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Last Post:
Dec 7, 2007 6:48 AM
by: winnettknox
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Posts:
180
From:
Mesa, Arizona
Registered:
2/8/06
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OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 9:19 AM
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Hey all. Hoping someone out there may have some wisdom they can pass along my way.
Long story short. I have a 1991 Acura Legend 4 door sedan LS with the gold package, wing, Bose stereo system, moonroof, leather seats, automatic everything. When my dad bought it in 1991, he paid over $41,000. He was dying from cancer and this was kind of like his last hurrah before he went. After years of sacrificing, he decided he couldn't take it with him. He died in 1993. My mom had the car for several years but never really drove it much. In 2001, she wanted to buy a PT Cruiser and rather than have her trade in Daddy's car, I offered to buy it. I love this car, I baby it and it means the world to me. The best part is that insurance is relatively low, tags are low and it's been pretty easy to maintain. It also only has 97,000 miles on it. It drives beautifully and I could not have asked for a better car. That and I still feel close to my dad when I'm in it -- he and I were best friends and I still miss him terribly, especially with the anniversary of his death coming up on December 20th. He was only 53 when he died.
Well, last Thursday, I was stopped at a 4 way stop when a bimbo in the world's biggest truck was too busy talking on the phone to actually stop and ran right over my bumper and pretty much totalled the back of my car. She literally pushed me into the intersection and I am lucky that I didn't have my kids in the car. The wing is gone, the frame bent all to h*ll, the trunk lid bent in half...I just cried. My car is actually a steel car, pretty heavy and did pretty well considering. She admitted fault and I've been dealing with her insurance company. Bimbo called her insurance company and then refused to wait around because she had to pick up her kid. When the police finally arrived they said they couldn't do anything because "I let her leave." The appraiser was out yesterday and said it was such a shame to see a car like mine damaged the way it has been and he would do his best to try to see that I could get it repaired. He said it is a classic and they don't make it like them anymore.
Anyway, the appraiser called me this morning and said that he did his best with the figures but repair costs are probably going to be in the $3400-$3800 range and there is a strong possibility that insurance is just going to call it a total loss as my car in pristine condition is worth about $4800. He says he would like to see it repaired but that he doesn't have the final say-so and it is up to insurance. The insurance company is SafeAuto.
I was told that if they total the car, I can take the money, "buy" it back, change it to a salvage title and have the repairs done on my own. I don't know if that's the best option.
My problem is that I can't afford a new car, payments, etc. I'm still making payments on my husband's car and both he and my daughter just got braces within the same year, yet I need something safe because I'm the primary driver of our two kids. Call me a little vain as I had always enjoyed my car and liked being able to find it in the parking lot, etc. Even after having it 6 years, I still look at it with a smile. My husband has a silver Ford station wagon which I hate. I feel like I age 20 years every time I drive it. He and I have different tastes in radio, the way we drive etc., and each having our own vehicle just works best for us. Plus, he lets our dog (which sheds in copious amounts) in the car whereas I never did because I don't like my packages covered with dog hair. I also write off my vehicle for taxes.
Okay, I guess I lied when I said short story. Anyway, here are the questions:
*Any of you dealt with something similar to this? What happened? Did you get your way?
*Assuming I am offered $4500 or less if my car is considered a total loss, do you have any recommendations on a good, used, reliable family car that wouldn't break the bank? I've got a daughter in junior high and one in elementary and both have friends that I'm always taking around so I need to be able to fit at least 3 kids in the car.
I am so depressed. Here I am minding my own business and I'm hit by a bimbo who only gets one scratch and now someone is going to decide whether or not I'm allowed to keep my car.
Help!
Wendy
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Posts:
2,405
From:
SE Florida
Registered:
2/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 9:34 AM
in response to:
wendybosco
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Sorry to hear your problems - so far I've been lucky in regards to accidents, so I don't know much about the ins and outs in working with insurance. Only accident I've been in was when someone struck my brother's car a couple of Christmases ago - the other driver's insurance took care of everything. The lesson to be learned from everyone else form this story is to NOT let the other person involved in the accident leave. If they are insisting, immediately call 911 and report that there has been an accident and the other person involved is leaving the scene - the next visit they get will be from a policeman or woman informing them of their "hit & run"! John
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Posts:
797
Registered:
2/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 9:37 AM
in response to:
wendybosco
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I am sorry that you lost something that meant so much to you. But, you really should be thanking your lucky stars that no-one was injured. As far as insurance goes, you could have bought extra insurance to help pay for your car if it is a total loss. One reason that your insurance was so low was that your car has little value (or at least the insurance company assumes that it does). Think of what the insurance company is offering you as an initial offer. Perhaps you could try to find some comparables to your car (look for your car on ebay, the classifieds, etc, etc) and present your investigation to the insurance company. I did the same when my car was totaled and they gave me $4000 more than the initial offer. Also, if anything was inside the car that was ruined (in the trunk, back seat- such as a car seat, books, a coat, CDs or anything else) let the insurance company know. You should have coverage for loss of personal items. I claimed my shoes, socks, sweater, blazer, bra, and satchel and they did re-imburse me for those items. You could also sue the person who hit your car. You did get at least her info, correct? Be warned that if you decide to sue her, the insurance company will pay you zero. Angela
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Posts:
180
From:
Mesa, Arizona
Registered:
2/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 9:40 AM
in response to:
frizzell66-movi...
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The funny part about the gal leaving the scene was that the police officer when he showed an hour and half later told me that as of this week, the Mesa police will not be responding to any accidents unless someone is hurt. He said that they don't have the officers available to deal with "fender benders". I asked him about leaving the scene and had all her info and he wasn't interested in it. About 2 years ago, my mom was hit by someone who fled the scene, she called in the license plate and police tracked the lady down. Guess Mesa has grown more than they can handle -- that makes you feel safe, huh?
I told the gal I was calling the police and she said she didn't care. That the last time she was in accident, all she did was call her insurance and leave. I swear I hope I never see her again....I think she has a kid that goes to my daughter's school.
Two days later, the police called and asked for a donation!
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Posts:
797
Registered:
2/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 9:52 AM
in response to:
wendybosco
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I told the gal I was calling the police and she said she didn't care. That the last time she was in accident, all she did was call her insurance and leave so you have her info? What she said is probably true. That is what is done in TN too. Angela
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Posts:
8,649
From:
Duncanville, Texas
Registered:
2/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 12:53 PM
in response to:
wendybosco
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In Texas it varies from city to city, but in Dallas they haven't come out for non-injury accidents for decades. They just take the information over the phone, and they give you a report number to give the insurance company. Back in 1985 I found out they did the same thing with things other than auto accidents. I had someone break into my car, and fail in their attempt to hot-wire it. I called the police and got the "we'll take the report and give you a number for your insurance" line. The idea of actually investigating the crime never occured to them.
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Posts:
276
Registered:
7/16/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 12:57 PM
in response to:
wendybosco
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how do you know she was "a bimbo". Did she have a shirt that said "bimbo?"
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Posts:
180
From:
Mesa, Arizona
Registered:
2/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 1:07 PM
in response to:
jessie12k
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Might as well have had a shirt that said that. I was driving on a single lane street (no passing) and had seen her about a block or so back passing people and speeding (she was going in the opposing lane to pass). I remembered thinking "With they way they are driving, they are going to cause an accident." I just didn't realize it would be me! I stopped for the 4 way stop (clearly marked) and she didn't. It was in front of a school that we were both going to pick up our kids from. I realize she was in a mighty hurry but she was so scatterbrained, she should have had a big "duh" on her shirt. She says "Well, you little cars (on what planet is a full size steel sedan a little car?) can stop on a dime but we big trucks can't." She acted like I stopped right in front of her as opposed to stopping at a stop sign. If you can't talk on the phone and drive at the same time, maybe you shouldn't!
I do have full coverage on my car so I will call my insurance and ask if there is anything they can do without having my premiums jump.
I really don't want to lose my car as I have no hope of ever having anything close to it again aside from hitting big with the lottery.
But really, anyone have any cars they can recommend that don't cost a fortune?
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Posts:
797
Registered:
2/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 1:39 PM
in response to:
wendybosco
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2005 Malibu. They are ugly and look like they were made in the early 90's. But they have a 5 star crash rating and are very cheap. My sister got one new for $6000 in 2006 because they could not sell it. Angela
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Posts:
7,064
From:
Earth, I Think.!
Registered:
11/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 1:50 PM
in response to:
wendybosco
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Depending on the price range you want. What about fuel economy do you want or need.?. Its hard to list off a car if we don't know what you like and what you need, 1) You want to seat 3 kids, do they have to be comfortable..? 2) Do you need ALOT of room for shipping parcels..?. 3) Do you use your car or your husbands car to go grocery shopping.? 4) Do you take vacations in your car (i.e) drive long distances with it.?
How about a smaller acura or a Ford Focus, maybe save the earth and buy a hybrid car..? Its really hard to say what is possible with just $4,000 or less. You might be able to get a BMW with high miles for under $4,000 Then again you might only get stuck with a Hyundai Santa Fe, or a Toyota camry........ < MusicMan
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Posts:
180
From:
Mesa, Arizona
Registered:
2/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 2:12 PM
in response to:
nobelmedia
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> Depending on the price range you want. What about
> fuel economy do you want or need.?. Its hard to list
> off a car if we don't know what you like and what you
> need, 1) You want to seat 3 kids, do they have to
> be comfortable..? 2) Do you need ALOT of room
> for shipping parcels..?. 3) Do you use your
> car or your husbands car to go grocery shopping.?
> 4) Do you take vacations in your car (i.e)
> drive long distances with it.?
> dir="ltr">How about a smaller acura or a Ford Focus,
> maybe save the earth and buy a hybrid car..? Its
> really hard to say what is possible with just $4,000
> or less. You might be able to get a BMW with high
> miles for under $4,000 Then again you might only get
> stuck with a Hyundai Santa Fe, or a Toyota
> camry........
