JeffTepper
Well-Known Member
Before you go an accept that settlement check, do your homework. The value of the car pre-crash is the key to determining whether the car is a total loss or not. Things you need to know include the value of your car pre-crash and the cost of repairs due to the crash.
Keep in mind that when it comes to "totaled" its comes down to a dollar number that is a percentage of the total value of the pre-crash car. For example if the car was worth $10,000 before the crash and the insurance company considers damage more than 75% of the value to be total loss, your car is repairable so long as the cost of repairs is less than $7500.00.
Further, keep in mind that the cost of paint matching and blending can be a large number of dollars. You car appears to be a black primer so blending and matching may not be a factor in reaching the threshold percentage of damage.
Last, but not least, get an estimate from a reputable body shop for damage repair and see where you end up.
Check recent sales of similar cars for an idea of the fair market value, pre-crash.
If the numbers make sense, argue/negotiate a settlement with the adjuster.
Keep in mind that when it comes to "totaled" its comes down to a dollar number that is a percentage of the total value of the pre-crash car. For example if the car was worth $10,000 before the crash and the insurance company considers damage more than 75% of the value to be total loss, your car is repairable so long as the cost of repairs is less than $7500.00.
Further, keep in mind that the cost of paint matching and blending can be a large number of dollars. You car appears to be a black primer so blending and matching may not be a factor in reaching the threshold percentage of damage.
Last, but not least, get an estimate from a reputable body shop for damage repair and see where you end up.
Check recent sales of similar cars for an idea of the fair market value, pre-crash.
If the numbers make sense, argue/negotiate a settlement with the adjuster.