Auto Insurance Claims/Carjacking

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Expert: Charlie Barone - 5/11/2009


Question
Hello, I was recently carjacked 5/3/09, and was informed today that the vehicle was recovered.  It is located at the Mobile crime lab and it was used in commission with SOME robberies.  Although I'm in the process of moving as I'm terrified because they not only stole my vehicle but my purse with my LIFE contained therein.  At this point I don't want the vehicle after having been valid.  My truck is a lease with 10 months left.  Will my insurance company help me to resolve this issue.  Do I have options?  Or just pay for a vehicle that I WILL NOT drive?

Answer
Your insurance company has the right to pay to replace or repair the car, whichever is less. You don't have the right to refuse it unless it was not repaired to its pre-loss condition. If you have rental coverage on your policy, use that until the claim and/or repairs are finalized. If the insurance company has a shop they approve, go through them for the repair. That way you can demand more of the shop in terms of the final outcome of the car's condition.

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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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