Edmunds Answers questions

Car Rentals from Insurance Companies

andres3 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:20:07 GMT

I recall a few car rentals I received paid for my someone else's insurance company in my lifetime due to others' careless negligent driving. Since the accident was the other parties fault, of course their insurance company should provide you with a rental vehicle while your car is getting repaired/fixed/brought back to life.

I've noticed that it is always a hassle even with supposedly direct billing (it's not a true direct account), and getting them to pay for the rental seems to require a little assertiveness, pushing, shoving, and determination.

However, shouldn't an insurance company be obligated to loan you a "like-quality vehicle?" Everytime I've gotten a rental, it has been far less than equivalent quality, cost, comfort, and simply less car than I had before. For instance, the last time my car had to go in for repairs it was a 2003 Honda Accord LX V6 Coupe. First, they give me a 4 cylinder Malibu Classic, hardly comparable in any way, shape, or form, not even close. Second, I got a Buick LeSabre (hardly comparable, but at least it had a V6 engine like my Accord did). Secondly, even with that lesser car they didn't want to pay for the difference in cost from the Malibu switching to the LeSabre. I informed them that Enterprise claimed it was actually still 1 or 2 levels classified under my Accord V6. Still not equal, and I should get a like-vehicle. They backed-off of their request for me to partially pay the bill, and paid it themselves.

What is the rule on this?

I was traveling straight on a green light, a car pulled out in front, i swerved and hit a curb, will i be covered

pratik0085 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:16:39 GMT

I was traveling straight on a green light, a car in the perpendicular lane (which had a red light) took the turn while i was half way in the intersection, i swerved left and hit a curb causing my left tires to go inward and i think my axel is broken. I was driving an 04' camry. Another driver behind me followed the red mini van that almost hit me and got the plate #. I filed a claim..but since the adjusters were gone for the weekend, i have to wait til monday...and this is driving me nuts. What are the chances that the insurance company will cover me? I either had the choice of being hit on the side of my car or running into a curb going 45mph on the street. I chose the curb.

Body shop wants me to endorse the check over to them to pay for part on insurance claim. Should I?

noname8 — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:42:03 GMT

Had a comprehensive claim. Hit a deer. The car is at the shop and they started pulling it apart and ordering parts. The shop wants me to endorse the check over to them to pay for the parts. $2300 in parts $4500 check from insurance company (which I and the body shop need to endorse to cash).

The work has barely been started and I can imagine MANY, MANY things that can go wrong with this scenario. Such as them taking 6 months to do the work. The shop going out of business. Not fixing the car to my satisfaction. The shop claims they'll just use the $2300 needed for parts and reimburse me the other $2200. I can see that check bouncing and i'll be out $4400, from my pocket.

The adjuster wasn't too helpful. He told me, 'you could do that, but I wouldn't.'

Is this something that comes up? I shouldn't give them anything at this point, should I?

Can I dispute with insurance company whether my vehicle is a total loss or not?

lucky1184 — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:08 GMT

Insurance company said they usually total at 70% damage. I have roughly a bit more than 75% and they still did not total it out. Is it possible for me to dispute it with the representative?

Total Loss Settlement Question

bentonyue — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:43:03 GMT

I had an accident recently and my insurance company declared it as a total loss. It was a leased Mercedes, A week ago my insurance company, AAA sent me a written letter advising me of the settlement estimate. There is a significant shortfall between the estimate and the residual value of the vehicle. (About $7,000). My quesitions are:
1. Does Mercedes lease normally comes with a gap insurance paid by the dealer or by the lessee?
2. What is my recourse and actions I need to take to approach the insurance company?
What are my rights as the insured.
The policy clearly states the insurance company is reposible for the the replacement value of the vehicle.
3. Will the settlement in any way affects my policy with AAA. Will they have any rights to drop me?
I have been a member with AAA for over 32 years.

My insurance company tells me it is law that anyone living in my home must be "rated" to my auto policy. True?

kate53 — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:32:23 GMT

Recently my car was totaled by another driver. They were ticketed and their ins co admitted fault. In WA state, you have to use the medical coverage on your own policy, no matter who is at fault. Since my roommate and I went to er and have had some expenses since then (which my ins. co. will recover), I've been told that my rates could go up as a result. (That in itself seems outrageous to me.) Also, they say my roommate must be rated to my policy & that the reason is she lives in my home...that anyone living in the household must be "rated" to the policy. Never heard of this in all my years...not until this claim. Is it true or are they harassing me? (Admittedly, my roommate was driving my car that day because I had taken a med for migraine earlier.) Could that be what's irritating them? Kate

My car was stolen last night, and we can't find the keys. Will insurance cover it?

olliesmom5 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:13:42 GMT

Car was stolen last night, and we just realized we don't have the keys. We don't think we left them in the car, but they might have been on my table or outside the house. Will insurance cover it?

How do I go about filing a Dimunitive value claim? The other party is in the wrong.

nana13 — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:47:01 GMT

My suv was wrecked and will be repaired. The other party is responsible for the accident. We both have State Farm. I want to be compensated for the loss in value when I go to sell the car in the next few years. I am afraid the car will lose more of its value since the front end will be repaired.

How is the diminished value determined in a newer automobile (2004) after damage, repairs for a trade-in, etc.,?

mikebuc — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:51:59 GMT

Progressive Ins. Co. wants documentation before it will reimburse me for diminished value. What's up with that? How do I find documentation? MJB

Mobile home hit by Lowe's truck, any advise?

jmez — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:48:02 GMT

I need advise, please
Our RV was parked on our cul-de-suc street near by our house, when Lowes truck had delivery and was trying to make turn and hit (twice) our mobilhome, wanted to leave without notice, but our neighbour saw and told him, that he better leave a note, which he did then. We notice it in the evening, so next day we tried to start a car, but wheel locked, betteries went down and generator dont work, and our right tire did a mark on the curb, which is explaines that car was moving pretty "good". Long story short, our agent from insurance saw only outside hit, which is very close to gas tank and wanted to just a fix and close the case, but we are afraid to stick with the same car, because who knows whats inside of this RV went wrong, I want to mention this car 1 yr old and we are paying good money for it. Does any body has advise for us what to do? should we call a lawer?

Auto accident medical claim.

danthompson179 — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:18:51 GMT

My friend he only buy liability (the cheapest/least coverages) insurance. I was his passenger at the time he/we involved a car accident. do i need to report to my own auto insurance for claimming medical expenses? or he should report to his auto insurance to cover my medical expenses? who should pay for my medical expenses?

Ps. He was the driver and car owner at the time the accident happened.

Hit while parked. Coverage?

DFarkas — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:14:05 GMT

My cousin lives in New York and has State Farm comprehensive coverage. This morning he came out to his car (which had been parked on the street) and discovered that it had been hit during the night. The car is totalled. Is the damage covered by his comprehensive policy? I know collisions aren't covered but in this case it happened when the car was parked. We're unsure of what to do...

Will liability insurance cover a scratched bumper from my son backing into a fellow students car?

redbar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:21:50 GMT

My son has a big 4X4 truck. Was parked at school. Another student parked his car right behind the truck. When my son tried to leave, his hitch scratched the bumper of the car, about a 2 inch by 4 inch scratch. Rubber bumper. We only have liability insurance on the truck. Student who owns car is now getting ugly and wants to file a claim, will our liability only coverage pay for the bumper?

The same time bought a new car and then got an accident without insurance.

sophiazhang — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:38:55 GMT

Hi, when the day I paid my car, I got the accident when I back off from the parking space to leave. After I paid the owner, I started to back off to leave that plaza, when I almost done, I saw another car which is in my back was started. Then I completely stopped.

However, that car did not see me, and ran into my car. Then the police came there, but he said both of us had minor damage, so he just exchanged the information for us and left without report. I also told the police I did not have the insurance because I just bought it. Today the other car's insurance company called me and told me to pay 50% of her damage. I refused, because I think it was not my fault. Then they told me they will give the report to the DMV and my license would be suspended for one year. Will this happen? Thanks!

Friend's car was hit while parked. Totaled. Insurance offer?

buytheredcar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:05:20 GMT

I just had a question about a recent accident my friend had.

Her car was parked in front of her house and a lady rear ended it and tried to escape. I think
the cops arrested her..not positive though

My friends car was a 2009 Toyota, very low miles.
Her insurance deemed it "totaled"

My friend said shes only dealt with her insurance company regarding the matter, she wondering why the other insurance hasnt contacted her.

My friend's insurance company came back with an offer that was a little low.

She is wondering why she isn't dealing with the other insurance company since it wasn't her fault at all.

Her insurance company said they are going to pay her out first then go after the other insurance company to pay back them back.

Is this normal procedure?

Im not sure if my friend's insurance company is all that trustworthy.

Is there any way of getting more money from the other insurance company?

Is it normal not to talk to the other insurance company regarding this matter?

Sorry if these are stupid questions. I've never had to deal with this myself.

Thanks!

Should I answer the other driver's insurance company that wants to know about my life for the last ten years?

housebed — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:01:16 GMT

I had an auto accident two years ago, my attorney said we are going to trial. Recently, I been asked by my attorney for an interview in which the other driver's insurance wants to ask me questions about things like where did I work last ten years, place where I lived or what doctors I visited; that kind of questions.

I'm not happy with that because it was two years ago and after the accident, my wife and myself have been through a lot of things.

Does anyone have ideas about this, because I don't trust my attorney anymore.

I was hit by my own car that my friend was driving while I was sitting in his garage (home). Who should pay for damages?

rawdogent — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:23:29 GMT

I'm a paraplegic. my friend was checking my car for a oil leak.he got in my car to move it. instead of going in reverse he hit the gas pedal.the car hit the sides of the garage in his home then the car struck me. my wheelchair was damaged beyond repair,my car had bumper & both fenders & both front door damage. i called 911 to get my legs checked out at the hospital. xrays were fine. my friend got a ticket because his license was suspended. now my friend & his wife tells me that they are not responsible for my car, my wheelchair or doctors bills, what should i do?

Can a 16 year old new driver get cheap car insurance?

applw — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:59:40 GMT

I can't pay $350.00 for car insurance. I need to find a cheap insurance company that is able to meet my low insurance needs.

Why does your car insurance increase when you remove a car from the policy?

hilversum — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:27:56 GMT

My car insurance premium increased when I dropped one car from the 3 cars that are insured on this policy. Shouldn't the premium be less, not more ?

What are my options? Car accident.

ksage — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:12:42 GMT

I was in an accident this week-end. A lady pulled out in front of me, I swerved to try to miss her. My front hit her right quarter panel/bumper and it catapulted me across the street, down an embankment and hit a tree. I have a 1991 Ford truck Custom. It's a very nice truck with only 68,000 miles on it. I want my truck fixed. it will need a new hood, front quarter panel, bumper, grill and drivers door, a new radiator and paint job. Will her insurance company fix it? They said she has insurance to pay for my damages up to $10,000 dollars? I do NOT want another truck I want mine fixed.

Will a speeding ticket in PA increase my premiums with NY Geico insurance? 90 in a 65 zone.

marisohn — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:05:33 GMT

I have had geico for about 6 months. There is a prior ticket on my record for stopping in a crosswalk in NY. Geico raised my premium a bit for that. I am wondering if I should hire a traffic lawyer for the trial date. I would rather do that and not miss work for the day. A PA lawyer informed me that paying the ticket & pleading guilty would not add points to my NYS license, but he was unsure whether Geico will find it. He cited some kind of tri-state agreement with NY & 2 other states but that PA is not a part of. I am not sure I trust him on this. I have looked through my policy declarations but there is no specific info about whether Geico searches in other states for violations. The main question is: Will Geico raise my premiums for a PA violation?

How does diminished value work?

cardoc12 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:25:55 GMT

How does diminished value work? My 2007 Camry was rear ended in March in a 4 vehicle collision. Both myself and the car in front of me were sitting stopped at a light in traffic and were rear ended by 2 other cars. I used an independent company that specializes in DV to do an appraisal and had my attorney send the appraisal over to the insurance company. Today, 4 months after we sent the appraisal over to them, they called and told me they were going to offer me $1250 for DV. The guy said that should I choose not to accept that offer, he would need to come out and inspect the car and that inspection could lead to the offer being even less. He also asked if I had sold the car, which i havent, and said that diminished value does not occur until the car is sold. I responded by saying that my car suffered diminished value when his insured rammed into the back of me. He then said that when he comes out to inspect the car, if he found any diminished value due to the repairs on the car, that the body shop would be responsible for that. That makes no sense to me....

My car had less than 5,000 miles on it at the time of the accident and sustained $17,000.00 worth of damage. I will not accept this. I told him to come out and do his inspection. IMO, they should have done this in May when I sent the appraisal to them.

What happens if my car value is below my insurance deductible?

aabraham33 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:59:12 GMT

According to edmunds TMV the trade in value on my 97 Maxima is around $500. However, my insurance deductible is $1000. If I were to get into an accident requiring over $1000 in repairs what would happen? Would I be left without a car?

