1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I figured I'd answer all you guys in one new post...
It's our insurance company, as mentioned earlier, I didn't actually think there was any damage to my vehicle when I was hit, so, being in the middle of heavy traffic, I simply got the driver to write down his info and plate number. He didn't write his insurance company, and I stupidly didn't insist, BUT, my insurance can always locate that, IF, he has insurance - this is Miami, many drivers simply don't have it.
The new estimate came in today. It's over $2300 to replace the gas tank, straps, and rear bumper assembly with new parts, plus repainting.
I told them that I'm aware of no Florida law requiring new parts, or that the car be returned to better than pre-loss condition. I told them that based on the parts I located at Goldwing, the shop can install used parts and save over $1050 in costs, which would bring the repair total to far less than the $1600 (approx) 80% salvage value.
The frame is fine, the damage was minor to the plastic underneath the bumper cover. The bumper cover is actually fine and could be reused.
This is very very bizarre. The adjuster seems bent on totaling this car no matter what, which is strange, because originally he had suggested using a used gas tank to make sure the estimate would come in under 80% and allow for room for more discovered damage.
I'm not giving up, though I'm wondering if I should just bite the bullet and buy a Prius and let the gas savings pay for the car. I wonder if the "universe" is trying to tell me it's time to part with this car before something major goes wrong with it. Imaginings...
Trouble is, in principle this is just wrong.
In the state of Florida, if the repair estimate is greater than 80%, the vehicle is declared salvage and is permanently un-registerable in Florida. It gets shipped out of state, repaired for minimal cost, and sold for profit. It appears to be a scam.
I could fix the car for less than $500 to pre-loss condition, but the insurance company will notify the state and the state will, apparently, pull the registration/title. I have to confirm that.
We'll be calling the insurance commission tomorrow to file a fraud claim if they don't agree to using used parts.
Imagine, fighting with your own insurance company to make them use USED parts, usually it's the other way around.
Aaron
posted by 74.76.73...
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