Expert: Ron Cercone - 5/15/2009

Question
Awful situation- hit and run accident, no gap insurance. The Body shop says the auto is repairable but the insurance determined that it is a total loss. They are basing their assessment on replacement costs and won't allow repairs as recommended by the body shop. Insurance has already notified financial institute who wants the vehicle released immediately. Insurance is only offering $8505. We have found similar autos with same or more mileage for more than $2000 over the insurance estimate. What should be our next step?

Answer
Hello Alecia,

You have to effectively debunk the insurance valuation of your vehicle and hope that they will up the valuation. They probably used CCC or ADP to lowball value your car. If they don't come up, you should then present your own valuation of the vehicle. You start with the easiest moves first and move on to harder ball tactics. The best eBook on this and other issues like salvage is entitled "TOTAL LOSS AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE CLAIM ADVICE AND HELP - FOR INSUREDS" at UClaim.com http://www.uclaim.com on the products page in the automobile section.