by Guest » Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:47 pm
My family and I were in an accident New Years Eve with a drunk driver. Police and Wrecker both told us our car was totaled. Because it was a holiday we didn't hear from our insurance for a couple of days. At the time (my husband wrote it all down) he said our car was worth $14,000 and would have to be 70% damaged before they would total the vehicle. We have not heard anything from anyone in 11 days after our accident (except dr's and hospitals confirming I am ok - had internal/external bruising). We finally called our insurance yesterday to see if they had heard anything - they had not gotten the police report (we had to fax to them) and he then stated that they have our car valued at 16,000 and if 75% was damaged they would total it - I am confused hear... and I told him as much. He didn't recall telling us the first figures - and I told him I have all the written stuff that he gave us that day on the phone. What is going on here? I personally don't want my car back - it was a major hit with severe damage - even the police report said so. I KNOW it's not going to be that value if they fix it. Thoughts?
Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:57 pm Post Subject:
We have not heard anything from anyone in 11 days after our accident
WHAT???????? This is totally unacceptable! What company is this? Have you filed a claim with the drunk's insurance company or are you allowing your company to handle the damage to your vehicle under your collision coverage?A tow truck driver, and/or a cop really haven't the necessary 'tools' to say a vehicle is totaled or not.. It may very well be but their say so is of zero consequence. If you want to post the yr/make/model/mileage/all options and/or VIN and any UNREPAIRED prior damage I'll run a value for you...whomever told you 70 or 75% it doesn't really matter...also there are other ways a vehicle totals besides the percentage rule. If the damage to the vehicle is more than the ACV (actual cash value) minus the salvage value the vehicle is a total loss...where is the impact to your vehicle? What state are you in...what two carriers are involved...one other thing NO ONE over the phone can give you an acruate ACV unless you gave them all the information (similar to what i requested) and then they can only give you a 'rough' ACV, more than likely they left off some options missed a package addition, mileage or something that boosted it 2k...
Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 05:05 am Post Subject:
Well, when did you report the accident to the insurer? I guess during the new year time the office was closed. Weren't there couple of days delay in reporting the incident? Its not clear from your post when exactly you have informed the insurer.
Moreover,
He didn't recall telling us the first figures - and I told him I have all the written stuff that he gave us that day on the phone.
Who is this fellow? Is he the adjuster who has inspected the vehicle after damage? Again, which state are your from?
Please, supply these information and we would look if we can help you in better ways.
Thanks,
Rupert
Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 05:24 am Post Subject:
also there are other ways a vehicle totals besides the percentage rule.
Please, explain to us what other conditions can totals the vehicle. I've several times in this board and elsewhere as well that when a vehicle sustains damages that exceeds certain percentage of its acv its considered as totaled. It would be a great addition to the community knowledge.
Thanks,
Rupert
Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 12:16 pm Post Subject:
Rupert a vehicle will total if it hits the states 'percentage' rule, as we've said, also it is an 'economic' total if the cost of repair exceeds the ACV minus salvage value, there is also a 'structural' or 'obvious' total...if the vehicle is clearly damaged too much or certain structure componets (ie fire wall) are damged beyond repair it is also a total loss
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