AboutMichael Kakuk Expertise I can answer any question that you may have about collision repairs and what to do after an accident. I can also answer basic mechanical problems but that is not my area of expertise.I can help you with repairing your own vehicle in your garage and also answer any paint related questions.
Experience 15 years experience with State Farm insurance as an auto inspector.
10 years of collision center management with 3 fortune 500 companies.
Organizations Ezine expert author.
Publications Ezine magazine
Car advertisements
Various car related web sites
Education/Credentials Votech School
Chief Frame School
Hunter Alignment school
I-CAR Certified
Plastic Repairs
Aluminum Repairs
Question I am trying to help an elderly lady get her car fixed. She has a '91 Lumina and was in an accident a year ago where she dinged the front corner on the passenger-side. The signal light is out and the side panel plus a small portion of the hood both need repair; headlight and front bumper area are fine. She has been driving the car since the accident, but now it's time for safety inspection and registration renewal. KBB says her car is only worth about $500 even though it is otherwise in excellent condition. Can you give a ballpark idea of repair costs? Is it worth it? It seems to me that she'd be way ahead to pay someone to drive her with the proceeds from selling her car and the money she'll save on insurance. She's 83 and shouldn't be driving anyway. What do you think?
Answer KARLA...THE THING TO DO IS HAVE AN ESTIMATE DONE SO THAT YOU CAN MAKE A GOOD DECISION.
IF THERE IS COLLISION COVERAGE ON THE VEHICLE U MIGHT WANT TO HAVE IT DONE....DEPENDING ON THE DEDUCTIBLE OF COURSE.
IF NOT I WOULD STILL ASK THE BODY SHOP PUT A LIGHT IN AND MAKE DRIVABLE SO THAT IT PASSES
WHATEVER INSPECTION IS REQUIRED.
AS FAR AS SELLING THE CAR AND TAKING A TAXI EVERYWHERE IT MAY BE MORE COST EFFECTIVE TO DO THAT.
FROM WHAT YOU SAY THE ESTIMATE WOULD BE APPROACHING THE VALUE OF THE CAR.
