Auto Insurance Claims: Dont want to total it...., fender bender, totaling a car

Question
Hi. My car was involved in a fender bender before Thanksgiving.  It's older (1988) and the damage was cosmetic (bumper and tail light assembly).  Here's my challenge. The insurance company states that the car should be totaled. I don't want to total the car, retain it, and then have "salvage" on my title.  (I bought it new and simply don't want to do this.) I don't agree with the value of the car the insurance company is assigning.  I've recently put a lot of money into the car and could sell the new tires and wheels alone for 2/3 of the value the insurance company is assigning.  Any ideas on how to negotiate?  I explained to the adjuster that I would waive my right to a "contingency" dollar amount for overlooked damage if we could not total the car. I've sent additional receipts of work I've done (company won't include my husband's labor as a factor) as well as additional information on the original cost of the car (items and options that weren't included in the original adjuster's estimate). Still no luck.  I've even asked the company point blank where its policy stood in relation to totaling a car; I can't determine if repairs at 80% of the car's value would be the point at which the company would consider it totaled, for example. I'd even consider settling for a lower dollar amount to ensure that "salvage" doesn't appear on my car's title (silly me!).  Can you offer any ideas or advice?  It would be greatly appreciated.  

Answer
Hi Joyce,

You have the right to demand that the insurance company provide you with what ever source they are using to determine the value of your car.  You should also check the value on your own at the following sites:

1) www.nada.com
2) www.kbb.com
3) www.edmunds.com
4) www.autotrader.com

The last one will let you look for currently for sale vehicles like yours in your area. You should average all of the values you find to develope an overall average.

Most insurance companies will total a car if the cost to repair it is 75% or more of the cars value.  You should ask them to tell you the percentage of value they use to determine a total loss, then offer to settle the claim for just under that in exchange for a full release. Be aware that if you do that and it ultimately costs more to repair the car, you are on your own for the additional costs.

If all else fails, contact your state Insurance Commissioners Office to file a complaint against the insurance company.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh