[Shotimes] car possibly 'totaled': how to handle insurance co.?

[Kirk J Doucette]

a 93 GL might pay off 1000.... youo have a 500 deductable so you might have
enouugh bus money for a few months.

-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
[mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Jim Koper
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 4:43 PM
To: shotimes@autox.team.net
Subject: [Shotimes] car possibly 'totaled': how to handle insurance co.?


Hello all,

Well, a deer decided to run into my brother's Taurus GL ('93 with 132,000
miles). He was not hurt. As for the deer, we tried to locate him 7 hours
later, but to no avail. Hood, right quarter panel, headlamp assembly and
grille/bumper valance are not repairable. Curiously, the bumper cover itself
seems OK. Suspension seems OK. Structurally, the radiator and related
substructure have been shifted about 1 inch to the driver's side but jammed
back towards (but not into) the engine--hopefully that can be straightened
out again. The car appears to just need a new radiator to technically (but
not legally) run, though it won't fit right until the compartment is
straightened. Estimator won't be out until Tuesday 08/24/04. I figure about
$2-3K worth of damage, parts and labor.

My questions:

**The insurance company has alluded to the possibility that this damage "may
not be covered because the car is too old/has too many miles."  WTF?   He
HAS collision and comprehensive ($500 deductible each), so what are they
talking about--some loophole or exclusion?

**IF the company does cover the damage and 'totals' it, what it the best way
to handle it? I've heard bits and pieces over the years on this site, but
I'd rather have current info. Does he let the insurance co. total it, or
does he get a salvage title and buy it back or what? What is the best
strategy? He figures on getting the car fixed the car and keeping it.

**Insurance co. said he could have it repaired only at "approved" facilities
of which two exist in Columbus OH!  Are the old days (of choosing the best
of three estimates) over?

Can he insist on OEM parts and not cheap Korean knockoffs? We've all heard
the bad stories about them.

If anyone has had experience in this matter, I'd like to hear about it.
Thanks!

Jim Koper
'92 SHO  142,000 miles
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