QuestionI drive a 2003 Montana. I was going to get my daughter off the school bus and I went to cross the road after stopping and hit a car. I didn't see her. This is my first accident, 17 yrs licensed. I am waiting for the claims office to call me this morning. I don't pay rental on insurance, so I am without a vehicle. Could I ask if they will pay for a rental? What happens now if they tell me it can't be fixed?
AnswerSorry to hear about your accident. They come around for all of us evenually. Hopefully no one was seriously hurt.
If you do not pay for rental coverage then they will not cover rental expenses. If you are only having accidents every 17 years or so, you still came out ahead by not paying the extra rental premium. With my company, it's about $50.00 a year. The only reason I pay it is because I drive 35k miles a year so my accident odds are greater.
If your vehicle damage is beyond the total loss threshold, then the insurance company will offer you the actual cash value for the vehicle and they will dispose of the salvage. How fair the offers are varies from company to company but do realize that most of the books like NADA etc., over value vehicles considerably and that most dealers advertise vehicles for about 20 more than they will actually sell for.
If you are looking at a total loss, you may be better off as it will be settled quicker than a repair and you won't be out as much on rental.
As the process goes along, feel free to contact me with any other questions.
Good luck and I'd appreciate your feedback.
