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Auto Insurance Claims/Salvage Retention

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Expert: - 9/14/2010


Question
An insurance company has offered to accept liability for the damages to our vehicle.  After discussing the settlement figures with the adjustor, the insurance company stated that they can only settle on owner retention basis (I get to keep my vehicle after it's been deemed a total loss by the insurance company).  When asked why, the insurance stated because it's been so long since the accident.  Do I have a say if I want to retain my vehicle or not or is this solely a decision by the insurance company?  The difference between a fair market value and salvage fees is roughly around $2,000.  

Answer
John,
Yes, you have a say, legally. But it is a chess game and you are being maneuvered. Would you consider keeping the car if they only deducted $300 for the salvage? For a detailed discussion on salvage and the car settltment value itself, get the eBook Total Loss Auto for Claimants at UClaim.com. It's guaranteed and includes a 20 minute consultation with the author.

Auto Insurance Claims

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Ron Cercone

Expertise

How to handle automobile total loss claims. I am the president of UClaim.com, which sells 29 different eBooks I have written on how to maximize various types of auto, home and business claims and how to get coverage on denied claims. You may view their tables of contents online. Also available are very specialized eBooks such as on EUO (Examination Under Oath) for example. Also available is an assortment of policy forms used by the most popular insurers. The eBooks have a money back guarantee and currently include personal consultation with Ron Cercone.

Experience

I have been adjusting insurance claims since 1980. 1980 to 1995 adjusting for many insurers (6 years as an independent adjuster with my own company). Currently working as a public adjuster in California, since 1995. I'm one of the few public adjusters who has handled automobile damage and total loss claims.

Organizations
CAPIA (California Association of Public Adjusters).

Education/Credentials
BA 1975 in History and Industrial Arts. Full CV at UClaim.com .

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