Can the auto insurance refuse to repair my car, and give me the car value?
Can the auto insurance refuse to repair my car, and give me the car value?
I got into an accident a month ago, and it wasn't my fault. The other insurance will only give me $500 for the KBB value of my car. The cost to repair my car will be around $4000. I do not want to buy a new car and just want to fix my car.
Can I get the other insurance to repair it instead of giving me the cash? Should I hire a lawyer if they refuse?
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
3 Responses
1.31.2010
By law, the insurance company must total your vehicle if the repairs are more than the value. You cannot force them to pay more than the cars value to fix it. They are obligated to make you whole by placing you in the same financial position you were before the loss. If they paid for your repairs, you'd be in a better position. If your car is only worth $500, that's all you get.
1.31.2010
$4000 is more than $500, isn't it? There's your answer. The insurance company will repair your vehicle or declare it a total loss at their discretion, whichever is less. There is no insurance company on earth that will pay $4000 to repair a car worth only $500.
1.31.2010
Yep, they claim your car is totalled, which means it'll cost more to fix than it's worth. Sometimes you can buy your car back, but with that much of a difference you're better off getting another car.