Car Insurance Quotes Get low cost auto insurance quotes. Enter your ZIP code or call 1-800-964-4849:
CarInsurance.com
CarInsurance.com Navigation

Get Free Quotes Now

Zip Code:
Save With CarInsurance.com!
Car Insurance Learning Center  Learning Center  Auto Insurance Questions & Answers   Questions & Answers  Professional Answers   Professional Answer

Car Insurance Question  I just recently totaled my 2003 Nissan Altima. The insurance adjuster made me an offer of about $13K for the car (actually a lot more than what I was expecting). When I asked if I had the option to keep the car, he said that I did, but that they would pay me a salvage value. The salvage value would calculate out to about 20% less than the initial offer (about $10K). If I keep the car, does that mean that I would receive the car plus $10K? At that point, I would not plan on repairing the vehicle. Instead I would try to sell the vehicle or trade it in at a dealership for as much as I could. If my theory is correct, I would end up making a lot more money off of this then if I had just accepted the initial offer of $13K. Is that true?

Your understanding of the settlement is a bit off. If the actual cash value of the vehicle and settlement amount was determined to be $13,000 and you wanted to keep it then salvage value would be deducted from the settlement amount.

Thus if the settlement amount was $13,000 and salvage value is $10,000 then you would be left with the car (which now would have a salvaged title) and $3000. A salvage titled car may be difficult to insure so you might want to search for auto insurance coverage for the vehicle before determining if you will keep the car or not.

To get an auto insurance quote for this or another vehicle you are replacing it with, click here.

Related Questions
Car Insurance RelatedHow is my car determined to be a "total loss"?
Car Insurance RelatedExactly how is the "cash value" of an auto determined after a total loss?
Car Insurance RelatedWhat happens when you are hit and the other person's insurance company says that "it will cost too much to fix your car"? Then they decide to total your car. Who puts the value on your car a...
Car Insurance RelatedI was recently rear ended and the other guy's insurance company wants to total my car. I want to keep the car because it is still driveable. They told me I have to get a salvage title in order to get...
Car Insurance RelatedCan I have insurace on a salvage car?
Car Insurance RelatedMy husband got in a car accident a week ago. The car is pretty bad. The replacement value of the car is $10,000. We went to the dealer to see about getting a new one, if the insurance company decides...
Car Insurance RelatedI live in Texas and my car was totaled and it was not my fault. Is there a way to keep my car and get the most money the insurance will give me to fix my car? And could I sue to make up for the differ...
Car Insurance RelatedIf you get in a car accident and your insurance considers your car a complete total loss and you want to keep your so your insurance tells you they will sell you your car back, what is the most money...
Car Insurance RelatedIf my insurance company calls my car a total loss how do I determine its value on blue book? Is it trade in, private party or suggested retail? And do they go by low blue book even if car was in good...
Tell us what you think about this answer.
What did you think of this question and answer?

poor 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

 excellent
Tell us why you rated this car insurance question and answer this way:
Visitor Comments
car insurance commentsI have never had a wreck in my 37 yrs driving; I totaled my car and I know nothing as to what to expect from my full coverage. State Farm wanted document after document proving the value of my car...I didn't know what documentation to provide and I didn't KNOW that they would calculate the value MINUS my deductible. THANK YOU
Question Details
This car insurance question was asked on 2/8/2007
This auto insurance answer was last updated on 2/12/2007
Aron M requested this car insurance solution.
Rated 8 out of 10 based on 3 votes.
Claims
Print Car Insurance Answers Print this car insurance question and answer
Email Car Insurance Answers Email this auto insurance answer
Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided are for information purposes. They are not intended to substitute informed professional advice. These responses should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any insurance product, or to provide financial or legal advice. Please refer to your insurance policy for specific coverage and exclusion information. Please read our Terms Of Use.
©2008 CarInsurance.com, Inc. - Online Insurance Marketplace™
safe and secure auto insurance   better business bureau car insurance   Tested, Safe, and Secure Car Insurance