I need info on my auto accident claims option

by james.e.taylor » Tue Dec 08, 2009 08:34 pm

Hello
I was in a accident yesterday. There was no tickest given,but the insurance company says its my fault. I wrecked my 08 grand prix that i've had for three months. It has $6400 worth the damage, not enough to total. They are opting to repair it, but cars aren't the same after you wreck them, there is always little things wrong with them . Do i have any other option, because i am paying $450 a month for a "wrecked" car

Total Comments: 9

Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:08 pm Post Subject:

There was no tickest given,but the insurance company says its my fault.

Tickets don't make or break liability...

If the numbers show that it's more economical to repair rather than total your car that's what they will do. Your option is to not repair it, take the money and apply it to your loan, and/or trade in your wrecked car..Have it repaired, then trade it..You don't have to fix it, but you can't make them total it if the numbers don't push it over..

cars aren't the same after you wreck them, there is always little things wrong with them

I disagree, it depends (100%) on the shop that does the repairs as well as where the damage is, what is being repaired..

because i am paying $450 a month for a "wrecked" car

Sorry but you wrecked the car, not your carrier, and they have a contract with you that says they will put you back in the condition you were prior to the loss...not worse, and not better, (which you would be if they totaled it---apparently). You also chose a 450.00 car payment.

Do you have GAP insurance? If not, what is your pay off? Could very well be that if it did total you wouldn't get enough to pay it off...that would really be a problem wouldn't it? Because you would begin a new loan severely upside down.

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 12:49 am Post Subject:

They are opting to repair it, but cars aren't the same after you wreck them, there is always little things wrong with them



Although it's true your car will never be the same after the repair as it was before the accident, there is no reason to believe it cannot be repaired correctly and returned to you in a manner that meets safety, mechanically sound and cosemetically returned to it's former self. My advise would be to do your own home work on repairers in your area including ones your carrier may offer. That way you will understand the repair process and feel confident that you made the right decision on who wll repair it.

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 01:13 am Post Subject:

If the car is not repaired to the former condition, do i have the right to refuse it until it is repaired to my satisfaction, or am I stuck with this end result as it is?

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 01:16 am Post Subject:

and yes I do have GAP insurance, and the pay off would be around 19K

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 01:35 am Post Subject:

If the car is not repaired to the former condition, do i have the right to refuse it until it is repaired to my satisfaction, or am I stuck with this end result as it is?



Yes, that is your right. However, as I stress to many looking or needing collision work, you need to research repairers in your area. Tour their facility, ask them to show you finished work as well as work in progress. Find a shop that is willing to work with your best interests in mind and not just the insurers'. Ask family or friends about repairers. Make sure you fully understand the repair process. Once you have done that, you should not be worried about the repairer you select to perform the repairs. If the insurer or adjuster prepares an estimate, don't be afraid to present it to a repairer and get all your questions answered before you leave your vehicle with someone. Start by googling shops in your area and compare.

And what I said about your car not being the same; what I meant was that it will never be the same car again, because it has been repaired. But that in no way means that a repair professional cannot repair it correctly. Selecting the right repairer will make all the difference. Remember the old saying ; "you get what you pay for"? Keep that in mind.

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 01:48 am Post Subject:

my car is at the dealership that my insurer recommended. and the adjuster works for that dealership. If the work is not done to my satisfaction and I refuse it, what happens next? Am I going to start a battle I can't win?

And to be clear, I hope the car will come back alright, its just I've owned a couple cars that were wrecked and repaired, and there was ALLWAYS little things wrong with them and i just don't want that to be for my first "new" car.

thanks

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 01:55 am Post Subject:

Then you would need to ask: how is it being repaired, what parts are being used, warranty etc. I am sure that this shop can and will perform the repairs to your satisfaction, not to worry. However, the insurer has selected this shop as part of their direct repair program. Meaning, the shop repairs the vehicle under the guidelines and agreement with your insurer. With that agreement, the insurer will expect you to be completely satisified with the repair. But again, you need to made full aware the process so you will know what to expect.

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 01:15 pm Post Subject:

my car is at the dealership that my insurer recommended

Are you getting a warranty on the repairs from this shop, and from your insurer? Has someone called you and gone over the estimate of repair? Including what types of parts are being used?

and the adjuster works for that dealership.

Then they aren't an adjuster...either there is an adjuster with your carrier that has an office set up in this shop and they write estimates and oversee repairs for vehicles being repaired for their customers..or...the shop is writing the estimate, and forwarding it on to your carrier. Either way can work...it is important that you have a copy of the repair estimate, and that 'someone' went over this with you so that you'll understand EXACTLY what is being done to YOUR car. And again, ask about a 'written' warranty.

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