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About 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.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Autos > Auto Insurance > Auto Insurance Claims > car damages

Auto Insurance Claims - car damages


Expert: Charlie Barone - 11/7/2009

Question
My mini-van was hit from behind. The police report indicated that the other driver's probable contributing circumstances were drugs and inattention. I filed a claim with the insurance company of the driver who was at fault. The insurance company want to total my mini-van. I am not happy with their settlement offer. They are offering $7,925.00. My pay off is with Chrysler Financial and it is $8,516.13. The accident was on 10/27/09 and I requested a rental on 10/28/09 and they arranged one for me. But on 11/9/09 they want to recall their rental and I will be left without any transportation. I don't have money for a new down payment or sales tax for another car. What can I do?

Answer

The liability carrier of the at-fault party has no legal duty to you, however their policyholder does. I would send a letter by certified mail to the at-fault party with a cc to their insurance company demanding that you be made whole. While this may get them to increase their offer, they only owe you the actual cash value for your mini-van, which is the cost to replace it with one of like kind and quality. So start looking around (online and in local newspaper classified ads) for a similar car to yours for sale. That way you will know what the value of your van actually was.

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