Fixing Your Car

It is best to take your car to be repaired at a dealership that works on your make of vehicle. There’s no need to “shop around.” While your insurance company may try to negotiate a lower repair fee with your repair facility of choice, you simply need to make sure that all repairs are completed to your satisfaction.

REPLACING YOUR CAR

If your car is totaled (costing more to repair than it’s worth), start searching for a replacement right away. In seeking to settle with you, the insurance company will deduct for the depreciation of your car and offer you the “replacement value” as listed in an official used car value guide such as the “Blue Book.” However, depreciation tables assign value to a vehicle in typical condition. You may have taken meticulous care of your car. Bring this to the insurance company’s attention and supply documentation that substantiates your vehicle’s greater value (recent service receipts, photos, etc.).

Don’t accept NADA value at first blush. If you’re having trouble establishing the true and fair replacement value of your car, give us a call at the Injury Law Center. We can direct you to auto market references that could save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.

RENTING A CAR

If the accident was not your fault, the other driver’s insurance company is required to pay for your use of a rental vehicle while your car is repaired or until it is replaced. They should put you in a rental vehicle comparable to the one that was involved in the accident. Your insurance policy may provide you with a rental car while your car is being repaired or replaced. Check your policy to confirm that your coverage extends to the rental car.

Injury Law Center : 4360 Shore Drive : Virginia Beach, Va. 23455 : 757-460-6200