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I recently backed into a car while leaving my apartment complex. While doing no damage to my car, i cracked the front bumper on theirs.
The qoute for the bumper replacement/repainting was $897.
(Ridiculus amount!!!)
I dont know what my speed was, but i was backing out very slowly, so 1-2 mph?
My insurance rates just recently dropped, if i report this & USAA has to pay for it, will this make my rates go up alot?
Should i just pay out of pocket?
By the way, the insurance company valued the car at $16,700.
Thanks everyone for their help on this.
However, backing into a parking spot is not that hard if you have power mirrors. Just move the mirror so you can see if you are the right distance from the line that defines the parking space.
Maybe we will all be more careful if we are reminded how much we mean to our loved ones.
You see, you say you have no intention of filing a claim with your carrier -- indeed, it is too late for that. If an appraiser is going to look at your car (a USAA appraiser that is,) and you are waiting for some contact from your adjuster, you have indeed -- already -- filed a claim. Now, you may not intend to receive a USAA payout, and that is all good and well -- you shouldn't -- but if you call your carrier, they are contractually obligated to pay for your damages (upon your proof of the same) and they will then settle up with the negligent party. Most carriers, to assist their own insureds, however, will guide you through the process to some degree -- that is for customer service purposes above all -- they have no obligation to do the same. To be honest, if you called in a claim and then said you didnt want a USAA payout, they would be well within their rights send out a letter and help you no more with this claim (until you then advised them you did want a payout.)
Now, as for 21st Century. What they are hearing, regardless of what you are telling them, is that you have filed a claim through USAA (which you have) and have a body shop appointment setup (which you have) That tells them that you are choosing to move through your own carrier and have USAA subrogate them for the damages. They sound weasley because, as a adjuter, they just got out of a significant amount of work and they'll only need to review some pictures and an estimate to issue payment. They still owe the money, they know it, their life is just a bit easier.
Now for your specific questions:
1. some companies will take up to 48 hours to call you back -- it likely didn't get to an adjuster until Wed. morning. I would think you should have a received a call however -- see euphonium's answer, it is spot on.
2. neither your company, nor 21st Century is obligated to pay directly off of any estimate you receive from anywhere, but you can obtain as many as you wish.
3. yes
4. yes
5. it depends on your state -- value typically has little to do with a rental. In my state case law has supported replacing the loss -- transportation essentially. If you use an F350 superduty to drive 3 highway miles to your office in the city and the bed is empty and it's just you every day -- insurance companies often do replace that with a compact mode of transportation -- they can get away with it (though it is a bit disturbing.)
6. I think I answered this already
7. you can insist -- and you will probably get original parts (they may be used however.)
8. Well, you own an Infiniti and you were struck while parked. I doubt there is serious structural damage, but understand -- if you wish to make a DV claim the burden of proof lies on you - and it is a tough one.
In the mean time, can I cancel my auto insurance for my previous vehicle? As I understand I would get teh prorated value back. I called the insurance agent to ask if there was any reason I should not cancel, as I wanted to understand if there is any purpose in having the insurance if I don't have a vehicle to insure. She said that if I cancel, my premium may be higher when I do I get another vehicle and sign up for insurance, because I would have a "lapse of time without car insurance." Does anyone know more about this? I do not plan to stay with this company when I get my new car. If I sign up for another company, will they discount dependent on if I am still insured under another policy? Does it matter if there is a lapse for 30 days, for a month?
I would appreciate any info!
If you demand the cost of new OEM parts (Get that great GM feeling from genuine GM parts), you may have to pay the difference between the two...this probably does not apply if the car was an 06 or 07...IMO
Example:That company car will not be available much longer & you may rent a car. Your policy covers you and the damage to the rental, if you keep Comp & Collision, besides Liability.
Another Example: You buy a replacement vehicle on the weekend and the loss payee requires a policy. You need to have yours ready remembering your policy automatically, for 30 days, covers a newly acquired vehicle with the same coverages you have on other cars. Weekend Binders are tough and expensive. Keep your policy in force as it still works for your interests.
How will this work if it is totaled? I am concerned that I would only receive the ACV of a very used 20 year old car, which would be next to nothing, leaving me with a loss compared to what I actually paid for it. (which would pretty much negate the extra expense and any benefit of carrying full coverage) Can a car be insured for a "stated value?" ....which leads me to the next question--What is "classic car" insurance and how does this work? I only put about 12K miles on my primary vehicle in the last 18 months or so, therefore I doubt that the Z car would get maybe 3-5000 miles per year as a sunny day fun car.
Full coverage costs me a little over $500 per year on this car with 500K liability; not sure if that includes the additional $30 or so per year that my umbrella coverage will increase by adding a 3rd vehicle.
its much cheaper and, in the case of a total loss, they will pay you the value you claim it is worth when you first join up.
I pay about $240 per year for full coverage on my '86 Alfa that I have a claimed value of $8K on.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Thanks for the info. At first glance, Hagerty looks compelling. I did not see where they explained how much you could drive the car, though. I assume there is some sort of mileage limit??? How many miles do you average on the Alfa per year? I also could not raise the limits above the 25/50K that was pre-loaded into the form. I think I will call the 800 # this week and try to get more details.
Just to tell an ins agency that you want to insure it for, say, $10K, someone has to verify that it is worth $10K, or else I could insure my 72 Pinto for $25K, pay the extra premium, and then get paid $25K if it is totalled, stolen, or burned up...
I'm not sure of the limitations, if any. I think what they do require is that you show proof of daily drivers for others in the house, and insurance for those cars. So I had to show them that my wife and I each have a car for commuting and who I have insurance on those cars through.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have a bulging folder of maintenance and repair receipts, 90% of which were done at the Nissan dealership. (I mean, who really takes a 21 year old car to the dealership for service????....a meticulous car nut that really takes care of his vehicles IMO) The all original (or at least replaced with original) interior looks closer to be 5 years old than 21. Cosmetically, the worst spot on the car is a small tear in the door vinyl about the size of a pinkie nail clipping.
All things considered, did I pay too much or did I get a bargain??? I don't know and more importantly I do not care. It was worth it to ME. I could not find any guidebook online that gives any values on vehicles that old. I merely made comparisons with what I observed passing through Ebay and made a personal judgment call. It seems that when dealing with vehicles like this the value is subjective to the eye of the beholder.
So, getting back to the insurance issue. If your Pinto was in average condition for a 1972 (terrible paint, few if any metal panels without major dents/rust, smoking, knocking, and sputtering down the road, and the interior looks like you have been raising tiger cubs and pirhana in it) then I would am guessing that an adjuster might give you $200 for it if the little old lady from Pasadena broadsides you on Peachtree Street. Most of the $200 bucks would come from the AAOIASFFDOTLAV charity. {American Association of Insurance Adjusters Sympathy Fund For Down On Their Luck Accident Victims}
However, if the said 72 Pinto was inherited from Grandma Marsha, garage kept with shiny paint, healthy squirrels under the hood, and the seats have only been hovered in, then I would say you have a $1000 car. ($1K--I have no idea; just for argument's sake)
My fear is that in the real world, unless I insure my Z the way I want it done, some adjuster is going to try to pay me like the example of the junky Pinto rather than the pristine Pinto. Therefore, I want to insure the vehicle properly BEFORE it is too late. I have been bent over before by insurance companies and do not intend to again, especially with this car. I still remember the name of the adjuster that I battled with over a $150 claims difference on a 1994 fender bender in an older car I hated anyway. I vowed to him that his company would never be a "good neighbor" of mine, 13 years and several insurance companies later, I have been true to my word. Given the choice, I would MUCH rather total our 5 month old $36K Jeep Commander, buy another one and have NEW one totalled on the way home from the dealership than have a grocery store parking lot fender bender in this 300ZX. (before someone gives me some lip, of course I would not want to see anyone get hurt...I am kidding, sort of, BUT NOT BY MUCH)
Anyway, I am investigating my options and so far it seems that "classic" insurance will be cheaper and better than keeping it on my regular insurance policy.
I just stopped by to let Bob know that I once again re-upped my collision on my two decade old rides (only have $5k in med payments though).
Steve, Host
SUVs and Speed Shop
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Even if the car has sentimental value.. do you really plan on fixing it, if it has major damage? Not sure what you are trying to achieve..
Of course, if you paid $5K or more for an '86 Nissan... then you may be beyond our help..
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Sometimes I just slay me...:):):):):)
My mother's insurance does not have tow coverage or collision coverage. The driver who hit her is unlicensed. I filed a claim with State Farm (my mom's insurance); they will only address any medical injuries she sustained. I filed a claim with Allstate, that insured the car which hit my mom. I would appreciate any input you can provide on the following topics:
1) From the looks of it, it appears that the car is a total loss. Am I better off asking for Allstate to give us a check for the value of a 97 Sentra or should they fix it?
2) Meanwhile because the car is not driveable: is my mother entitled to a rental car or taxi paid by Allstate? She cannot go see any doctors or physical therapists b/c she has no way of getting there. (I live in a different state).
3) Any advice on what to expect from the adjuster (Morristown office) or how to handle this claim would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
HOWEVER, they will take some time to do their investigation. It really shouldn't take long. They interview your mom, interview the other driver, and make a decision. I have had instances where the other driver avoids talking to them, however, and holds up the process.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
(state farm) and was told that I could have my vehicle towed to any body shop I wanted. I chose the one closest to my home. This body shop was also registered on the state farm website. The shop mgr told me that the damage was not bad. The next day the adjuster called and said that they worked with that body shop and everything would be taken care of. Now 10 days later the body shop mgr says that state farm is going to total it. He sent me a bill for $400 to collect tow and storage fees. I thought my car was being repaired. I have heard nothing from state farm about totaling my vehicle. Will I have to pay the tow and storage fees if state farm totals it? I have 250 deductable. Shop mgr said my Durango was valued at $7350. Thanks for any advice out there.
