Auto Insurance Claims: Insurance company wants to total my car, state insurance department, ford mustang

Question
My question is. Someone hit my parked 2004 Ford Mustang with 23k miles. It had previous damage of 2k dollars. The car was hit in back rear. The cost is $5500 to fix it. The insurance company( Geico) wants to total it and I want to keep it and have them repair it. The state of Missouri requires 80 percent for a total and its not. What options do I have? I want this car fixed NOT totaled. Thanks.

Answer
Hi John,

To determine the value of the vehicle, you would take the standard retail value and subtract the $2,000.00 in prior damage then calculate the 80% figure. If the repairs are still below the 80% figure you can argue that they should repair the vehicle. If not it must be totaled. If it is still below the 80% figure and the insurance company still wants to total it you should file a complaint with your state insurance department.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh