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

[James F. Ryan III]

> 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.


If he decides to get it fixed, what's he going to drive while the car is in
the shop for weeks?  He's going to spend serious money on a rental car plus
the $2k-3k to get a GL fixed?!?!?  It's a GL.  Just take the money from the
ins co and buy another car.

Why did you try to locate the deer?  He (how did you know it was a he?)
obviously ran because he didn't have any insurance.





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Koper" <jkoper@frankgates.com>
To: <shotimes@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 4:42 PM
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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