You’ve just been in an accident; here’s how to agree on your car’s value and the cost of repairs.
Unfortunately, getting into an accident is always a hassle. There’s paperwork to be filled out, calls to be made, and repairs to be completed. The good news is that by knowing how your insurer will determine the value of your car and how much they’re willing to pay for repairs, you can at least ensure that at the end of the process, you’re left with a fully functioning vehicle.
In order to determine if your car should be declared a total loss (i.e. is totaled) or if they’ll move forward with repairs, your insurer will consult books published by the National Association of Automobile Dealers and Kelley Blue Book. Generally, if the cost to repair your car is greater than your car’s value with depreciation factored in, they’ll call it a total lost and cut you a check for the amount your vehicle was worth so you can purchase a new one.
If repairing your car makes financial sense, your insurer will have a claims adjuster determine the replacement cost for new parts and the other costs of repairs. If you feel the estimate the adjuster provides won’t fully cover your cost of repairs, don’t be afraid to show your insurer your own estimates! You and your insurer should work together to agree on the claims check you receive so you can rest easy knowing you’ll be able to get your car fully repaired.
Fortunately, working with an insurance agency committed to service makes agreeing on a repair cost much easier. To work with a dedicated team who wants to help you get the claims check you deserve, contact Mike Leonard Insurance Agency today. Through our carriers Kemper, MetLife, Travelers, The Hartford, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance, we are able to offer you the auto insurance policy you need to ensure an accident never becomes a bigger hassle than necessary.