Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 2/16/2010

Question
We were involved in a large 60 car pile up due to white out conditions on a four lane highway.  We were able to stop in time for cars that had been in an accident in front of us. The car behind us was also able to stop without hitting us.  Shortly we heard the additional "crunching" of cars behind us and were eventually hit by the car behind being pushed into us. That is all we know for sure. Cars continued to "come thru" and we knew it was important to get out of the car and go up the under pass slope we were near to get to safety.  Sure enough, our car was hit at least 2 more times, once by a semi that just pushed thru the whole group.  Our car was spun off to the side.  After we felt it safe, we went to a car near the front to get out of the blizzard.  Eventually, police told anyone that could drive to leave or leave their car and get a ride.  They could not take information.  We were unable to determine who had hit us.  Indeed it would have been difficult as cars were greatly "rearranged" and many cars just drove on if they were able.

I'm sure our new car with only 3000 miles on it will be totaled.  We have total coverage with $1000 deductable.  Will we have to pay the deductable?  Are they any issues you think we might have to deal with in order for our insurance to pay?  We had absolutely NO damage to the front of our vehicle.

Answer
Hi Linda,

Don't be to quick to think your car will be totalled. In order for the car to be declared a total loss, the cost of repairs will need to be greater than 75% of the value of the car. The insurance company will send out a damage estimator who will look at the damage and write a damage estimate or they will have the vehicle taken to a shop who wil write the estimate. You should select the body shop of your choice. Do not let the insurance company try to force you to a particular shop. You should ask friends, coworkers, relatives, etc for referals to body shops they may have used. Once you select a shop you need to have the shop complete a "tear down" to properly determine the extent of damage and the cost of repairs. Then the determination will be made to either total or repair the vehicle.

This claim will be paid under the collision coverage on your policy and the collision deductible will apply.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh