Expert: Ron Cercone - 2/25/2010

Question
Hello,

I was in an accident with my 2005 Escape a couple days ago where I slid off the road and into a cement divider because of bad weather and icy roads. No one else was involved in the accident and I was uninjured. The damage to the car was only in the front and no airbags went off. I called my insurance company immediately (AAA) and the woman on the phone instructed me to drive off the highway to the nearest exit and park somewhere where I could have a tow truck come tow my Escape. Once she had called for a tow truck to come pick me up, we were disconnected 2 or 3 times and I spoke to multiple other AAA operators during which time my vehicle was towed to the nearest AAA approved dealership. After I had paid for my towing another AAA operator told me I shouldn't have paid for towing as it was included in my claim, and next time I shouldn't pay. Not sure why they told me that after I already paid... I rented a car, as I work on the other side of the state and the next day an adjuster called to say the car was considered a total loss as the dealership which was AAA approved estimated the damages at $9600 and another adjuster would be contacting me again within the next couple days about a settlement amount. I have yet to hear from any other adjuster, but was hoping you could advise me as to what I should ask/expect when the adjuster calls me? This is the first time I have gotten in an accident like this and am not sure what to expect or do. Should I be present for the adjustment, and most importantly is there anything I should ask or be prepared to answer? Because no one else was involved in the accident and I merely slid off the road, I am having a hard to finding information on what to do. I am not sure I should have left the scene of the "accident" but was advised by my AAA operator to drive and park at the nearest exit... she also stayed on the phone with me until I got there. I appreciate any advice or help you could give me. I have tried looking online to find information, but most information is for accidents involving other cars, and personal injuries neither of which applied here. I am upset the car is considered a total loss seeing as I was able to drive it and there was no damage to anything but the front (which was obviously considerable with damages supposedly at $9600), but was hoping there was some advice you could give me as to how to proceed with the settlement adjuster, or if there is anything I should do in the meantime? The car was in good shape and I took it in every 5,000 miles for oil changes and checkups. It was also completely paid off. My deductible was $500. Thank you for your consideration and help.

C

Answer
Courtney,

Your car value will be the same whether it was a solo accident or with another car. They should offer you a valuation of your car within a week at the most after the accident. If you want to keep the car, then they will deduct the salvage value from the valuation. To make sure you don't get underpaid on the car valuation and the salvage, consider the eBook at UClaim.com entitled Total Loss Auto for Insureds, with a money back guarantee and information guarantee.