Auto Insurance Claims: total loss with appraisal, approximate retail value, salvage yard

Question
I am going through the driver at fault's insurance company to have my car fixed. They are claiming that my car is a total loss though they have not had an adjuster appraise it. they are basing this off of a point system. they refuse to appraise it at the shop that i have chosen and would like to tow it to a salvage yard to appraise it. I do not like the idea of my car being at the salvage yard post offer if i would like to reevaluate. they are stating that i will be entitled to pay all storage fees if i decide to get an estimate prior to them towing it. what should i do?

Answer
Hi Jess,

You should ask the body shop that you selected to complete an estimate. You should also visit www.nada.com to determine the approximate retail value of your vehicle. If the repair estimate is at or above 70% of the retail value then the vehicle is a total loss. If not then it is repairable. You should be able to do this very quickly.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh