What does a total loss mean?

Losing something is always scary. When the total cost of repairs exceeds the total value of your car, consider that totaled! Think of completely unfixable. Nothing can be done. With the rising cost of repairs, more and more vehicles are being totaled out. This actually does help the workload of all the body men. Don’t worry! This doesn’t mean the car cannot be repaired if it is of sentimental value. However, you will have to make that decision fairly quickly. Keep in mind, if you decide to keep the vehicle it might be very costly for you in repairs.

What happens to your totaled vehicle?

Where do I find my car? Once a car becomes totaled, it becomes the property of the insurance company. It will go on to a public auction or it will be sold to salvage yards. Many of these parts reappear on the market as remanufactured, refurbished, and/or re-inspected.

So the insurance company just told you that you have a totaled vehicle. Now what?

Accidents are unfortunate in themselves, but even more so once a vehicle is a total loss. When you are in an accident, record every detail whether it be in writing, photos, an exchange of insurance information, or a police report. Your insurance company will use this information to determine who is liable for the damage.

The insurance company process

Typically, a claims adjuster or the insurance company appraiser will monitor the process. Once they determine that the damages on your vehicle are far too extensive and more costly than the value of the car itself, it will be a totaled vehicle. We want to prepare you and to help understand what happens next. Here are a couple examples of common questions during an accident. So, hop in the passenger seat and buckle up as we help explain all the uncomfortable stuff!

 

Do I repair or replace my vehicle?

Following up, if you’re looking to save your vehicle due to some sentimental value, you must make your insurance company aware of your decision in the beginning. An insurance company will make a determination on the amount distributed for repairs based on the car’s value. The insurance company will reimburse you either for repairs, or replace the car completely. I think everyone prefers the later! There is also an option to purchase your vehicle back from the insurance company. You will need to re-register it under a salvage title. The down side to keeping your vehicle is that you may be investing more money into it than it’s worth. You can find out more information on this process on the DMV website.

What if the damage is only cosmetic?

Cosmetic damage is noticeable damage such as defect in a visual nature. This can be paint scratches, chips and dings on the body, a crack in the windshield, or even a scrap on the bumper.  These defects do not affect the functionality of the vehicle at all. With the rising cost of repairs, cosmetic damage can be just as expensive as body or frame damage. As long as the vehicle is still safe to drive, then you don’t have to get it repaired. You can even buy it back from the insurance company and pocket the difference! This is called the “actual cash value.” Every situation is different, so always ask questions!

Call Car Struction to learn about your options

We feel these are the major areas of concern for most of our customers during the time of an incident. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss and you’re looking to save it now, call Car Struction! We will review the extent of the damage. There are always plenty of options and we are here to find the best solution for you! 

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If you’ve recently had a car accident and received repair estimates from several collision shops, you might have noticed that the quotes differ. This variation is common and doesn’t necessarily indicate that one shop is trying to overcharge you. Instead, several factors contribute to these differences. Here are four key points to consider when evaluating repair estimates for your vehicle:

1. Preliminary Estimates

The first estimate you receive is typically preliminary. Collision repair shops base this estimate on visible damage to your vehicle. However, hidden damages might exist that only become apparent once the shop begins the repair process. These additional issues can affect the final repair cost.

2. Parts and Pricing

Repair costs can differ depending on the parts used. For instance, your insurance company might estimate costs using aftermarket or used parts, while other shops might use higher-quality parts. When we provide an estimate, we include the best available parts for your vehicle, not necessarily aftermarket or OEM parts.

3. Supplementary Estimates

Approximately 90% of preliminary estimates require a supplement. We send these supplements to your insurance carrier to ensure all necessary repairs are covered. As a collision repair shop, we handle this process for you, negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure your vehicle receives the best care.

4. Your Right to Choose

Remember, you have the right to choose who repairs your vehicle. Insurance companies cannot force you to use their preferred shops. Make sure to research repair shops before an accident occurs and select one that meets your needs and preferences.

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When looking for an auto repair shop, there are a few things to consider. But our biggest piece of advice is: find the perfect repair shop before you need it! It’s an important decision and you don’t want to make it under pressure. For most people the consideration doesn’t come until you’re on the side of the road calling your insurance company. Well we’re here to outline how to find a quality auto repair shop and what to look for. We hope that you’ll consider us.

There are also other ways that you can narrow down your search. Finally, remember to look for ASE certifications. Technicians are required to pass at least one specialty exam and fulfill two years of work experience to become ASE-certified. If they pass a range of exams, they earn Master Technician status. So, take a peek! What’s the harm. Repair shops expect this sort of thing. You won’t hurt their feelings by asking a few questions. Do the research and take your time choosing your auto repair shop. Because when you really need them, you’ll be happy you took the time.

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Road conditions this time of year can be extremely hazardous. The rainy season has begun, and with rain obstructing your visibility, it can make driving increasingly dangerous. It is also conducive weather for hydroplaning. Auto accidents happen frequently during this season, and it’s important to be prepared. We’ve compiled a list of what you can do to prepare yourself for an accident, as well as what to do if you do find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

Before an Accident

Keep certain items on you when you go out on the road in your vehicle. You’ll of course want to have your driver’s license and proof of insurance on hand. This is a no brainer. But, it would also be helpful to keep a pen and paper and a mobile phone with you. This way, you can take down pertinent information if need be, take photos of the accident and of course call for help. This will make the process much easier on you. Also, we recommend keeping a set of cones, emergency flares or warning triangles in the trunk to alert traffic. Any one of these items will do. However, a combination of flares and cones/triangles is even better.

After an Accident

In the event of an accident, it’s important to stay as calm as possible. The adrenaline from the crash can prevent you from thinking clearly. Take a deep breath and look at your surroundings. Assess all potential dangers and make sure that you and others around you are safe from further harm.

Call 911 immediately if someone is injured. You may also need to call the police if extensive damage has been done to your vehicles. You will want to get out of the road as soon as possible. If you were in a minor accident and can move your vehicles, absolutely do so. If you cannot move your vehicles, put on your hazards and set up your system of cones, warning triangles or flares to alert traffic. You want to do anything you can to prevent further pileups. If the accident occurs at nightfall, be especially aware that other drivers may not see you—in or out of your car. Sometimes, staying in your car can be more dangerous than not. Again, try to assess your environment and potential dangers as best you can given the circumstances.

When approaching the other party/parties involved

Be sure to watch what you say. Avoid phrases like “it was my fault.” Again, with adrenaline pumping, there’s no way you can take full stock of the situation. It’s best to just exchange information at this time. You’ll want to get the following insurance information from the other parties involved:

• Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Make, model and year of the vehicle
• Insurance Carrier
• Insurance Policy Number

If possible, getting a few photos of the damage would be helpful. Make sure also to get the location of the accident and photos of people involved with their permission. If you needed to call the police, also get the name, badge number, phone number and police report number from the officer. You can also ask for a copy of the police report for your records.

As soon as the dust has settled, call your insurance provider. Remember, you have the choice of who works on your vehicle. Car Struction will be happy to give you a free repair estimate and work with your insurance company to get you back on the road. You can even email any one of our estimators:

Matthew Winslow: matt@carstruction.com
Nathan Turton: nathan@carstruction.com
Ray Korchak: ray@carstruction.com

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