Auto Insurance Claims: Who is responsible for recovering salvage value on a totaled vehicle., state insurance commissioners, salvage value

Question
My vehicle was totaled when hit from behind by a Fed Ex vehicle. The insurance company for Fed Ex offered me the NADA value for my vehicle which was lower than other automobile book value publications.

  I am willing to accept their offer but they are also deducting $400 for the salvage value. I told them that I do not want the vehicle if it can not be repaired and is a total loss. I can not find a salvage yard or anyone willing to give me $400 for the vehicle. The insurance adjuster told me that they never handle vehicle salvage and it is my responsibility to have the vehicle salvaged to recoup my loss and to have the vehicle removed from the garage where it was towed to.

Is this true?


Answer
Hi Sandra,

No it is not true.  Every insurance organization in the country handles salvage.  They need to give you back the $400.00 and they need to make arrangement to have the vehicle picked up and taken to a salvage yard.

You must stand up to them. If they still insist they are right call your State Insurance Commissioners Office to file a complaint. Then call your local T.V. News station and talk to their consumer reporter to do a story.  Tell the FedEx people that you are going to do this if they don't treat you fairly.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh