QuestionMy car was hit in the rear. The other driver was clearly at fault as acknowledged by the police and his insurance company.
My car is a 1994 Dodge Caravan....not a Lexus, but all I've got. It is well-maintained and runs great. The insurance adjuster estimated the damage at $1670. He said he was calling it a total loss and only willing to pay $794 ($100 under bluebook because of rust.) I want the car returned to the condition it was in before their client hit it. The amount he is offering will not fix the car or buy me another one. Do I have to accept this? If it were my insurance company that deemed it a loss, that would be different. I was not at fault. I don't see how they can just tell me my car is worthless and refuse to fix it. Can they do that? What recourse do I have? Thanks for your help.
AnswerHi Pat, another totaled car that the insurance does not want to pay.
This is very sad. Well, Can they do that? Yes if they do it right. Most insurance companies do not do it right however. There are things you can do to fight them as you should, you were not at fault and you did not ask to be put on this situation.
Visit:
http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/totaling-a-vehicle.html
This website can show you how to ask for the right documents and how to read them so you get the best settlement possible. Make sure the insurance company follows the guidelines and do not give you low values without really giving you an opportunity to inspect that information. They may say may things, but only you decided what is a good settlement for your totaled car.
Make sure you ask for the CCC evaluation or all the values the insurance company is looking at so you can determine if they are even in the ball park of what your vehicle is worth. Also, try to do this as soon as possible as they can cut your rental car without even paying you for your Van and putting you even in a more difficult situation.
I hope this (and the link above) can guide you in the right direction.
Good Luck,
Anne
http://www.spokanelegalhelp.com
