Auto Insurance Claims: pre-loss/deminished value, gap insurance, value question

Question
QUESTION: Ten days after I bought my car I had an accident. I was not at fault and state farm has accepted fault. I did NOT have Gap insurance. My car is being repaired to "pre=loss condition". the repairs are over seven thousand dollars, my car was worth about 12,000. State farm has sent me a check to pay for the repairs. I want to know what will happen once I have signed that check and drive off the lot? I would like to have the car looked at by another repair shop to confirm that my car was repaired correctly.  What will my title say " totaled reconstructed". And how is diminished value established?.I am considering getting legal help. Please give me a little guidance.Thank you Nicole

ANSWER: Hi Nicole,

At this point you do not need to seek legal advice unless you were injured in the accident. Most attornies do not get involved in property damage issues.

As for your title, there will be no changes to your title. A car's title is only branded if the vehicle is declared a total loss by the insurance company. In your case the car is not a total loss but is repairable.

You will be entitled to a payment for the diminished value of your car which will likely be arround $2,000 to $3,000. For more information on diminished value visit: www.collisionclaims.com .


I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for responding so promptly! I was injured and am currently getting treatment chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. I also went to the E.R. for x-rays the day of the wreak. I missed five days of work and have been keeping a log of all the mileage to and from my appointments. This is the only time I have ever been in a wreak. I have no Idea how all this will work. State farm has not offered me any kind of settlement or mentioned diminished value. Should they be giving me an offer ? or should I be asking them about this issue? Thanks agin for your help. I will give you a great rating based on what you have already told me. Nicole

Answer
Hi Nicole,

The insurance company will not make you any offers until you indicate to them that all of your treatment is complete and you have been released from the doctors car. They will not make any offers for the diminished value of your vehicle at all.

Since you have injuries you should seek the advice of an attorney regarding those injuries. For the diminsihed value of oyur car you should visit : www.collisionclaims.com

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh