Expert: Bennie719 - 11/20/2007

Question
My 2002 Subaru Legacy Outback was hit by a tree during a wind storm last week. Once the car was looked at, the adjuster called me late last Friday, telling me that every inclination looks like the car was a total loss and he should have an offer for me Monday morning. When monday morning rolled around, he changed his tune. Suddenly, the car was repairable because the value of the car was too high. I understand the formula used to determine whether or not a car can be considered a total loss, etc....My issue is such: a.) I don't want a car that has been hit by a tree and b.) who am I going to sell this car to without taking a huge financial loss? Do I have any leg to stand on in regard to the fact I was told by two different people at my insurance company that the car was totalled? If so, is it something I need to hire an attorney to handle. They valued the car at $13,500 (which seems really high) and are stating there is slightly over $6000 damage.

Answer
Hi Lori,
Subaru vehicles hold their value quiet well, so the $13,500
sounds reasonable to me.  With only $6,000 damage, the vehicle falls well within the range of being repairable.
As long as the repairs are done at a top quality shop, there should be little to no affect on its value.
The insurance company is acting within the legal lines of your policy by repairing the car.  The fact that someone made a quick decision that it was a total loss is not relevant.
To check the true value of your car, go to kbb.com, key in all the info about your car and your zip code and get an answer.  In the area where I live, your vehicle with just the standard equipment would have a value of $13,450.
I hope this has been of help
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area