How do I determine fair compensation for my vehicle damage?
Estimates of Damage
Following a traffic accident, you will need estimates of the damages to your vehicle. You will want to make sure that the body shop checks the undercarriage of your vehicle, in addition to the rest of the vehicle, because additional damages may lie there.
Go to two different body shops for an estimate, one that is recommended by the insurance company, and one that is an independent shop. This will provide the clearest, most unbiased estimate of your damages.
Total Losses
Your vehicle is considered "totaled" if the cost of your repair is greater than your car's Fair Market Value. The Fair Market Value is the amount of money your car would be worth, undamaged, if sold on the current market.
To learn the Fair Market Value of your vehicle, visit the National Automobile Dealers Association NADA Guides web site at http://www.nadaguides.com and calculate your vehicle's worth by selecting your vehicle type, model year, and options.
Diminished Value Claims
We all know that a car which has been in an accident and repaired is worth less than the same car that has never been in a wreck. This area of damage is known as "diminished value". When the party at fault's insurance company agrees to fix your car, you need to ask them for additional money to cover this diminished value. If you experience resistance to your request from the insurance company, call our office for assistance.
Am I entitled to a Rental Car?
If your vehicle is damaged as a result of a collision that is not your fault, you are entitled to a rental car. Georgia law provides that if your car is declared a total loss, you are entitled to a rental car from the date of your accident until the date that you receive an offer for your totaled car from the at fault insurer. The insurer will NOT pay for a rental car beyond the date of the offer. It does not matter if you haven't bought a replacement vehicle by the date of the offer, or if you do not like the offer - the at-fault insurer's responsibility to pay for the rental ends when they make the offer on the totaled car.
If your vehicle is repairable, you are entitled to a rental vehicle while your car is in the body shop. As soon as you are told the vehicle is ready, it is your responsibility to turn the rental car in. The at-fault insurer's responsibility ends when your car is ready.
Most insurers reimburse you for your rental costs. As a result, you usually have to pay for your rental first, then check a check from the at fault insurer. Many rental companies require a credit card.
It is important to communicate with the adjuster. Be sure that you ask the right questions: do they work with any rental companies that will bill them directly? What is the daily rental charge limit that they will approve? When does the rental have to be returned? A clear understanding of these issues on your part will make the rental process much easier.
Some people have rental reimbursement coverage under their own car insurance policy. This provides for rental coverage, regardless of fault in the collision. The same general rules apply as above, but be sure to check your policy and communicate with your adjuster to avoid any misunderstandings.
Please visit our Success Page to see the additional value our offices can bring to your claim.
Please, let us help you with a FREE case review to determine the extent of your injuries and claim. Simply contact us by either submitting the online form to the right, or clicking on "live help", or calling us toll free at 1-800-CALL-KEN (1-800-225-5536)
Back to Automobile and Motorcycle Accidents |