Hey Folks,
So I have a 2005 Toyota Matrix AWD with 223k miles on it. It is my main delivery car for my work, and runs great. Some of the paint is peeling, so it is not cosmetically perfect, which I don't care.
I had just put my winter tires on the other night, and coming home a deer rammed me. It hit in the drivers side, and the fender is hit the most, it snapped the connection for the fender to the bumper, and a small piece of the bumper broke, so it needs replacing. The drivers door is also dented. For the most part, I could likely fix it on my own pretty cheap, new fender, bumper, and TLC on the door.
Progressive Insurance said it is totaled, as I know the vehicle value is low with the mileage and year. However, I have put a lot of love into it to make it a good vehicle for my job. New Suspension oem, Brakes totally new front and back, New AC, New Alternator, new tires, newish Radiator, a lot has been done.
I have never had a car totaled, and haven't had a claim in 13 years. I still have the car in my possession, the evaluator is going to come and check it with me and discuss options. I want to keep this car, because I know it is worth more to me than what I will get for it.
Any advice in how to deal with the insurance company, or anything else would be appreciated.
Thanks!
What’s damaged in the car?
Have you read the post?
Nothing is damaged in the car. The fender bent under, clipping the bumper a tad right at the edge, clipping off where it connects to the fender. The deer popped the driver's door, and there is a tiny gash in it, my guess a hoof hit it. The fender also nipped the headlight when it tucked under, I didn't even notice it at first. The car is fully drive-able.
If it is fully drivable, and you don’t mind driving around in such a condition (assuming it is safe), see if you can work a deal with the insurance company. If they total it, they take the car away from you. But if somehow you can make a deal to not total it, then maybe you can keep going in the car. I’ve never really tried to make a deal, but it doesn’t hurt to try and ask what can be done besides totallong the car.
Any advice in how to deal with the insurance company, or anything else would be appreciated.
Write off the car, but get the most you can for it. The insurance company will try and give you as little money as possible. Nickle and diming for every little thing.
Get all your receipts together. Anything that you think adds to the value of the car.
Do lots of research . Search for sale listings for your model with similar year and mileage online. You want to establish a fair market price. Keep in mind what matters is the actual sale price not asking price. eBay will show you the sold price. Cars prices are high right now which works in your favor.
I want to keep this car
you don't want a totalled car with a salvage title. It's too high miles anyway.
We are still in process of them evaluating the cars value etc.
The interesting thing is, and kinda scary for a car buyer, but in New York, if a car is totaled that is older than 8 years old, they do not issue it a salvage title. So if I chose to keep it, they deduct the cost of salvage, and what my deductible is, and pay me the rest. They leave the car with me, and in order to drive it again, I just need to get an inspection after fixing is enough. I would still have a clean title.
I am still checking everything, because I don't know the ramifications it may make to getting insured, if my current company, progressive, were to drop me.