QuestionQUESTION: I had a car accident.. I had full coverage insurance. The other driver had insurance.. I live in Texas.. What i wanna know is that i had my 2005 Malibu max x just 2 months ago. I just purchased the car it 2 months ago value of it was 7526.00.. this was the only car i had for work.. The accident was not my fault the cop said ...Were still waiting for the police report. What are my chances!! Will i get another car and will the other insurance pay for the total amount to the car to the finance company... cause the my car was smashed and totaled the front...if they don't get me another car cause it wasn't my fault do i have the right to ask for more or if the other insurers say they will not give me for another car. Should i contact a lawyer? Please Help!!! This is my first accident. I'm kinda green to what the adjusters will do.. They will see the car both adjusters on Monday....
ANSWER: Debbie,
Wow, you have a lot of questions, hehe. Don't worry before it is time to worry. Here are some basics for you. . .
1. You will get the ACV of your car if it is totaled, but if it s not totaled, you will get paid for the repairs. Whether or not it is totaled is up to the insurance company. If it is not totaled, you should look into diminished value.
2. If you owe more than your car is worth, and it is totaled, you are going to owe the bank for the difference unless you have GAP insurance.
3. Call my office and I will answer all your questions. Visit www.pettydetailsllc.com
JP
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QUESTION: i do not have gap insurance and it was not my fault, can i least ask for a down payment for another car if mine is totaled? If they have gap insurance can i claim it?
ANSWER: Debbie,
No matter what, if you don't have GAP insurance you will only get what your car is worth on the private market. The other party, even if they had gap, would not be responsible for your paying too much for your car, and GAP is a "first party only" coverage meaning only the person that purchases the coverage can get the benefit of it. If you send me the details of your vehicle, mileage, options, trim level, condition. . . . I will tell you what to expect as far as a total loss settlement goes.
You may also be able to get a little bit of lost use that will help out some, and always ask for pro-rated registration reimbursement and any other out of pocket expense. The other party is not responsible for replacing your vehicle, only for paying for damages caused due to negligence. What you need to know is how much your car is worth, not how much you paid for it. If you will give me the information, I will tell you what it is worth, and this is what you should expect to receive from the insurance company.
JP
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QUESTION: Thanks Jp. What is a Pro Rated registration reimbursement? My car is a 2005 Chevorlet Malibu Maxx ls with 118,000 miles excellent condition sliding moon roof, alloy wheels, cd, ac, power windows, power locks, power doors, tilt wheels,cruise control, traction control, dual air bags, abs,power seats,sunroof sliding, power steering,am fm stereo,.... One more thing i forgot to ask you Jp.. my cellphone screen was cracked on impact but still working can i claim this damage... Thanks....
AnswerOkay,
Sorry for the delay. Pro rated registration is simply unused registration. If you registration goes out in February of 2011, then you still have 8 months of registration that you have paid for that you won't use. Ask for 8 months worth of registration fees. Your cell phone can be claimed, claim it! Your vehicle is worth about $6250.00. The offer you get should be close to this figure.
