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Auto Insurance Claims/Total Loss Repair Reimbursment

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Expert: Charlie Barone - 11/14/2009


Question
I was 3rd in a 4 car pile up in MA. My car will likely be totalled. Can I recover any of the money spent on recent repairs? Or will I only be reimbursed for the value of the car?

Answer
The term used to compensate a person for a total loss is actual cash value (ACV), which is defined as the cost to replace the vehicle with one of like kind and quality, plus sales tax and license transfer fees. The amount they offer in settlement is just that: an offer, which is negotiable. They will use a state regulatory approved value guide upon which to base their offer, but you can decline it and come back with your own appraisal. If you are filing under your own coverage, their offer will be subject to the deductible, but can use the appraisal clause in the policy to settle a dispute in the amount of the loss. Any receipts for major repairs, such as motor or transmission replacement will help in making your claim.

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Charlie Barone

Expertise

For questions involving auto damage claims, collision repair, forensics, industry practices, we can help. We specialize in claims for loss of resale value (Diminished Value).

Experience

I have 30 years experience in the collision repair and body reconstruction field, both hands-on and from behind the desk. I hold a Master Certification from ASE in the Body and Paint category, as well as their certification in Estimating. I have authored over 120 feature and training articles for the largest trade journal devoted to the collision repair industry, and have given expert testimony in court dozens of times. Licensed physical damage appraiser in Pennsylvania and reciprocal states.

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