It really depends on how close the estimated repairs come to the actual cash value of the vehicle. It's been several years, but I used to work in insurance claims and handled these cases all the time.

Usually if the estimate repairs hit 80% of ACV, the insurance folks will try to total the vehicle. They will usually only negotiate that on newer vehicles, but I did see a few times where we did so on older vehicles in extraordinary shape(i.e a 12 year old car with very low miles, or lots of aftermakerket upgrades, etc.)

You may be able to take settlement for a specified amount, and register the vehicle with a salvaged title. Those cases went above my head and I'm not at all familiar with the process.

You'd probably be better trying to negotiate the settlement offer. That is usually negotiable, and a lot of times they'll lowball you with their first offer.

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Posted by wfallstiger

Wichita Falls, Texas

Member since Jun 2006

11710 posts

Posted on 6/29/15 at 11:31 am to The Spleen

Thanks guys...I don't imagine the car to be worth more than 5 to 7K, tops...It is is 1998 BMW Z3 roadster with about 160,000 miles, was recently re-painted, was having the interior (little as it is) re-done - in fact, we picked up interior door panels from ups on the evening the vehicle was struck...we have taken pretty good care of the vehicle and has a pretty sterling maintenance record

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Posted by LSUtigerME

Walker, LA

Member since Oct 2012

3816 posts

Posted on 6/29/15 at 11:58 am to The Spleen

quote:

You may be able to take settlement for a specified amount, and register the vehicle with a salvaged title. Those cases went above my head and I'm not at all familiar with the process.

Just do this.

It's still your vehicle. The insurance doesn't have the right to take it away. However, you'll have a salvaged title and will have to pay for the repairs with the settlement.

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