NEED HELP WITH INSURANCE ADJUSTER

duke7595 · Mar 28, 2012

Hello everyone.
I need some help from the members regarding my pickup. The truck was involved in a head on accident at low speed, thank GOD.
My question is Do you think my insurance company will total it ?

Let me explain, The entire front end, bumper, grill headlights ect, was demolished, also the drivers air bag deployed.
The driver side fender was also damaged as was the windshield. However, the
truck will still start and move, don't seem to be any damage to the radiator or the components from there back to the motor.

I realize this is hard to give me a answer, but I am not to informed with how insurance companies work these days and would appreciate any input from the members. The adjuster will be here this Friday and I am not real comfortable
with this. I sure would like to here from you guys before the adjuster arrives.

Thank you in advance for your help.
sincerely, Duke p.s. I FOR GOT TO LIST THE YEAR 2005 4X4 SILVERARO HALF TON W/ 57,000 MILES

rsewill · Mar 28, 2012

Yes if it is old, no if it is newer. Whichever is cheapest for the insurer.

greasemonkeyok · Mar 28, 2012

Remember, adjusters will steal from you just like anyone else. Think of them as used car salesmen without the ethics.

You may have the right to hire an independent adjuster, but probably not worth the money.

Bob77064 · Mar 28, 2012

Do you have any pictures to show? Give the adjuster a chance see what he/she comes up with.

duke7595 · Mar 28, 2012

WILL POST SOME PICTURES TOMORROW
Thank you very much for your reply.

s219 · Mar 28, 2012

What's the make, model, year, mileage??

300UGUY · Mar 28, 2012

You really should send it to a repair shop, they will be able to tell you if it will be repairible - the frame might be bent, and a 7 yr old truck is going to be marginal for exstensive repair.

ScottK · Mar 28, 2012

It sounds totaled to me, but if you can drive it then go get some estimates from body shops while you're waiting.

It can depend on your specific insurance company and policy too. Is your policy directly from an insurance company or did you get it from an independent agent or AAA? If you have an independent or AAA (outside California) agent then ask them for advice - they will want to keep your business.

Also Google your insurance company to see what others have to say about their process. Do you have a loan on it? If so, you might want to Google your lender about their process before you say anything to them.

I don't think you said who was at fault. That matters. If it is another person's insurance company you should handle it differently. You will have more leverage with them. I have additional advice so if that is the case, then let us know.

Bob77064 · Mar 28, 2012

Driving this truck may damage it more, the insurance company will not cover that. And it may be unsafe to drive.

MapleLeafFarmer · Mar 28, 2012

also note that as an adjuster they will write off the truck if repairs are about 2/3 of the replacement value.

Example: if truck is worth $10,000 and repairs would be say $6,000 or more they will write it off.

this is because
1) there are almost always complaints/remedial work that needs to be done and are found out after the repair is started or completed
2) there is salvage value on the truck that needs to be considered that the insurance company gets. So they decide whether paying you $10k and getting $3k salvage VS the aggrevation of having to make / manage $6k of repairs and dealing with the insurance holder during the repair process.

Generally any vehicle that repair is worth 2/3rds fair market value will be written off.