Expert: Bennie719 - 3/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, my car was declared a total loss after an automobile accident. The at-fault driver’s insurance provided me with the total loss value. The title and transfer fees are blank. What is the transfer fee? How shall I know what the transfer fee is? Can you explain it? In addition, should I search the cars online in any distances or within some miles?  How many miles limits in searching the vehicles will be accepted by the insurance? Thank you.


ANSWER: Hi Ray,
When you are being paid for a total loss vehicle, it is normal that you receive an agreed upon value plus sales tax for that amount and reimbursement of the unused portion of your license plate fees.
A transfer fee is charged by your motor vehicle department anytime you transfer a title into your name.  There are various methods employed by different states to determine this transfer fee.  Your settlement will NOT include the transfer fee.  You will need to contact your own motor vehicle department for an explanation of the method used in your state and the approximate fees charged.
If you feel that the offer that you are being made is to low and are searching for comparable vehicles, anything in a 25 mile radius will be definitely be considered, and most companies will consider anything in a 50 mile radius.

I hope this information is helpful.  Please write again if I can be of more assistance.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, I got 25 vehicles by searching and then got 2 quotes from the dealers. Can I provide the insurance with the quotes as the value of the vehicle? In addition, the dealer quote includes the document fee about $300. Will the insurance accept the document fee?

Answer
Hi Ray,
You can present the quotes that you received plus the dealer quotes to the insurance compamy as a counter to their offer.  As I stated earlier, the documentation fee is not considered a part of the claim and it would be a waste of your time to also present the documentation fee.
Sincerely,
Bennie