Legal Question in Insurance Law in California

Car Insurance, Determining Total Loss Of A Vehicle

I was involved in a car accident. The car was a brand new car. However, the car suffered over $13,000 in damages, including frame damage. Because the car was so new the insurance company decided to salvage it. My question is, do I have any rights regarding their decision? I truly do not want that car back. I will not be able to trade that car in once anyone find out that the car was in an accident and the extent of the damages. At the end of my lease I will probably suffer severe penalties because of the extent of the damages. The car was worth $25,000, so by fixing it they decided they could save some money and give me a piece of junk back. I expressed my concerns with my insurance company and they don't care. What am I left to do?


Asked on 2/29/00, 12:01 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Car Insurance, Determining Total Loss Of A Vehicle

if the car is worth 25 and can b fixed for 13 then that is what needs to be done. You do not have the right to anything more.

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Answered on 3/10/00, 1:26 pm
Steven Murray Steven W. Murray, APC

Re: Car Insurance, Determining Total Loss Of A Vehicle

The only way you will know the true facts is to have

your own body shop/mechanic/repairer inspect and

check out the vehicle. Just because the insurer

says something does not automatically make that

the gospel. If your own evaluation by professionals

refutes the insurer's, then there are things you

can and should do.

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Answered on 3/10/00, 3:32 pm


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