I was returning home yesterday with my family in the car,

by Miss Nancy » Fri Jan 15, 2010 06:08 pm

I was returning home yesterday with my family in the car, as I was driving down my street as always, when this old man in an old beat up truck, pulls out without looking and side swiped my passenger side of my 1998 Toyota Camry. Well, I could not believe the damage to my car! My car was in very good condition, ran beautifully. I did have alot of miles, over 200k. But, I am a single Mom, don't have the money for a down payment on a new vehicle at this time. What do I do..I know they will total it. I m so upset I don't know what to do.

Total Comments: 4

Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 01:12 pm Post Subject:

Is your car still driveable? If so and your state allows it you can retain the salvage, and see if you can get a shop to do only the repairs that have to be done to make the vehicle safe.

You're right though, if there is much damage it will likely total..'which' camry do you have (4 or 6 cyl. ce, le, or xle) also does is have the following options--alumn/alloy wheels, leather seats, power seats, sunroof, a.c., automatic, cc, power windows? If you'll provide the above information I'll check a value for you...I'm showing only a $100.00 deduct for the mileage...and without benefit of knowing motor size and mileage still getting an ACV of 5175.00..

Is it just the doors or the entire side?

Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 02:23 pm Post Subject:

If so and your state allows it you can retain the salvage, and see if you can get a shop to do only the repairs that have to be done to make the vehicle safe.

Actually, LORI,...I'm gald I came across this post. My friend did total her car. She was wondering the same thing..about still driving it, etc. I don't think she's had a chance to inquire about this to anyone. She lives in PA (like me!!). Are there any kind of 'guidelines' that she could NOT 'salvage' the car? Is PA one of these states, that she could do this?

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 07:15 am Post Subject: Totaled car

If your car is totaled, the company would pay the fair market value unless you have a coverage of Guaranteed Replacement cost. If you want to keep the damaged car, your company would bid the salvage buyers to set the fair market value on the salvage and would deduct the amount from the settlement.

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 12:44 pm Post Subject:

scarlett, that is NOT what she asked...

SD, she'll need to check with the PA dept of motor vehicles or their web site, most likely there are some guidelines...all states are different some really easy, and others make it not worth retaining the vehicle.

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