I was rear ended in a car accident and need an opinion.

[Kaieye]

The other person was at fault and their auto insurance co. wants to total my van. I have about 189k miles on it and it is 11 years old. The van still runs great just like the first day I bought it. The insurance co. wants to give me $3850 for the van to buy it back for me or let me keep the van and give me $2200 and keep the van but have to label the van as a salvage title.

I am not really happy with both offers. What would you do or suggest?

 

[bignateyk]

1) How much is the van worth
2) How much is it gonna cost to fix the damage?
3) How bad is the damage? Do you even need to fix it to keep using it?
4) Can you still drive it labeled as a salvage title?

 

[TecHNooB]

tell them to give you enough money to buy a new van and keep the old van. surely they will be reasonable.

 

[Tweak155]

What does it matter if the title changes? If it runs so great, surely you don't plan on selling it?

 

[Texashiker]

Screw the van, what about your whiplash and back pain? That should be worth 10 or 20k right there.

 

[Kaieye]

1. $3600
2. I don't know but if it was my fault, I would straighten out the rear bumper and tailgate so it can open.
3. Mostly cosmetic damage.
4. Yes

 

[Sluggo]

How bad is the damage? Can you upload a pic?

 

[Kaieye]

No medical problems to speak off but one of my passengers is seeking professional medical help.

 

[Kaieye]

Second question is do I have to let them dictate to me their conditions because I am sure that I have a say...

 

[Krazy4Real]

Time to buy a new van.

 

[Kaieye]

First estimate to repair was $3500+

 

[Texashiker]

No medical problems to speak off but one of my passengers is seeking professional medical help.

You should have rolled out of the van and started flopping around on the ground.

But oh well, better luck next time.

I heard that the longer you hold out with an insurance company, the more money they will offer you.

 

[drquest]

Tell them $3800 and you keep the van.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Why the fuck aren't you dealing with your own insurance company? Contact them ASAP and deal with this thru them.

 

[Texashiker]

Why the fuck aren't you dealing with your own insurance company? Contact them ASAP and deal with this thru them.

If you contact your insurance company, some companies will put the accident on your record as a no-fault accident. They can later use that no-fault to jack your prices up.

Back in 1999 a lady clipped my rear bumper. I called my insurance out to take a look. A few months later the accident showed up on my bill, and my cost went up. I called my insurance company and asked them about it, they said anytime they get involved, it goes on your driving record.

 

[bignateyk]

First estimate to repair was $3500+

I would tell them you want $3500 and keep the van. Then pocket the money and keep driving your POS van till it dies.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Insurance company is stating that the Van is worth 3850 and the salvage value is 1600.

Have them provide you three LOCAL locations that have declared they salvage value to be 1600.

go to a local body shop and find out what the repair costs would be

 

[Schadenfreude]

Wait, so the insurance company is offering to give you $3850 for you van that's worth $3600, or to give you $2200 and you can keep your car - which you said only has cosmetic damage - and you're griping about it?

WTF is wrong with you?

 

[hdfxst]

Check the laws in your state on salvage titles,in pa you have to fix it and have it signed off by a certified inspection mechanic and take pictures and hope that they accept it.they can reject for any reason.What is your ins. company saying about this

 

[Capt Caveman]

If you contact your insurance company, some companies will put the accident on your record as a no-fault accident. They can later use that no-fault to jack your prices up.

Back in 1999 a lady clipped my rear bumper. I called my insurance out to take a look. A few months later the accident showed up on my bill, and my cost went up. I called my insurance company and asked them about it, they said anytime they get involved, it goes on your driving record.

You have a shitty insurance company. Based on the OP's situation, he's made the wrong decision and going to pay for it.

 

[lxskllr]

Wait, so the insurance company is offering to give you $3850 for you van that's worth $3600, or to give you $2200 and you can keep your car - which you said only has cosmetic damage - and you're griping about it?

WTF is wrong with you?

That's how I see it. Just about any vehicle with 200k on it is virtually worthless. It may drive fine, but the resale value is pretty close to zero. Ask for $2,500 because round numbers are nice, get as little professional work as you can get away with, and pocket the rest. Save it for a new car in the future, or for keeping yours on life support(not really recommended).

 

[Baked]

See a chiropractor ASAP, claim major internal injury, watch the money roll in. Then you can buy a Porsche Cayenne GTS.

 

[Via]

Why the fuck aren't you dealing with your own insurance company? Contact them ASAP and deal with this thru them.

I wouldn't do this. If anything - make sure you call your local agent and not a national number.

I suggest getting a lawyer. They'll make sure you get the best deal.

 

[Kaieye]

Tell them $3800 and you keep the van.

This is what I wanted to read...

 

[Kaieye]

Why the fuck aren't you dealing with your own insurance company? Contact them ASAP and deal with this thru them.

I have only the minimum insurance except for higher liability which I bought extra. The person who hit me and I have the same insurance co.