How to Replace Your Car After an Auto Accident
Having to replace your car after an auto accident can be difficult, unless you have insurance. The good news is that many car insurance plans provide some sort of compensation when a car is totaled, either by replacing the car with one that is comparable, or providing cash that can be used to secure a replacement.
Experiencing an auto accident in which the car is destroyed can be devastating. This is especially true when the owner relies on that vehicle for everyday use such as getting to and from work or running essential errands. When the vehicle is a total loss, replacing the car is a top priority. This means working with the car insurance provider to file a claim and receive compensation as quickly as possible.
- File a claim with the insurance provider. Assuming the car is not roadworthy and you are going for having the car declared a total loss, submitting a claim as soon as possible is extremely important. Make sure to include all relevant information, including where the remnants of the vehicle are currently located.
- Work with the adjuster. Before the insurance provider will approve the claim and declare the car totaled, it must be inspected by an auto professional of the provider’s choosing. Typically, the adjuster will consult with a mechanic and make a determination if the car can be repaired or of the damage is sufficient to consider the vehicle a total loss. Be prepared to aid in the assessment in any way possible.
- Determine how the claim will be honored. Car insurance terms and conditions sometimes specify that the provider will replace a totaled car with one of similar vintage and pre-accident condition. When this is the case, work with your agent to find out how quickly this can be arranged. Alternatively, some insurance plans will call for totaling the car and providing a cash settlement based on the age and general condition of the vehicle prior to the accident. In this scenario, you will want to know how quickly the payment will be tendered, so you can make plans to buy a replacement vehicle on your own.
- Coordinate all activities with your car insurance agent. In some cases, you may be offered the choice of several different vehicles located at a local car lot. Go to the lot with your agent, inspect the cars, and make a final selection.
Keep in mind that it may take several days for your insurance provider to schedule an inspection, make a decision, and then advise you of the course of action that will be taken. Check the terms of the insurance coverage to ascertain if the cost of a rental vehicle is included in the provisions, allowing you to remain mobile while a decision on the car is made and some sort of compensation can be arranged.