Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 8/18/2009

Question
i bought a 2008 kia spectra about a year ago. it has 22000 miles on it my husband had a wreck that was not his fault the young lady ran a stop sign. my husband t boned her at fourty five mile pre hour. her insurance company wants to have it fixed. i told them i bought a new car and i want a new car

Answer
Hi Tawanjia,

Unfortunately, the decision to repair or total the vehicle is solely up to the insurance company. The vehicle owner does not have a say. If the vehicle can be repaired for 75% or less of the value of the vehicle it will be repaired.

However, you will be entitled to be paid for the loss of value of your car, known as diminished value. No one will want to pay full value for a wrecked and repaired vehicle as they will for one with no damage history.

To learn more about diminished value visit www.collisionclaims.com .

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh