My Car is Wrecked! What Now? (Part 2)

Continuing from our last post, here are the next few steps you will have to go through when dealing with property damage after a car wreck:

5.  Get the determination from the appraiser if your car is a “total loss” or if it is repairable. If it is repairable, you have the right to choose where you wish your car to be repaired.  The insurance company should cover towage costs if you need to move the car to another body shop from the one it was initially towed to.  A body shop cannot start repairs without authorization from you.  Make sure to stay in contact with the shop as repairs progress.

6.  If the car is being repaired, rebuilt parts are only acceptable if they come with a separate warranty. Make sure to insist that the shop warranty the parts (and labor) if they are insisting on using rebuilt parts.

7.  The day you are informed your repairs are complete is likely the day the insurance company will cease providing a rental car for you. Make sure you confirm this so you are not left without transportation.

8.  Insurance companies total vehicles when the damage to the vehicle is equal to 75% of the value of the vehicle. Once an offer is made to you by the insurance company on your vehicle, they can cut off your rental car.  Remember, you are entitled to the Fair Market Value of your car – the best resources to determine that value are the NADA Used Car Value Guide or the Kelly Blue Book.

Watch for our third and last post in this series tomorrow as we discuss the final few issues you may come across when dealing with your property damage.  To be continued…