Auto Insurance Claims: 2007 chrysler sebring hit, 2007 chrysler sebring, chrysler sebring

Question
I was recently invoved in an accident in where the other driver was cited for failure to yield and having no license. I was driving and the driver pulled out in front of me because they didn't see me, so i'm pretty sure it's the other drivers fault. My car i beleive is valued at aprox $15,000 through nada. I have a 2007 chrysler sebring with 33,000 miles on it. According to the body shop it will cost around $10,000 to fix it. Will it be totalled? is the first question. The second question is am i entitled to more than 1 auto body estimate on my car covered by the auto insurance??? 1 more question is what can i do about the diminished trade in value my car will have if it does get fixed?? thanks a bunch. I am in the state of washington

Answer
Hi Fernando,

I will do my best to answer your questions in order.

1) Most insurance companies will total a vehicle if the cost of repairs is at or above 75% of it's retail value.

2) It is not necessary to obtain more than one estimate. You should select the body shop that you would actually have do the work if the vehicle is repairable to complete an estimate. That shop will then work with the insurance company to achieve an agreed price.

3) If your vehicle is repaired you will be entitled to be compensated for diminished value. It is your responsibility to prove your loss. This is done by hiring an independent appraiser to establish and document the amount of diminished value. For more information on diminished value visit www.collisionclaims.com .

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh