Expert: Ron Cercone - 1/29/2010

Question
MY CAR WASHIT WHILE PARKED. OTHER DRIVERS INSURANCE SENT OUT ADJUSTER.  HE ESTIMATED REPAIRS FOR 1071.02. HE ADVISED ME THAT AGENT MAY JUT TOTAL OUT CAR.  I HAVE A 1999 SATURN IN GOOD CONDITION. BLUE BOOK VALUE IS 1070.00.  HE SAID THE TOTALED OUT VALUE WOULD BE CLOSE TO REPAIR COSTS.  INSURANCE WOULD ALSO HAVE TO RENT ME A CAR FOR  5 DAYS IF REPAIRED.  I THINK AGENT IS GOING TO TOTAL IT.  DO I HAVE TO TAKE OFFER IF IT IS LESS THAN 1000.00. CAN I ASK FOR THE REPAIR MONEY AND NO RENTAL CAR.  I CAN PUT IT IN THE SHOP WHEN I GO ON VACATION.  DO THEY ALLOW THAT.  ALSO AGENT SAID THERE IS A PROBLEM NOW,  OTHER DRIVER HAS THEM AS A SECONDARY INSURANCE.  I DONT UNDERSTNAD WHAT THAT MEANS. I WOULD LIKE SOME ADVISE ON HOW TO DEAL WITH AGENT, ON GETTING A FAIR OFFER. AND CAN I GET BAK THEM MONEY I JUST PAID FOR MY TAGS, JUST A FEW DAYS BEFORE ACCIDENT.

Answer
Dolores,

The insurer can pay whichever is less, the repair cost or the value of the car less salvage value. You can keep the car either way, if it is totaled, then of course the insurer gets to deduct something for the salvage. If the car is totaled, then you want the most money for the car and the least deduction for the salvage. If they under value your car, consider the eBook at UClaim.com entitled Total Loss Auto for Claimants.