Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 2/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: How do you calculate Loss of use of a 1999 Chevy Tahoe LE in value to present in court?

ANSWER: Hi Anthony,

Loss of use is generally what is owed when you did not receive a rental car. If you received a rental car during repairs, then you are not entitled to a loss of use.

Assuming you did not receive a rental car, loss of use is generally calculated at $15.00 to $20.00 per day of the accident through the reasonable time period needed to repair your vehicle.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your information.It's been 3 yr's at a shop & after 3 differant motors,they still can't get it right.What do you think is a reasonable time period?

Answer
Hi Anthony,

This is a very unusual situation. At the very worst it should not take more than 2 weeks to switch out an engine. So even if 2 engines were bad and a 3rd was needed it should have taken no more than 6 weeks.

It sounds like this is not a collision repair situation. If you are intending to file suit against the shop, they will have a lot of explaining to do as to why it has taken so long. If the delay is their fault, they will likely owe the loss of use for the entire time. However they is likely to end up being more than the value of your vehicle.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh