Expert: Bennie719 - 10/20/2007

Question
My boyfriend was in an accident involving a city vehicle that lost large chunks of granite off a truck. There are no personal injuries. The city is aware and taking responsibility,the police were involved, and we have the report information case number. It appears the vehicle will be totaled.  How much time should he be allowed to acquire another vehicle?  Any other tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You!


Answer
Hi Buffy,
The city should be providing you a rental car while yours is disabled.
If the car is repairable, that rental should continue until your car is repaired.
If the car is totaled, the city will make you a 'fair market value' offer for the car.  If you don't feel that the offer is fair, you can provide your own documentation to show why you deserve a larger amount.
Right now you should be researching the values through kelley blue book, NADA, used car dealers and newspaper ads and making copies of your research.  After a few days of compromising, they will make a final offer.  Usually, they will stop paying any rental within 48-72 hours of their final offer.
They will not acquire a used car for you, but make a cash settlement for their final offer plus sales tax and a refund of the unused portion of your annual registration fees.
Once you get the check, the amount of time you wait to purchase a replacement is your decision.
Once they have firmly told you that they are going to total the car, you might decide to go ahead and purchase a car right away so you won't be 'stranded' between the time you get their check and find a replacement vehicle.
Your feedback by rating this answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 10-20-07 4:36 PM PST