Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 8/21/2009

Question
My wife was was in an accident on the freeway in utah.  The person in front of her slammed on their brakes and she hit them.  However, the suburban behind her collided with the right, rear quarter panel of our car.  We only have liability insurance on our car.  Both my wife and the suburban were sighted with following too close.  The damage to the front of our car is close to totaling the car.  I'm still debating on fixing it or not.  How should I approach the damage to the rear?  how much should or could the suburban's insurance company pay?  i haven't gotten any estimates yet, but i don't really know how to proceed.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Ben,

Since you have no collision coverage you will have to pay for the front end damage. The person whe rearended your wife will be responsible for the rear end damage. Depending on the severity of the rear damage here is a likely scenario:

Since you stated that the front damage was almost enough to total your vehicle then the rear damage will likely push it over the total point. The Suburban insurance company will likely declare your vehicle to be a total loss. If that happens they will determine the fair market value of your vehicle. They will then settle your claim by deducting the cost of the front end damage from the value and they will take your vehicle for salvage. So if your vehicle is worth say $15,000.00 and the front damage repair cost is $8,000.00 they will issue you a check for $7,000.00 and they will take the vehicle and sell it for salvage.

Since you have not actually gotten any estimates yet, you should do so. Have the vehicle moved to a body shop for a detailed estimate of the front end. From that point you will have to wait to speak to the claims adjuster. Feel free to come back and ask more questions once you have some additional information.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh