Auto Insurance Claims: New truck wrecked, genuine ford parts, preferred repair shops

Question
I dropped my new Ford F250 off at a custom outfitter to have a bed liner installed. The truck is 14 days old with 400 miles. I received a call 2 hours later that the truck had been in an accident. I was shocked! I arrived at the shop and was then informed that the work was actually sub contracted to another business!! The owner of the second business had run off the road and hit a guardrail. The car went over the guardrail and into some trees. Extensive damage!! The damage estimate is due this week. The owner of the second shop told me he was adjusting the side mirrors and ran off the road. The police report verifies the statement and his insurance acknowledges he is at fault. Obviously I do not want that truck back! What to do to get them to total it out and get a replacement vehicle. I have no trust for insurance companies. Help!

Answer
Hi Ron,
If the dollar damage done to your new truck equals 75%-80% of it's fair market value, it will probably be totaled and a FMV payment made to you.
If the damage is far less than the fair market value, the at fault insurance company is only going to pay the cost of repairs.
There is no way that you can force them to total the truck unless justified by the amount of damage.

You are also entitled to a payment for diminished value caused to your truck by the accident.  You will need to hire an independent 3rd party that specializes in diminished value to establish the amount of diminished value to your truck and assist you in collecting.

You have a choice of using your own company to handle the repairs to your truck or the company if the at fault driver.

There are usually many advantages to using your own company such as preferred repair shops and repairs guaranteed as long as you own the vehicle.

You need to make sure that the repair shop USES ONLY BRAND NEW GENUINE FORD PARTS TO REPAIR YOUR TRUCK.  Allowing the shop to put on used parts or non-original manufacturer parts will void your warranty.

I hope you find this to be of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area