Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 9/28/2009

Question
My father just bought a 2009 ford focus on Sept 3 of this year and still owes a little over 12,000 unfortunately it got hail damage last week (three weeks of ownership).  We are suppose to meet with the insurance agent tomorrow and this is what I think since he also has gap insurance do you think it is possible to ask for a new car because we don't want that one fixed and get away with not having to pay the deductible?

Answer
Hi Gracie,

Unfortunately, the insurance company will not even consider totaling your car unless the cost to repair it is mote than 75% of the value of the car. You will just have the vehicle repaired.

You should liik into "Paintless Dent Repair". This is a process whereby the dents are pushed out without damaging the paint. It does not work on heavely damaged areas but it will help reduce the overall cost and reduce the amount of repainting that has to be done.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh