Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 10/19/2010

Question
A freak hail storm, my babied late model 2002 Suv (low mileage 50.000 miles, like new condition), parked at my husband's workplace parking lot, was heavily damaged. It is still mechanically sound.
The SUV was sent to their choice of a repair company for estimate, then yesterday, the Insurance company's claims adjuster came by to see the SUV.  He said that he was writing it up as a total loss, he said that repairs would be major ($5600.00 +) and so it would be easier to give replacement value. He said that appraisers would be in contact to tell me the replacement value and arrange to pick up my SUV to sell at auction. HUH? Options?

Answer
Hi DL,

Unfortunately, there are no options. The decision to repair or total the vehicle is solely up to the insurance company. The vehicle owner has no say in the mater. The only alternative would be to drop the claim and drive the damaged vehicle.

You can thank your local polititions for this. The insurance companies pay bribes (I mean campagne contributions)so that the polititians will rubber stamp any laws that the insurance companies write for them selves.


I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh