Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 3/12/2009

Question
Hi Richard,

Here is my dilemma.  I was driving to work yesterday morning, where we have had a lot of rain, and suddenly ran into a high water area without noticing.  It was early, so it was dark, and didn't even know it was coming until I hit it.  The car was running weird, but I was only a few blocks from work so I continued on and parked it.  When I went to leave for lunch there was definitely something wrong with the engine.  When I pushed on the gas peddle there was no real acceleration and the whole car shook.  I had it towed to my house so my uncle, who is a GM Certified Mechanic, could take a look at it.  He told me I had blown/pushed a head gasket and would have to replace the whole engine (due to car having 130,000) miles on it.

I have spoken to my insurance company, and they have put a Comp Loss claim in, but I have not talked to the adjuster.  Will I have problems saying it was the high water that caused my engine to malfunction when talking to the adjuster?

My second question would be at what point do they consider the car totaled?  All of the quotes I have received have said that it will cost about $3000-$4000 to replace the engine and NADA has it listed at a retail value of $6500.

Answer
Hi Jeff,

There should not be any issue with coverage. The car will be totaled if the cost of repairs exceeds about 70% of the value of the car. Also, the insurance company's estimate will likely be much lower. They will write their estimate to replace the engine with an engine from a salvage yard that has similar mileage to yours.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh