After the hit and run, facts, figures, need advice.

tbrazzy-s3 · Post by **tbrazzy-s3** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:53 am

So i ran by Huey's collision center today, they gave me an estimate for 5.4k. Insurance list price on my teg is around 9.8 (75% of the insurance list will total out my car) which will put me give or take in the 7k=totalled..

I have yet to recieve the drunken idiots information, so I still do not know if he has insurance. And even so, its looking like I need the lowest figure possible to insure that my car is not declared totalled by the insurance (like the play on words??). I like the car, and really don't feel like going through the hell on earth of finding another car and filling out more paperwork etc with a financial instution..

Any advice on how to cut costs, or just maybe deal with the insurance company. Never had to go through all this mess before, so. Kind of clueless, any help would be appreciated.

tbrazzy-s3 · Post by **tbrazzy-s3** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 7:03 am

also, if anyone could recommend me to a place that might be able to do a quality job at a lower price, im grabbing estimates from as many places as i can to get some info together. it all helps.

Silver Knight · Post by **Silver Knight** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 7:50 am

you have a lawyer, right?

Story Worm · Post by **Story Worm** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:36 am

there really is no way to cut a lot of cost. Every shop is going to be about that or more depending on if they find hidden damage which is most likely going to happen. the only thing i can think of is if you know how to do the repairs yourself or know someone who will fix is for half the labor cost.

tbrazzy-s3 · Post by **tbrazzy-s3** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:39 am

no lawyer, yet. but i could definitely be getting one if it turns necesary. would it help the process??

RyanA · Post by **RyanA** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:18 pm

Why sweat it being totaled? No big deal. Let them total it then buy the car back. Typical buyback is 15-20% of payout. So, if it did get totaled and they paid out 7000, max buyback would probably be 1400 or so. You just need to clarify that you are going to keep your car no matter what; if that's a problem, you can get your lawyer involved and then the fun can really start. If they were drunk, they need the damn book thrown at them. If they have no insurance, you can have their license revoked and you can pretty much own their ass.

Can you tell I hate drunks? I was hit head on by one on the highway in Nebraska. 1965 Chevy pickup VS 1989 1LE Camaro at highway speed. Guess who won?

Devil Crx · Post by **Devil Crx** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:46 pm

umm, the cost of the car totaled doesn't equal what he paid for it. did you buy it straight up or do you have a loan?

And man it really sucks that this happened so fast. Glad to see you are ok though.

tbrazzy-s3 · Post by **tbrazzy-s3** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:16 pm

well, i got a second estimate from a local body shop for 4.2 so, this estimate would easily keep me from having a totalled vehicle. but, not sure. ill have to get some more information from the insurance company. and im still waiting for the police to get back to me.

Kolk1 · Post by **Kolk1** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:34 pm

I would never want a car back with over 5000 in damage. A) it will never be the same B) IF for some reason you have to sell it, your fucked. Nobody will pay you jack once they see the vehicle report.

Clayton · Post by **Clayton** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:57 pm

cheaper is not always better

try button auto body i personally know the painter best in the area by far