Totaled 2006 Kia Sorento at 18K miles, any way to get insurance company to reimburse for lost 10 year, 100K warranty?

ffenwick — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:22:08 GMT

My son lost control of our 2006 Kia Sorento, hit a few trees, spun around and was wedged between four trees. He only had a slight scratch on his leg. I received payment for the value of the car from my insurance co. They did not consider the extensive Kia warranty, given I was the initial owner of the car. I purchased a 2007 Kia Sorento with comparable miles yet I now only have the remainder of the bumper to bumper warranty and do not have the 10yr 100K mileage warranty. Can Kia or the Ins Co be somehow able to reimburse me for the lost coverage?

Does anyone have RV PRO Care extended warranty out there? I am having issues with a claim.

bmalco — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:38:10 GMT

I recently purchased a use 1997 Southwind motor home with 46,500 miles on it I drove it for 700 miles & the transmission failed. I followed the procedure & reported this I took it to a Certified Specialist (national chain) I cant get the Pro Care people to come out & look @ it 10 day's has gone by & all we get is there will be some one there tomorrow I'm asking is this the way they operate Because it stinks.

What does local market value of a car mean when it comes from the insurance company?

cfitzgerald — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 04:11:44 GMT

My car was hit in the drivers side rear quarter panel and the adjuster said that it was a total loss. (they Insurance company) would give me local market value of the car.

How is the mileage adjustment calculated for TMV pricing?

bluetsx05 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:12:40 GMT

I'm trying to get a sense as to how mileage is adjusted in calculating the True Market Value of my vehicle. I want to make sure I'm getting a fair price from my insurance company.

My '01 Mitsubishi Diamante suffered hail damage to the roof. What are the consequences of not reporting the damage to the insurance company?

padrejoseph — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:05:16 GMT

Hail damage to the roof of car. Windshield not broken. roof has several dings. If I do not report what are the consequences, if any, to resale or trade?

How do I find a good car appraiser? How much would it cost?

bluetsx05 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:22:01 GMT

My insurance used a CCC Valuescope report to find the local market value of my totaled car. I feel it is higher than stated (probably @ $300-500 higher). To dispute it I need to pay get an independent appraisal and possibly pay for the "umpire" fee if an agreement cannot be made. How do I go about finding a good car appraiser? How much would it cost? Is it worth it to fight my insurance for a possibly low amount?

I just feel that that's why this CCC valuescope report low-balled my vehicle's value -- its low but close enough for my insurance to save a bit of money and for me to just give up (or put in my own money) to dispute this amount. Sorry, I'm just frustrated with this situation. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Gap Insurance?

gloriajean2 — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:04:15 GMT

I have to drive on the DC beltway and I see lots of fender benders and people cut me off all the time. Does leasing gap insurance cover the deductible? If my car is wrecked and the value is more than I owe on it, will the gap insurance cover the $500 deductible?

Our Ford F-350 was wrecked and Travelers only wants to replace one rear tire. Truck has 8k miles. Is this right?

jewels10 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:31:15 GMT

Our Ford F350 was struck in the rear by a 250 going about 60-65 MPH. Our truck was parked. It is an 08 with 8k miles. Basically brand new. We have had terrible problems with the insurance co of the person driving the 250 - Travelers. We now have new truck pymts and a pieced back together truck. They only want to replace one rear tire that was badly damaged on a bent wheel. We have ALWAYS replaced tires in at least pairs - passanger cars, and sets of four on our trucks as we pull a fifth wheel and uniloader at times. Any advise would be appreciated!

Repair shop didn't fix car correctly; got laid off, spent check for bills, rental car, Still isn't fixed, bank going to sell it.

xls766meandher — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:00:05 GMT

I NEED YOUR HELP! okay my new Edmunds family ( i just signed up today from the site smart money) okay here we go tom bush autoplex bmw of Jacksonville had to repair my car 3 times since 11/14/07 and it still isnt fixed right around the 3rd time i got laid of from my job and they still at that time mind you at this point they have had my car for 85 days and the rental car was done at 78 days now its aprill 6 and the car has had a lien put on it and come aprill 10 i guess my bank is going to sell it to claim the 5000 tryd to get a lawyer cant afford it dont know my options from this point It is an 05 RX-8 i went to the federal trades commission and they said they need more reports went to BBB and havent heard anything from them neither anyone have any answers that will get me results i have pics and witnesses so if you are a lawyer or know someone that can take a look at my situation this will be greatly appreciated i mean i need somebody. even to tell me (from a proffesional opinion) im out of luck i can except that and i dont think the edition they sold me is the right one its suppose to be a grand touring edition but when they went in to type in the numbers to retrieve parts for my car to fix it they missed some parts that was the first repair problem and they would not tell me or give me the cost of repairs they have 5000 and want 5000 plus more and the only thing that was crashed was the passenger front like headlamp area april 10 is my deadline

My parked car was hit by another driver, shop says it's a total loss, can I get his insurance to repair instead? Toyota Camry.

jhern_candle — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:50:04 GMT

I have a 95 Camry that while parked was hit by a Ford Excursion.

The repair shop just came back with an estimate that exceeds the car value and are declaring it a total loss.
I've had this car since it was new and took great care of it.

I don't want to buy a used car because who knows what might be wrong with it and whatever they give me will not get me close to buying a new one.

Can I get the other party's insurance to pay for the repairs, or do I have to accept the check they would cut for me?

Diminished Value claim, Honda Civic.

cmcelroy330 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:19:24 GMT

I was involved in an accident on 7/31/08, where I was rear-ended and the other party was ticketed and was at fault. I have a 1996 Honda Civic DX and at the time of the accident the car had 199K miles, I was paid by the other parties insurance for the rear-end damage. Should I submit a diminished value claim for my 1996 Honda Civic DX vehicle?

Regards,

Our car was hit in front of our home. If the insurance company writes it off, will it be book value or replacement cost?

lrcook — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:56:51 GMT

A lady was driving and reached into the back of her van because her dog was barking. We had our car parked on our street infront of our house and the lady hit our car head on and partially went onto our lawn. The car is a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire (4dr) with 60 000 KM and the estimate is just over $6000. Our insurance company is Gore Mutual. If they write the car off, will they give us replacement cost value or the book value? Our street is a wide straight street and we live in the middle of it. There is parking permitted on both sides of the street and several cars are parked there at any given time. This is the third time that we have been hit. If they write this car off, it will be the second time!

New 3 week old 2008 Subaru Impreza totaled in accident. Have GAP. How does it work? What about my $7500 trade amount?

wisernow — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:35:27 GMT

Please help -

On September 29th I bought a 2008 Subaru Imprezza from a Subaru dealer with financing through their lender plus GAP and add-ons. (I was a naive consumer and didn't know about your great website before purchasing.) This is the first new car I have purchased in thirty some years. Had the car almost 3 weeks and was hit by an Xterra on 10/19. My car has been determined as a Total Loss by my insurance company (I have injuries that will heal in time). I haven't even made the first car payment which is due the middle of November. The insurance company is getting back to me today with a cash value amount (?). I'm a single, mature woman and don't know how to play this game and want to be educated.

This seems like an unusual case since I only had the car a short time. I can't get specific answers from the insurance company, GAP or the dealer yet. How does all this shake down and what about my 2001 Outback that I traded in for $7500 down payment? The dealer says I should get a check from the ins company for my trade-in. But the dealer sold my trade-in . . this is all confusing . . .

What happens to the add-ons and taxes, destination, etc. that aren't actually part of what the insurance company will determine as the value of the car?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Wiser Now . . . I won't make the same add-on mistakes again, but glad I have GAP.

My car was recently totaled by drunk driver. Is it true the insurance company must pay book value (Kelly,NADA)?

greenranger — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:45:12 GMT

I live in Virginia. Is there a policy or law stating I will be paid full book value? I was told this when i had another car totaled and insurance company asked what state I lived in and paid me from Kelly Blue Book quote. Now I am dealing with a charged drunk driver with Allstate insurance. he will not respond to verify crash. i sent 7 page accident report. Does anyone know of this policy or law and where can I find it to copy and quote if I need to. My son drove the 2000 Acura Integra -86K and was injured also. It was kept under a cover and seldom driven. paid off 3 days prior to being totaled. Replacing it will not be easy. Can anyone help?

