Hello. Has anyone found a way around the policy by insurers where they simple total the car rather than have it fixed? We have two older vehicles with low mileage and in excellent condition. A woman rear ended me and I am 0% per cent at fault. I simply want the bumper fixed. Both insurance companies told me the repair would be more than the value of the car so they want to declare it totaled. I have not received a value yet. They said if I keep the car I would receive a “Salvage Title” which would affect the sale of the vehicle. I do not plan on selling either car. Other than fix it myself, any other ideas? Thanks in advance and thanks to all who responded to my USAA question
Insurance adjuster for 40 years here.
The insurance companies owe either the cost of repairs plus diminished value becase the car has an accident history that will effect it’s trade in value or the value of the vehicle less salvage value.
Their position is correct.
You may keep the car, sell the salvage your self or repair it.
You will receive a salve title if you keep the car.
You don’t really have any choice. You can let them know your preference is to have the vehicle repaired vs totaling it out. If the numbers are close either way they may honor your wishes, but it’s unlikely.
I bought my son a Jeep that had a salvage title. After two years he got rear ended. Fairly minor accident but they totaled out the vehicle. I got $500 more from the other drivers insurance company than I paid for the vehicle. You may be pleasantly surprised by their offer.
If you don’t plan on selling, the salvage title is moot. I would try to fix it yourself, get a bumper from a junkyard.
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My Honda Civic, 2008, was hit manyl years ago. I asked the insurance adjuster to repair the car rather than totaling it. She agreed to repair the vehicle stating, “it was close”.
I have heard of totaling and buying the car back. Keep in mind that insurance companies are basically crooks.
With all the high tech in cars nowadays the insurance companies are inclined to “total” a car, even if it’s newer.
Off the top of my cheap head couldn’t you try for some kind of inconvenience cash settlement from the offenders insurance company and get the car fixed “good enough”? If it’s one of those plastic bumpers I’ve had good luck popping them back out from inside. Otherwise a used bumper installed by a Shade Tree Mechanic with a Rattle Can paint job.
Gives the car some character.
When I had that happen, I was lucky. The person at fault took care of the repairs so my car was not totaled.