360, Social Media Today and the South China Morning Post.