Hand the $400 bill to State farm as it is part of the claim for them to pay. SF will negotiate it down, but that's none of your concern. Just don't pay the bill yourself.
You probably should not tell the other insurance company anything.
Don't discuss the accident with them. Refer them to your Rep with your insurance company.
i have yet to see someone refut that assertion.
Gave him name and number of repair shop and he was told it could be repaired no problem, however he then said he wanted a whole new bumper!!
Can anyone help me? I know if insurance co was involved they would FIX The damage not just purchase a new bumper for fun. I am willing to fix it, am i required to get a new one?
Accident happened while she was turning left at an intersection and couldn't execute it fast enough because the oncoming care was speeding. She got a ticket for failing to yield on left turn.
In any case, we got a letter the other day from a claims adjuster regarding payment of an in exorbitantly high amount of money (probably higher than the opposing party's cars ENTIRE worth).
What is our best recourse for these events?
No insurance, no money, & not much income. The $ of damage may be too low for them to take legal action against you and the whole incident may be forgiven.
I assume if someone else were at fault and damaged your car or injured you that you would expect them to pay your costs to make you whole? I sure do.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
While not trying to be "holier than thou", if you can't afford insurance, then you can't afford to drive...stay off the highway until insurance is affordable...the rest of us are getting tired of our U/M premiums going up while the uninsured go merrily along...
The insurance company is not the enemy....they are your friend.
Even if that's not the case where you live, I can't imagine a more uncomfortable place to be than having to explain the existence of my heretofore unknown teenage daughter(s) to Ginormous Insurance Provider, Inc., in the aftermath of an accident for which my vehicle(s) was deemed liable with one of them behind the wheel.
Maybe a Turkish prison is more uncomfortable. But probably not by much.
Seriously -- you need to call your insurance agent right now and have your daughters officially confirmed on your coverage. Yup, there's a good chance your rate is going to go up. Maybe a friggin' ton. But it's a no-brainer.
If both girls have to share a vehicle with one or both parents, they will usually not drive enough to "earn" the additional premium you will be charged.
The way the company will know if you have a "Youthful Female Operator" is if they ask or when she is involved in a crash and the Financial Responsibilty Division, Dept. of Licenses tries to confirm coverage. If the company asks, tell them, but until then, the company can not avoid being on the risk.
An incentive for the girls to drive very carefully is by not being "involved" in an accident whereby the insurance company would become aware of their driving resulting in a major increase in the premium.
The "Family Auto Policy" is very broad. I suggest you read it, especially the "Exclusions" section.
In many states it has been adjudicated that even though the at fault driver was specifically excluded, the state's minimum financial responsibility coverage applies. Why, because it is against public policy to have a private person disallow coverage via the signed endorsement which results in the companies having to provide the minimum coverages required by law. An individual has not position, power, or authority to waive state insurance codes. Should the policy holder have higher limits of Liability, those higher limits are not available to a 3rd party.
If the girls are not specifically excluded, coverage exists.
I think with the new laws here in TN now its the same here. I belive they can go as far as to impound the car if they want. But I am not sure on that.
But if they are regular, or semi-regular drivers of your household cars, you are obligated to notify your insurance...
where that would not apply is if I came to visit for a weekend, and you gave me your car to run errands...as long as I was a permissive driver (driving with your permission), I would AUTOMATICALLY be covered by your policy...the ins does not need notification of my visit as I am not a regular driver of your car...but regular drivers of your household should ALL be named on the policy if they do drive the car...
Stop trying to beat the system...:):):)...
The system is Insurance industry Genesised, not Law sponsored.
The end result really depends alot on what state you are in and what company you are insured with. One of the biggest problems is that you are specifically not reporting your daughters as drivers so that you can get lower rates. You see, that is misrepresentation and in many states and with many companies is a breach of contract. Mostly because you know that they do indeed drive your vehicles and will continue to do so, yet you think your company doesn't have a right to rate the vehicle based on their part-time driving.
I don't disagree that you will soon have greatly increased rates -- above and beyond possibly the amount of risk generated by the small amount of driving your daughter's actually do. That being said, I think that some carriers are now attempting to resolve problems like this, and that of the person who only drives 1-2 days a month.
End result is that you really need to add them to the policy unless you are positive that your company and state do not deny for mis-reps -- and that they won't non-renew for the same -- and that when your daughter is indeed in an accident (they will add her to the policy then) that they won't back-date her on the policy to her 16th birthday (this is often a way that companies will provide coverage and get you to pay for that coverage.) Either way, if there is a wreck that involves your daughters the carrier will likely get it's money back. Now do you think it's worth the stress and headache of not knowing so that you may get an interest free loan for a few years on a relatively small amount of money?
There have been cases whereby the 12 year old went for a Joy Ride - crashed, and coverage was in force.