Expert: Bennie719 - 4/8/2008

Question
i recently bought a used 2000 kia sephia for 2,100 cash. a hail store damaged the vehicles hood, roof, and trunk. the damage is barely visible to the naked eye,but the insurance company has declared the vehicle a total loss and has offered me 1,300 for it or if i keep it 900.00. the quote i got from maaco is 2775.00. can i call the insurance company and ask them to act like i never made a claim, because i really like my car and want to keep it and the money they are offering is not worth the headache of getting a salvage title and having to pay out of my pocket for repairs, fees, inspection, new title,etc.

Answer
Hi Christine,
Although I don't advise doing so, you can call your insurance company and ask them to close the claim.  
They will not destroy the information, so if you have a future claim, they will be aware of the old damage and make appropriate deductions against the new damage.
I hope this information has been of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area