| When your vehicle is damaged in a vehicular
accident, you will want to have it repaired and on
the road again as quickly as possible.
Who decides where it is repaired?
You can decide where your vehicle is repaired. The
insurance company decides how much will be paid for
the repairs, and it may not be the same amount as
the repair shop estimate.
Will the repair shop charge me for storage?
The insurance company of the person who caused the
accident will pay towing and storage costs,
according to what is reasonable in your area. If the
vehicle is declared a total loss, the insurance
company will pay to have it moved to a salvage or
wrecking yard. If you do not allow the company to
move your vehicle, you will be liable for any
storage or towing fees.
Who decides if my vehicle is repairable or "totalled"?
The insurance company who is liable for payment can
decide that your vehicle is not worth repairing. If
the cost of the labor and parts exceeds the market
value of your vehicle, the company can declare it a
"total loss" and pay you the market value. Market
value is determined by the fair market value of
similar vehicles in your area, or from an
independent source such as the Kelley Blue Book. If
you want to keep the vehicle after it has been
declared a total loss, you will have to pay the
salvage value to the insurance company.
Who pays the bank loan if my vehicle is financed?
You are still liable for any loans on the vehicle.
If the fair market value of your vehicle is less
than the outstanding loan, you are still required to
pay the entire amount of the loan.
Do I get a rental vehicle while my vehicle is being
repaired?
You can always get a rental vehicle if you are
willing to pay for it. If you want the insurance
company to pay for it, while your vehicle is being
repaired or replaced, then payment depends on
several factors. If you caused the accident, check
to see if your own insurance coverage includes
rental vehicles. Many policies do not include rental
vehicles unless it is specifically stated. If the
other driver caused the accident, then you can
expect the liable person's insurance company to pay
the costs of providing you with a rental vehicle.
The vehicle will be a substitute for your own
vehicle, that is, a vehicle of similar quality. Be
sure to check with your own insurance company about
insurance coverage on the rental vehicle.
I just paid for my license plates - do I have to pay
for new ones?
The insurance company should pay the prorated amount
of any registration fees that are unused, as well as
transfer fees for the new registrations.If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a
result of a vehicular accident, call Law Office of James C. DeZao 1-800-675-2604. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to
handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee
basis, which means we get paid for our services only
if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many
cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable
expiration date, known as a statute of limitations.
Therefore, please call right away to ensure that you
do not waive your right to possible compensation. |
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