<<br>> MusicMan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oops -- would be helpful if I had included that info, huh?
Luckily for me, most of everywhere I need to go is within 10 miles or less.
Post office is only 2 miles away and schools and shopping are pretty close as well, so mileage isn't a huge consideration. Nice, but not a main one. I average about 5,000 miles a year. I don't ship anything huge and if need be, can always use my husband's car.
We take my husband's car on trips, visits to Grandma or basically anytime we go somewhere together as a family. He's one of those guys who doesn't like being a passenger and I'm more than happy to, so his car works well for that. He has never liked my car or found it comfortable.
I've had Nissan, Ford and Toyota in the past. Both the Nissan and the Toyota Celica were wonderful performance-wise, gas-wise and fairly maintenance free. I loved the Celica but traded that in when my youngest was born as a 2-door was a total pain with carseats and husband was driving me nuts for a truck. I then took his Nissan which I later gave to my mom for a trade-in.
Our other car is a Ford Taurus wagon and it seems like all we've done is pour money into it. The heater still doesn't work, but I know Taurus' are a dime a dozen and you can get relatively cheaply.
3 kids in the back is nice but not a requirement I guess since the oldest can always ride in the front.
It's funny. My Acura wasn't perfect. Far from it. The seat controls didn't always work, my window was starting to act up, the glove compartment had to be slammed to close, the one lock had be opened manually and the leather was pretty much shot, but I was happy.
I would love to buy a hybrid car. Cost tends to be factor however.
Love the camry. I've seen the Hyunda Santa Fe but haven't researched it yet. I've noticed that fellow booksellers are pretty frugal, so I thought you'd be the ones to ask.
Thanks for everything!
Wendy
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Posts:
1,135
Registered:
10/9/07
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 3:02 PM
in response to:
wendybosco
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Sorry about your situation, but there's way to make the best of it. The insurance companies, slime that they are, aren't going to give you much money for a 16 year old car, no matter how pristine its condition was. Best thing, perhaps, is to buy another, similar car with as low mileage, and buy your damaged, car. Use all the parts from your old car to fix up the replacement. Other possibilities are to buy a nice used car, like a 1998 or newer Taurus wagon with the 24 valve engine. Any Taurus with less the 75.000 miles will last til 200,000 plus for two-three years use, easily. But you also have to add into the equation that you live in Arizona, where heat is hard on car engines. Perhaps go out-of-state to buy a car not exposed to the extreme heat of the Southwest. If you must stick with a .Japanese car, buy a Honda, even if you pay extra money. Their V-Tech engines are bulletproof and will stand 200,000-300,000 miles easily., even in extreme heat. Best of luck and hope the kids have a Merry Christmas. Ishmael.
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Posts:
2,156
From:
The Cradle of Liberty -> which it will be if enough stuff sells !
Registered:
2/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 3:32 PM
in response to:
wendybosco
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Sorry to hear about the accident - and glad to hear you weren't very hurt (other than your nerves).
buying back the car may be an idea - if you know in advance how much it will definitely cost
to fix ... but on the other hand, you could end up with a wreck that you can't fix right or sell - with the only sane option being to turn it into a $4000 compacted metal end table... so get
some believable estimates, about the mechanical issues as well as prices.
Also - in many states, you can sue the other driver for the difference between what your
insurance paid off and the value of your loss. When people have a car accident, if nobody
is hurt, they often leave the money details up to their insurance company, and don't realize
they're getting short changed and 'leaving money on the table' in the process.
But outside of the world of car crashes, this type of situation - where one party sues another
for what was not covered by insurance - is common enough.
In order to be successful, at minimum, you'll need proof of the condition of the car. Recent records
from a repair shop you use often showing mileage & a responsible history of maintenance
plus photos & appraisals...
If you're lucky, the other driver will have insurance and/or assets, or a job with a
paycheck that can be garnished to satisfy any judgement in your favor.
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Posts:
14,375
From:
It's Twenty-Ten already?
Registered:
2/24/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 4:00 PM
in response to:
wendybosco
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Wendy, see if they can run the insurance estimate with used parts. I had the same issue (our garbage company truck hit my SUV and took out the back end--while parked in our driveway!) it came closerthanthis to being declared a total (due to age and mileage) but I cried and the adjustor ran the repair totals with used parts and squeaked it in under the cut off number. (What that percent is varies by company). No way could we afford a car payment right now. I was hysterical at the idea of having to get a new car when the budget said no way jose. (And when i say squeaked, I mean like less than $100 from the cut-off #).
Good luck with it.
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Posts:
21,691
Registered:
2/8/06
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Re: OT Car accidents, insurance companies and replacement cars
Posted:
Dec 6, 2007 4:11 PM
in response to:
wendybosco
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Isn't It against the law to "hit and run" in most states? Seems like she left the scene of the accident
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