lart951

David, I would choose to repair the quarter panel and paint the whole car, because if they just paint that 1/4 it will never look the same.

David Floyd

That is what I would like, but... you know that white can be a bitch to match

Actually what I would like is to agree on a price, them pay me and I will handle the rest, have a buddy with a bodyshop, I can paint and he owes me a favor.

JDeitz951

Bad luck! But you're lucky if the insurance co doesn't total your car! They are clueless.

David Floyd

Yikes !!! The dude that gave the $2700 bid said it maybe totaled.

That might be good ?? if I could buy the car back with a clean title.

Eyal 951

you won't be able to buy it back with a clean title.

David Floyd

Does the insurance company have the final say if it is totaled or not ?

fast951

To total a car the damage must be 2/3 of the price. Your engine alone will cost them over $10K..

If they think about it, sum up the receipts you have.. The $2700 will look much better for them. If they want to total it, get as much as you can and only settle if you can buy the car back for $2000 or less.

Magown

That is the case out in the Peoples Republic of Kalifornia. But in some states, if you don't have a mortgage on the car and have the title, if it gets totaled and you choose to buy it back, all they do is give you 20% or so less on your settlement. You never have to surrender the title. If there's a lien on the car, the title will usually be marked "salvage" if it is totaled and bought back.

badcoupe

I was itting still last monday and got hit by a f-150 doing 60+. I was in my 98 dodge dakota 4K damage plus a screwed up back, I saw him coming and was ready but damn. Plus I may have to have back surgery now, I find out monday. My back has always been good till now and thats one thing I dread most is back problems I'm still really sore!

David Floyd

Sorry to hear that, hope nothing major, we were lucky no injuries.

David Floyd

I do have plenty of receipts

Fastcar944

Don't worry car Ins won't total car,but they also will not pay you for a full paint job. Also whites one of the easiest to blend. Sorry about the accident also

Chas

that really worries me, about getting in a relatively minor accident, and the insurance company trying to total the car....I would assume if the damage was more than about $4000, they would surely say it was totalled...is there any way to avoid this?

Perry 951

Typical range for a "total" loss is 70-80% of Actual Cash Value to repairs. ACV is replacement cost less depreciation. ACV for your car is about $8600. You do have mods and receipts so it could go up a little. Ask your adjuster for an agreed price estimate (between your shop, the appraiser, and the adjuster).

Most states require a total loss settlement at 80% damage or more. Some states do not require a salvage indication for older vehicles. I don't think TN has a salvage requirement. And, as far as a salvage value, there is no standard % that they knock off the top. It's calculated by what areas of the car remain. The salvage value of David's car will be quite high.

And get it repaired, don't replace the 1/4.

David Floyd

Thanks for that info Perry, the trick "Perry951" LED dash lights keep the value up also