My Mitsubishi Eclipse was hit. Do I have to accept the adjusters check? How does this work?

qwiksting — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:05:40 GMT

I had a 93 eclipse that was parked in front of my house and was hit. USAA is the insurance co I have to deal with. The vehicle was taken to a shop of there choice for estimates. The shop gave me the estimate, which they said totaled the vehicle, but an adjust would come and evaluate the vehicle. I was told that the adjuster would give what the dealer would sell the car for. Can I have the insurance company just give me the money to fix the car myself? I would rather take the estimate from the shop and fix it with that instead of having to take what the insurance wants to give me for my car. I am sure they are gonna low ball me. I have never had any experience in this, how does this work???

What is the percent of value lost if a car is in an accident? 2003 Mercedes SLK.

howardgw — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:50:22 GMT

Vehicle is a 2003 Mercedes SLK, with 15,000 miles and had $3,000 of repair on it after a hit and run accident. Car was purchased for $16,800 30 days ago and had no accident history.

How do I determine lost value due to the accident?

Can the computer of a 2002 Mazda Tribute show if you were speeding at the time of an accident?

pman8 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:59:47 GMT

I was in an accident in my 2002 Tribute and my insurance company is saying that I was speeding. Can the car's computer be analyzed to determine my speed, and whether I was accelerating or braking?

Passenger buckles seatbelt. The passenger unbuckles to get phone-accident happens-passenger needs head scan-who pay

edmunds20 — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:02:31 GMT

A driver has a passenger, who buckles seatbelt. The passenger unbuckles the belt to get phone when an accident happens. The passenger needs a head scan. Does the driver's insurance cover the cost of the scan or does the passenger's medical insurace cover?

2009 Infiniti G37x AWD with NAV. Hit in rear, $8K to fix. How do I calculate diminished value of vehicle for future sale?

wigster — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:08:27 GMT

I have a 2009 Infiniti G37x AWD W/NAV. It was hit in rear. There is apparently no frame damage but it is a big job and will essentially be replacing the entire back end. It is going to cost $8K+ to fix. How do I calculate diminished value of vehicle for future sale? I would like to claim this value as well for fair compensation.
Thanks you for your advice.

How much will the insurance company pay for a total loss on a 2001 Mercedes ML320

jcwise00 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:35:03 GMT

How much will my insurance company (Essurance) pay me for my Mercedes 2001 Model ML320 SUV with every option including third row seating and BOSE radio, and GPS computer, phone and Bose control panal that has been deemed a total loss? I bought it 2 months ago for $8600.00 and paid $9300.00 after all taxes and fees. I live in Louisville, Kentucky. Also, can I take the total loss check and pay like 300 or 500 dollars to keep the vehicle instead of the insruance company taking it to the dump for $300 recycling fee check. That way I could part it out and make 3-4K?

The mileage is average if that even matters?

If I paid $9,300 including tax 2 months ago and that was considered underbook value, I should at least get that much back shouldnt I. If they offer that to me I am going to request $10,500 or $10,900 because that is what the ones like mine with third row seating and Bose entertainment have been going for.

Insurance company wants to total out my '95 Pontiac Grand Am.

jakesdaddy2009 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:28:41 GMT

I loaned my brother my 95 Grand Am.

Someone hit him in a parking lot.

My brother's insurance wants to total the car.

I'm not disputing the $$ amount, but curious as to why the guy at fault's insurance isn't paying. Any comments or ideas?

What is a "diminished value" claim?

chilipepper7 — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:47:40 GMT

I have a 2001 Honda Civic EX Coupe Automatic. I was in an accident (other guys insurance is paying - his fault), and my car has about $4800 worth of front end damage, including frame damage. Now, I KNOW that I am going to lose money on this when it comes time to trade, because they ask if you had an accident, and that effect the trade amount. Allstate is saying that I need to file a "Dimished Value" claim. No one that I know of knows what that is....including dealers.

2001 mpv had smoke coming from the steering column, now the lights only work on high. Dealer says harness melted.

aegsm76 — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:07:12 GMT

Our 2001 mpv had smoke coming from the steering column, followed by the headlights only working on high beam. We took it to the dealership, who told us it would be around $500. They then changed their minds and said the harness is melted and it will be around $3000, and they will be happy to sell us a new vehicle, as we would surely not want to put that much money into our old, paid-for van. Had anybody else had this issue?
We had been advised that our insurance might cover this, and after contacting them were told they would cover the repair and a rental. They contacted the car rental place and authorized the rental, but have since said they wouldn't cover either one. Does anybody have any advice?
Thanks!!

