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I got hit....; I was involved in an accident now what?
Topic Started: Dec 17 2010, 08:30 PM (2,510 Views)
haglered
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I was minding my own business travleing on a 5 lane road, under the limit. The Suv (Subuarban) that was next to me hit a Mini Cooper (hard) that pulled in front of her. She bounced into my geo and damaged the left rear quarter panel. (the suburban and the Mini were towed away-I drove away)

I took my little geo to a couple of body shops to get estimates so I would know if what the insurance company is going to offer me is fair. One estimate is at $2,300. The other (from a crook) is $3,200) The book value on a car like mine in good condition is about $2,450.

Has anybody here had this kind of situation happen to them and how did it turn out? Did your car get totaled and did the insurance take your geo and give you a check?
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idmetro
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My experience has been that when you get close to repairs being more than the car "is worth" the car gets "totalled". If you want the repairs done then the burden of proof will be on you to show the car is worth more than the repairs. You can do this through listings of comparable cars (year, mileage, etc...) for sale in your area. Typical value to the insurance company is "Blue book" wholesale value not retail.

What this means in the most basic explanation is you get a check, the insurance company gets the car. Often you will have the option to buy the car back for the salvage value (in this case probably a few hundred dollars), giving you the opportunity to keep the car and make repairs. Many states now have laws that require "branding" the title so the car will forever after be identified as a salvage vehicle (or similar wording) typically making it worth less if you were to sell it but meaningless if you intend to keep it and drive the wheels off it. Some states will require that you have the car inspected to make sure it is roadworthy before you can renew its license; you will have to check with your state to see what is required.
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Memphis metro


Man yall are tearing these Geos up with all these wrecks! Glad to hear you are ok. Guess you will get cut a check and can start looking for you another! Jerk your engine and tranny. Make them fix it would be the best scenario or take the check and find you a 3 cylinder stick.
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Coche Blanco
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2010 is/was the year of the wrecked Metro, better luck next year dudes.
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chads4dr


I think I started it....... :(
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robertino
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Take this from a person that did Recon for a new car dealership. Your car is worthless in the eyes of insurance and dealers. They will offer you 300 maybe 500 if you are lucky. I personally drive a Metro so I love my car but if it ever got hit......Honestly....I would buy another and swap all the good parts from mine onto the new one if they were salvageable.
Understand that I'm not knocking you down but I have to say the truth, there is no way that the insurance wont total your car and hand you a small check.
I---WE---Know the true value of the car given the reliability and economy facts, but those bastards don't care. :shake
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nerys
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Grr

your blue book is $2400? if so they will likely offer you $2000 and write off. Take the $2000 REFUSE the write off/salvage.

Explain I am ok with the price but not the write off/salvage. The title must remain clean and remain mine.

they will cave.

This is assume your damage is pretty minor? pop out most of the dent LIVE with the dent. Pocket the money into bills or upgrades (100% legal you are perfectly ok doing ANYTHING you want with the money)
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haglered
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The damage is very minor. the left rear quarter panel is banged up and the back bumper cover is now loose.

I got 2 estimates that convinced me the damage was over $2,000. One was over 3,000 which is way over the price of the car.

I am thinking about talking to a lawyer I know and see what he says about the situation.
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Potter
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Col. Potter

any pictures?
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haglered
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I took a picture of my car at the scene but it was blurry. I had just come from the eye doctor and my eyes were dialate. everyting close looked blury to me. I will take one in the daylight and post it.

it really doesn't look like that much damage but the cost of replacing the panel is so much at these shops.

I am going to talk to a lawyer tomarrow.
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Good bye


Is your car rusty? Is the rear suspension bent? Where do you live, inspections? I have no problem driving a car with a salvage title. One of my Metros and my custom built GMC crewcab on a suburban frame has a salvage title. If your car is repairable settle on price with you retaining the car. Have it fixed by someone sensible and continue enjoying your Metro.
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nerys
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Grr

the problem with driving a car with a salve title is this.

you get hit. they are at fault. Their insurance pays you $2000 to fix your car and "totals" it.

8 months go buy your driving your salve title car. 5 YEARS go buy your driving your salve title car someone else hits you.

its their fault. insurance company pays you NOTHING because your car was already "Totaled" unless you get a comprehensive inspection to "lift" the salvage title mark IE restore the car (very expensive VERY difficult) they owe you NOTHING.

this is why you want to fight the salvage title. if your not keeping the car it does not matter. if you plan to hang on to the car it might be important.
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CityConnection
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Sir, yes sir!

No, that varies from state to state. I've been in an accident with a salvaged title and I still got a nice check from the other insurance company.

YMMV, some insurance companies refuse to even insure salvaged vehicles.
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nerys
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Grr

ok technically the rule is the SAME insurance company won't cover you again in that car. (I am also talking liability insurance here not foll tort where salvage titles don't matter)

but for the most part your VERY likely to be dealing with the same insurance company again (there are not that many)
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jmarksbery
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Nery is 100% correct on both parts, trust me, it has happened to me and after 50 years in the automotive business I did not allow the insurance total my car, hey, you have your rights don't let them BS you!
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