Do I have to "total" the car?

by Guest » Sat Dec 08, 2007 07:51 pm
Guest

I was rear ended by someone causing some damage to my trunk, rear bumber, and some very minor body damage (the expensive part). The car is completely driveable and safe (according to a body shop), but because it is not worth very much the insurance company wants to total it. They say my two choices are to take a payment and give them the car or take a slightly reduced amount and then go through the process of getting a salvage title. My question is -are these really my only two choices? Can I not negotiate for a lesser amount and get the parts of the car fixed that I want to?

The dollar amounts they have offered are fair, I just feel like I am being forced to "total" the car. The process of getting a salvage title, also seems like a nightmare. I am in the state of Georgia if that matters.

Any advide? Thanks.

Total Comments: 5

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 09:39 pm Post Subject:

Welcome to the forums, I would think that they would let you do the salvage title as long as you pay for it. You will probably have to have the car inspected by someone who is authorized to say that it is safe to drive. Can you insure a salvage titled vehicle? What are the steps you would have to take to do this?

There are alot of people here who know alot about insurance and work in the industry that will come along and break this all down for you and tell you what you need to do or if you have choices, hang in there, I am sure someone will be along shortly. Goodluck with your situation.

Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 11:58 am Post Subject:

Good morning and welcome to the community...

My question is -are these really my only two choices?

Well, yes kind of they are...sort of..... :roll: how's that for a political response! ha..... Here's the problem.... an insurance adjuster has to write to repair the vehicle a 'certain' way....meaning we can cut costs of course but not just leave some stuff undone, or at least must address the damage ....you could ask the adjuster if there is anyway you could accept an AA (appearance allowance) on some of the repairs, thus reducing the repair and maybe getting it under the total loss threshold...You don't tell us ''how far'' or deep the repair cost is into the total...meaning what is the dollar amount they will give you to ''keep'' the car, (retain the salvage)...and what is the repair amount? Let us know that and I'll (at least) be in a better postition to see if AA will help anything...also let me know yr/make/model/mileage please.

also re:

The process of getting a salvage title, also seems like a nightmare.

The insurance company should handle all of that, I'll check GA here in a while and see if I can find any laws about changing a salvaged title back....that might be the nightmare to which you refer...generally once a vehicle is 'branded' with a salvage, AFTER you make the necessary repairs if you want to return it, or get it changed to ''former'' salvaged title you have to have it inspected, in my state the Hwy patrol does this...

anyway, answer my questions, and I'll see if I can't try and figure out a solution or proposal you can bring to the adjuster ok?

goodnatured,

Can you insure a salvage titled vehicle?

yes, in most states, but should only be for liablity..unless full repairs have been completed...

Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 10:26 am Post Subject:

Hi harriso, you must have received some very useful information from Lori already.

Well, I believe that no one can force you against your will. You can very well keep the truck if you want. In that case, the insurer will pay you the amount minus the salvage title and deductibles. But first inform the insurer that you don't want to see your car towed to the salvage yard.

Please try to answer Lori's questions and see if she can offer you some better suggestions. Best of luck.

Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 09:22 pm Post Subject:

The OP knows he/she can keep the car as he/she mentions this.

OP, while is _possible_ you might find an adjuster willing to do what Lori states, it's extreemly unlikely. There is just no reason for an adjuster to put so much extra work into the _possibility_ that they might be able to get the repair cost under the state mandated total loss amount. Plus, I've learned if you do enough favors... eventually one will turn sour and create a huge mess.

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 12:02 pm Post Subject:

tcope is correct that it is totally up to the adjuster if they are willing to put forth this type of effort...but....

There is just no reason for an adjuster to put so much extra work into the _possibility_ that they might be able to get the repair cost under the state mandated total loss amount.

I have done it a few handfuls of times when it was the best for the person and I felt they needed a little extra help..AND the repairs were non-safety/structural, and close to the threshold....

There is just no reason for an adjuster to put so much extra work

I wouldn't say there is no reason, the 'reason' I did it was to assist/help someone that was truly down and out, and this was the only way to stop what (to them) was devastating. The reason was to bring the claim to an conclusion that was mutually satisfactory to both....Unfortunately tcope is again correct sadly, 'no good deed goes unpunished' and while i haven't been bit by this particular scenerio I have on others occassionally....good luck........

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