My 2002 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner was rear ended by an Escalade and the frame was bent. Can the frame be straightened?

lilbird458 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:34:54 GMT

I was sitting at a stop light and was hit by an Escalade and knocked at least 5 feet into the vehicle in front of me. The insurance adjuster claims that the frame can be straightened and that the repair to the bumper and trailer hitch, which is attached to the frame,can be repaired for $808.07. Will the 2002 Tacoma PreRunner (extended cab) have alignment or other problems due to having a bent frame after repair? How much will this accident depreciate the truck and how can I get the insurance company to pay me for the depreciated value. The truck has just over 137,000 miles on it and is otherwise in excellent shape.

Our 2007 Toyota RAV4 needs a new engine, desperately need expert advice! Thank you!

mona7170 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:48:21 GMT

Hi everyone, any and all help would be really appreciated. I have a 2007 Rav4, v6, bought new, 26000 Kms on it. Took it in for an oil change recently, local mechanic who screwed it up (faulty gasket or something), all the oil leaked out, engine is dead and needs to be replaced. Mechanic has taken responsibility for this, and now am dealing with his insurance company. They don't want to replace the engine with a new one (as they don't have to) and have obtained a used engine with about 15000 kms on it. However, this was from a junked vehicle and am wary about safety. They can only give me a 4 month warranty on this, perhaps we can get a year. However we are pushing to get the balance of the warranty that existed on the previous engine (5 yr powertrain, so 3.5 yrs left). They claim they can't do this as Toyota will not cover, however may consider paying us out for the warranty.
Here are my questions to all you car experts (and thanks in advance for your help with this):
1. Is it ok to install an engine from a scrapped car (autochek reports says it was a rollover accident, engine was salvaged)?. What are the chances that this will work well over time? The toyota dealership who will be installing into our car says they can not tell for sure whether a used engine is good or not.

2. Should we be demanding a new engine and is it reasonable to do so? And by the way, the insurance company did price a brand new engine and told us that we would be responsible to reimburse them for the depreciation between our original engine and this one. They claim we would owe them $5000 if they gave us a new one!

3. The insurance company has asked us to price out the cost of the 5r year powertrain warranty which came with our car when we bought. They will then consider paying us out for this. How do we do go about doing this? I called Toyota and was told there is no real way to put a value on it. So I looked up their warranty info on their website and by my math it works out to about $1,800 or so. My concern is if something happens to this engine down the road, replacing it will cost a lot more than what the payout on the warranty would be.

Sorry for the long post - am very stressed out over this, and I don't know much about cars. Not sure who to turn to and a friend of mine suggested this website. Again thanks to you for reading this - all advice and suggestions would be much appreciated. We are based in Toronto, Canada if this helps as well.

Monica

Can you give me the book value of a used 1997 Chrysler Sebring convertible?

robinson_kayla — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:09:54 GMT

About two weeks ago my 1997 Chrysler Sebring convertible blew up not even twenty minutes after i picked it up from getting a new motor in it. I had full coverage insurance on it, and i found out that State Farm's going to pay for the fire damage and give me the blue book value of the car. So I need to know that value so i can plan to get another car like it.

Car raced and now something is leaking oil. Honda Accord.

cys — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:30:30 GMT

94 Accord 4 cyl. coupe. Seals were replaced 5 Months ago. Last week the car was taken and raced,and some seal leaked oil into the plugs and fouled them.

The insurance adjuster's mechanic said this was pre-existing. The regular mechanic and the
dealership that also works on this car says: NO, impossible. The seals are new and the car
was mechanically Impeccable. A major service was done this year with radiator, master cylinder,
wheels, full lube, seals, clutch, etc. This is a VERY WELL Loved and maintained car by a dealership and a certified and very experienced honda mechanic (two seperate parties).

I have the documentation of the work done this year, but the insurance co. says because their
mechanic says so, then it is a pre existing problem.

How can this be?

Prior to the car being raced, The car started immediately, and we dont over rev the engine. We have babied this car since new, and have been extremely attentive to its every need. We would have very quickly noticed anyoil on the engine or car port floor. And we note any engine noise or starting issues. We are very picky people.

What is going on here? How can this possibly be pre existing when two seperate certified shops
who know this car very well say that an oil leak is simply out of the question.

what can cause a mechanic who does not know the car to say otherwise?
and how in gods name could oil get into the plugs>?
Can racing an engine blow a new seal???
We dont know the specifics of how fast the car chase was, only that the car was ditched and would not turn over when recovered.