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

[alfitz@alfitz.com]

Let me guess, Allstate or Progressive?


Al Fitz
alfitz@alfitz.com

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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Koper" <jkoper@frankgates.com>
To: <shotimes@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 3:42 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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