Auto Insurance Claims/Insurance Claim

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Expert: - 5/20/2010


Question
I am claiming my vehicle for an accident.  My truck is fully paid off and has no liens on it.  If i claim my vehicle, would i be able just to keep the money and not repair it?  Or do i have to repair my vehicle and put it back to it's past value?

Answer
Hi Jerome,

If there is no loan of your vehicle then any claim check should be made out to you. Once you have the check, you can do wat ever you want to with it. You are not required to repair the vehicle. But you should not tell the insurance company that or they will try to lowball the check.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

Auto Insurance Claims

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Richard Hixenbaugh

Expertise

Auto insurance claims procedure, auto coverage, liability issues, auto damage questions, how to deal with the insurance company, loss of use and diminished value.

Experience

I have been involved in the insurance industry for over 25 years. I have experience in underwriting, sales, claims adjusting, auto damage estimating, auto value appraising and diminished value appraising. I have testified as an expert witness over 35 times.

Organizations
Society of Certified Auto Appraisers

Education/Credentials
Completed all required courses for the Florida Property-Casualty agents license and the Florida claims adjusters license. I have attended various courses on auto damage estmating, vehicle appraising and am ASE certified in collision damage analysis.

Past/Present Clients
My company has done work for consumers nationwide.

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