How will my property damage settlement work?

by sparkylix » Tue Jun 30, 2009 06:05 am

My car was totaled before I finished paying for it and after I finished paying for it I didn't see the point in switching the title to my name on a wrecked vehicle. All I have to show for my purchase are handwritten notes from the previous owner stating I was making payments then that I had paid in full for the car. If I get a property damage check on this accident will the check go to me? Or to the previous owner because the title is in his name? Is there something he can sign or I can do so the money could be released to me? If the check is written to him is there any way to protect my rights to the car (and the money) with only 2 handwritten notes and an expired title in someone else's name?

Total Comments: 3

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 11:01 am Post Subject:

Hi,

You didn't felt the need to transfer the car title to your name even when you have paid for it. :?

IMO with a totaled vehicle the title needs to be transferred to the insurance company and since you are not the title holder they can't pay the claim to you. Therefore, the claim would be paid to your friend and any amount outstanding would be paid out first from the check amount. The rest would come to you.

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 01:38 pm Post Subject:

Hi sparkylix..

My car was totaled before I finished paying for it and after I finished paying for it I didn't see the point in switching the title to my name on a wrecked vehicle.



Did you discuss this claim thing with the title-owner?
Why didn't you transfer the title? Didn't you consider receiving anything for the damages?

Steven

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 02:19 pm Post Subject:

First, how could you register a vehicle if the vehicle is not in your name?

Ar you saying that the prior owner signed the title as the seller but you never had it changed? If so, the vehicle has been sold. However, the insurance company should require that you complete the transaction and have the title changed with the state before they will issue payment. This is what I would do as an adjuster. I need to have a "clean' title... not one 1/2 way in limbo.

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