Car got crunched; insurance company wants to say it's a total loss?

[OakLeaf]

You can't even put it on the road until you get an inspection and a new title. Once you've done that, you can get insurance.

Different states are different in how they handle salvage titles (which is basically the same as a homemade vehicle). Unsurprisingly, it's easier in states that regulate their vehicles less. I've been told you can't do it at all in California, but don't know whether that's true or not.


BUT... was this accident your fault, or is there another insurance company involved? If you're working off of someone else's liability, rather than your own collision coverage, you should be entitled to replacement value.

[MommyBird]

We had a car totaled in the early 90's. It was purchased and repaired by the owner of a salvage yard. I am not sure how he got it road legal again. I only know he repaired it because he called and asked to purchase the owners manuals.

The insurance company actually paid us 7k more than we paid for the car. It was a 1991 Audi 100, purchased used when Audi was still living under their mid 80's "sudden acceleration" reputation. By the time of the accident they were a reputable car company again and it showed in their value. We had purchased the car less than a year old, with less than 10k miles and for about half it's original sticker price. We were fans and it replaced our 1988 Audi 80.

So glad you were not hurt.
Hope you can get on the road soon in a comparable vehicle without a payment.

[Zen]

Look at the photo again.

I doubt the frame is bent.

[Tuckervill]

I'd say you're lucky it's a Civic, because there are thousands in that age range still on the road, and you'll probably be able to find a door at a salvage yard. The insurance company will know how to tell you to procure the care and title it. If you want to keep the car, your check will be a little less, but you'll still have some funds to buy another door.

Remember, the insurance company's idea of it being "fixed" might be a higher standard than yours. You may be able to find a door with that exact same color.

Karen