I was rearended and the woman who bumped me originally said she wanted to pay out of pocket and not deal with the insurance companies. I am fine with this, because I just want cash, and definitely do not want to have my bumper repaired. My car is worth maybe $1500 and when I went to get estimates (the highest possible of course) they said it would cost about $900 to have it fixed. I have college to pay for, so I really would rather have it in cash. Anyway, when I faxed her the estimates she decided to go through her insurance company and said that I probably wouldn't be able to get just cash. Is this true? How can I avoid getting my car fixed but still getting the money? Thanks!
2007-02-24 07:43:10 · 14 answers · asked by kgoldfish8 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
If you owe money on it you have to have it fixed--that's your agreement with your lender. If you don't owe money on it, can produce a title that doesn't list a lienholder...the insurance will cash you out. Don't be surprised if they ask you to sign a property damage release--this is common.
Her insurance will want to inspect your vehicle and they will pay you off their estimate or a shops estimate so long as the shop is a "network" shop. If your car is a total, you can retain salvage, get $$, and be on your way.
2007-02-24 16:45:05 · answer #1 · answered by bundysmom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need two estimates. The one you already have, and one more. According to law, you have the right to choose your own repair shop for the estimate, so don't let her insurance company try to tell you any different.
Do not accept anything less than the smaller of the two estimates. I don't know why the lady told you that you might not be able to get it in cash. The insurance company will make a check out to you at your request.
P.S. It's none of their business what you plan to do with the money. They owe it to you. That's why we make those payments each month. :)
2007-02-24 15:56:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the insurance company doesn't "total" your car, you can do whatever you want with the money, as long as the car can legally be driven. If the insurance company "totals" it, which may happen since your car is not valued very high, you will be required to make repairs if you plan on driving the vehicle and have the car inspected by the State Patrol, presenting your receipts for repairs. Once the inspection is over, you would need to retitile your vehicle.
2007-02-24 16:42:11 · answer #3 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the insurance estimates that your vehicle is repairable they will give you a check, which is the same as cash. If it's totaled though, then you will have to decide if you want them to take your car and pay you the value or if you want to retain the vehicle and get a lesser amt and then have to get a salvage title for your vehicle. Either way, if you don't have a lienholder on your vehicle you should be able to get direct payment.
2007-02-25 18:34:24 · answer #4 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok- seriously all these answers are absolutely, positively ridiculous.
Heres the deal... her insurance will do an estimate on your car. Tell them you dont know where you are going to get it repaired and even if you are going to get it repaired.. and they will gladly give you a check in your name.
Seriously.. some of these answers here make me so mad b/c they have no idea what they are talking about. its FINE that shes going through her insurance.. and you will still get a check in your name. Forget the attorney (dont need it), forget the "sueing".. for getting estimates on your own
2007-02-24 20:41:49 · answer #5 · answered by la428282 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were rear ended, your next reply to her insurance company should be that you have been experiencing head aches and neck pain that almost unbearable. This should get them to thinking you might drag this out in court for a long time. Be prepared to do just that. My son was rear ended in my car once (my car I bought for $200) and when the guys insurance came to try and settle up, my son got all the hospital bills paid and $700 on top of that. I had nothing to do with the wreck but they still gave me $2100 for my car cause it was totaled.
2007-02-24 16:00:09 · answer #6 · answered by Kevin A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The insurance company probably will want to do its own estimate... maybe tell them that you would prefer to do the repair yourself and will just take cash for the estimate amount.
2007-02-24 15:51:50 · answer #7 · answered by Shakespeare, William 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not true. She can go through her insurance to be paid back for the money she owes you for your damages it she prefers, but you still need to be made whole. Get another estimate, and tell her to give you the lower of the the two.
2007-02-24 20:18:44 · answer #8 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately if she goes through her insurance company u can't. But it will raise her insurance due to the fact she rear ended you. If you want to try convincing her that this would save her money in the long run.
If this does work you can never try to get your bumper repaired from this accident.
2007-02-24 18:35:30 · answer #9 · answered by Rod R 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You're pretty much screwed for a cash settlement unless you try to sue for personal injury - in which case you'll be going up against a team of her insurance companies lawyers and doctors, not to mention you'd be committing fraud - which is a serious offense.
. Even if you get your car fixed, you will likely have to go to a shop of the insurance company's choice - not your own.
The only other thing I could suggest is to settle out of court for less money - ask her for $400 - $500 bucks and I'll bet she'll accept it.
2007-02-24 15:53:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