May be Losing my Cobra

[SuperG]

As some of you know, I was rear-ended on the way to the Christmas party...the other 2 cars (Lexus 4-door sedans) were towed, although I was able to drive. So I went to the party (something I have been waiting to attend for years) for a short while, then drove to the hospital (just in case) and had x-rays and stayed for observation...

The shop called with a preliminary report...it may get totalled. After all these years and expenses, blood, sweat and lots of tears, the car may be junked!

So...now I am pissed. I am beside myself.

[cobrabitn]

That sucks!

[Hazman]

Take the money, cut a deal to buy the "totalled" car you drove home, and make a track car out of it!!!

[Lumpydogs]

Originally Posted by Hazman

Take the money, cut a deal to buy the "totalled" car you drove home, and make a track car out of it!!!

I thought for sure the word "Corvette" was gonna pop up in this post.

[snakbitn]

You didn't think Rick would do that on a cobra site would you.He could get flogged at the next track day.

[SuperG]

Update: Looks like not totalled, however, the apprasier has only alotted $1700 for repairs and the shop won't repair it.

This results from the fact the car was totalled in 1998, someone put it back together and eventually I got it.

So they found damage that hadn't been repaired properly 12 years ago and will obviously not cover that. The frame and bumper apparently are in a condition the collision repair shop will not even attempt to fix it, certainly not warrantly the work.

So now I have a battle in front of me...through negligent driving, a woman damaged my car and has put it into a condition that may not allow it to get repaired (cheaply). In a sense the car is totalled, so will my insurance cover that? Do I find a shop that will piece this thing together again?

Any of you out there know some options?

[Twice Bitten]

Originally Posted by SuperG

Update: Looks like not totalled, however, the apprasier has only alotted $1700 for repairs and the shop won't repair it. Ask the insurance company of the person responsible who they use for repairs and take the car to their facility and get them involved. If they will not repair it and warranty it, then their insurance company owes you for a totalled car minus diminished value probably.

This results from the fact the car was totalled in 1998, someone put it back together and eventually I got it. Hind sight is 20/20, always get a PPI on the purchase of a used car. Worst case scenario, is you go after the person (legally) who sold you the car for not disclosing this info to you.

So they found damage that hadn't been repaired properly 12 years ago and will obviously not cover that. The frame and bumper apparently are in a condition the collision repair shop will not even attempt to fix it, certainly not warrantly the work. Says who? Take any car that has been wrecked or damaged to any shop worth a darn, and they will always pick the others shops work apart. Get more than one opinion if need be. If you need the name of a shop, let me know, I know of a good one in North Houston. They will be honest with you. Jimmy knows of one as well.


So now I have a battle in front of me...through negligent driving, a woman damaged my car and has put it into a condition that may not allow it to get repaired (cheaply). In a sense the car is totalled, so will my insurance cover that? Do I find a shop that will piece this thing together again? You can turn this in to your insurance company if you want to (it would save you the battle), but talk to your insurance agent first. Tell that person the story and listen to their advice. If you insurance will cover it, then they will go after the other person/insurance company for reimbursment (subrogation). Or you could do it yourself and waste time and deal with tons of aggravation!


Any of you out there know some options?

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, you know how to get in touch with me.

[Hazman]

Now that really suxs! Looks like good advice above and I hope you manage to work something out!! I hsve found that sometimes a smaller local shop is more flexible in what they will do for you.

[SuperG]

Thanks for the help, Larry...I will start making some calls and let you guys know the outcome!

[gcassidy]

While it wasn't my Cobra, I had something like that happen with my DD, a 2000 Camery with 150,000+ miles. I was hit in the side by a buck while on the highway, and the estimate came to a bit over $3700, the totaled figure my insurance company gave me. They said they wanted to total it, but I asked if I could work with the body shop. I told them (body shop) it was OK to use used panels, and any electrical repair, weather-stripping replacement, etc I would take care of. Anything to get it under the insurance companies total figure.

That worked. In the end, they ended up using new parts, doing a first rate job, and only charged under the total threshold. I think they understood what a pain it is to the owner to total a car. They were a good body shop with a classy foreman.

You might try something like that, if you need to.
Good luck.

[SuperG]

Originally Posted by gcassidy

While it wasn't my Cobra, I had something like that happen with my DD, a 2000 Camery with 150,000+ miles. I was hit in the side by a buck while on the highway, and the estimate came to a bit over $3700, the totaled figure my insurance company gave me. They said they wanted to total it, but I asked if I could work with the body shop. I told them (body shop) it was OK to use used panels, and any electrical repair, weather-stripping replacement, etc I would take care of. Anything to get it under the insurance companies total figure.

That worked. In the end, they ended up using new parts, doing a first rate job, and only charged under the total threshold. I think they understood what a pain it is to the owner to total a car. They were a good body shop with a classy foreman.

You might try something like that, if you need to.
Good luck.

Next to totalling the car, that is exactly what I am hoping for!