Car hit...Help with getting car totalled?

by radelow » Mon Apr 05, 2010 02:41 am

Hi everyone. I have a 2005 X5 that was t-boned by a 17 year old driving his mom's minivan. He is insured by AAA here in California. He has accepted fault (there were four witness). I just received the cost estimate from the body shop and it came out to $12,000. This included replacing the entire right rear suspension, right rear door, right rear quarter panel, rim, tire, etc. I am none to happy and ideally would like the car totalled. The value of the car is probably on the order of $23,000 so from first glance it does not appear to qualify for being totalled.

With all this said I would like to still ask for the car to be totalled based on the following. Repairs never end up costing what the original estimate is. Assuming it ends up costing 15% more that means $14,000. On top of that they are renting me an "equivalent type" vehicle with is a SUV. That is costing them $100 a day (I verified with Hertz). The repair will take at least 45 days so that is another $4500. For a total of $18,500. On top of that I am going to go after diminished value (I know it is difficult to get this). But regardless if I use the $18,500 number. The alternative is to write me a check for $23,000 and sell the X5 for say $8000 salvage (they probably could get more). That would net them $15,000 in cost versus $18,500. Seems like it makes economic sense to me...Do I have any chance of making this arguement with them???

Total Comments: 3

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 04:29 am Post Subject:

On top of that they are renting me an "equivalent type" vehicle with is a SUV. That is costing them $100 a day

Wow, this must be a top of the line SUV. Every company I've worked for, a SUV cost about $45/day. I really think you received some incorrect information.

Do you have a chance? Only if your numbers add up. I don't think they do but they may and your not that far off. I'd recommend giving the adjuster a breakdown of the expenses and polity asking then if it was possible to consider it a total as it would cost them less and this is what you wanted. Do let them know that you intend to pursue a DV claim. As you mentioned, its difficult but this is a good selling point for convincing them to just total it out.

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 05:08 am Post Subject: Thanks

Thanks for the info. They rented me a Cadillac Escalade of all cars....The car normally rents for $140/day but I guess AAA get's a discount down to $100/day. Go figure.

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 08:06 am Post Subject:

Got a little ways to go before they total it, even if the final repair bill exceeds 14 grand. The cost of the rental rarely effects the overall cost of the claim. I agree with T, though. Pursue a DV claim, as this "might" change things up a bit.

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