by flower power » Thu May 14, 2009 11:07 pm
My son's car was hit last week in the parking lot of a Giant Food Store. He was backing out of a parking spot and driving forward when a kid in a dodge ram truck backed up into his left front fender damaging the fender the hood and also cracked the windshield. My son's car is a 97 Chevy Cavalier Z24. I know it is 12 years old but he loves the car, he is slowly making some needed repairs on it has put a great deal of money into it and he wants to keep it. The kid who hit him said he would pay for the damage which was $2500.00 as long as my son signed a paper stating he would not have to pay any more for any hidden damage. We advised him not to sign anything so the kid decided to think about it for a day. In the meantime we figured $2500.00 was acceptable and called the kid to inform him of our decision. The next day my son and the kid who hit him made arrangements for payment to take place this past Tuesday night. The accident happened last Thursday. Early Tuesday evening my son got a text message saying he would not pay the money and we should report it to his insurance. I did that the next day, now I am almost sorry I did because I fear the insurance company declaring it a total loss. Was I wrong in reporting this, can I cancel the claim and take the kid to small claims court? My son will do anything to keep this car. Please advise. The car is driveable and the truck took almost no damage at all. I wanted to also add this was reported to the police and they listed the boy driving the truck as responsible for the accident. I did give the info from the police to the insu company. I don't think I have the nerves to sit around and wait much longer.
Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 03:02 pm Post Subject:
I've heard from different sources that getting a salvage title takes up a great deal of time and the car cannot be driven. My son needs the car for work. He cannot be without a car for very long. This can be a huge problem.
So far I have heard nothing yet today from the ins co.
Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 04:40 pm Post Subject:
flower power,
I've heard from different sources that getting a salvage title takes up a great deal of time and the car cannot be driven....
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/inspections/recon.shtml
The Link above will take you to the Pa DMV -- Re-constructed vehicles.
After repairs you must have it inspected at an Registered Enhanced Safety Inspection station. The last time I checked the cost of this inspection varied from around $100 to $250. If you have more than one in your area it could pay to shop around. The one near me (about a mile away) can process all your paper work for you once the car passes the inspection.
I was talking to the owner a few days ago about time-lines. He said when the new system was first put into place it only took about eight days or less to get your new Title and License plates back from Harrisburg. Now its around Six to Eight Weeks.
Check the web site above for Official info.
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 04:22 pm Post Subject:
The adjuster called yesterday morning and said they have settled the claim. I believe she said they came to within $230.00 of totaling the car. I am so relieved, but will be more so when the check gets here. Thanks for all the information you provided, it was really a great help. I'll let you know when we get the check.
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 06:23 am Post Subject:
Wow!! That's certainly a great relief for you flower. Your son would get the chance to retain the car. Now, you just need to get hold of the claim check :)
Keep us updated though.
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 07:27 pm Post Subject:
Well we finally got the check in the mail today. It was however $458.00 short of the estimate that was submitted (no explanation why) but at this point I'll take it. Now we can get the car repaired and hopefully never go through this again. Thanks again for all your support. Very much appreciated.
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 04:42 am Post Subject:
Well we finally got the check in the mail today. It was however $458.00 short of the estimate that was submitted
What estimate are you referring to?
Is the value lower than what was quoted for 'totaled' value or its lower than the repair estimate?
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 03:19 pm Post Subject:
I'm sorry my mistake, I've looked at so many figures concerning this car my brain is fried. The estimate I submitted when I filed the claim was for 2449.25. I thought it was for 2549.25. The check total was 2441.28 which is a difference of 7.97. I have no idea why they deducted $8.00 but at this point I don't care either, we're just glad he can now get the car fixed and I am finished with this INS co.
Once again, thank you for all your help and advice with this matter it was very much appreciated.
I did send an email to the adjuster thanking her for her handling of this claim and she apologized for taking so long with it but she just had to verify things with the other driver.
Thankfully this ordeal is over.
Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 03:55 am Post Subject:
Once again, thank you for all your help and advice with this matter it was very much appreciated.
You are welcome Flower :)
We are happy to be able to help you through this. Hope you never have to go though this ordeal again.
Keep checking with us though.
Cheers!!
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