Is It Better To Repair?

By Author: Marcus Stalder
Total Articles: 491
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Sometimes an organization just grows. There's no particular logic. As people are needed, they are recruited, given an office and told to get on with it. In better run businesses, managers set the strategic plan, design the processes, and direct all the operations, particularly as they affect the relationship with the customers. In both cases, however, there's a fundamental rule. A business is only as strong as its weakest link. Obviously, we may be lucky and find most of the things directly affecting our interests work well. But, more often than not, we seem to come out the loser when things go wrong. That's the time we should be fighting for our interests.

Let's take the standard situation. We're driving innocently along the interstate and a driver behind us is distracted and rear-ends us. So there we are, pinned in our seats by the airbags and seat belts, wondering what day of the week it is. Then we remember all the things we're supposed to do, like calling the police, an ambulance and a tow truck. In short order, we have the details of the other driver and are being whisked off to the ER for a check-up. Once any injuries ...
... are treated and documented, we turn our attention to the vehicle. How badly damaged is it? This is where things can become a little difficult.

Although it's nearly always possible to repair a vehicle, no matter how damaged it is, you need to think carefully about whether it's wise to do so. A professional with enough time can rebuild from the chassis up, replacing every part necessary to produce a perfect result. This is not going to happen in the average repair shop. Mechanics can always get you moving again, but there may be endless problems with breakdowns. Worse, no one may want to buy it secondhand. You can also find body shops short of work put you under pressure to repair. Before you agree to anything, you should always talk to the claims adjuster nominated by the insurers. The first really important piece of information will be the estimate of fair market value. Don't forget, you do not recover the sale price you might have expected on the sale of your vehicle. Rather you recover the estimated cost of buying a replacement. If you have money outstanding on an auto loans, you should see whether there's a gap between the amount you owe and the amount the insurer is proposing to pay.

Obviously, a claims adjuster employed by the auto insurance provider has an incentive to offer you the lowest possible amount to settle a total loss. Now you have to decide between the options. If there's any doubt in your mind, get independent advice from someone with real experience in the motor trade. You need a proper assessment of the body shop's claim the vehicle can be adequately repaired for less than the total loss payment. Equally, you need assurance the amount offered by the insurer is adequate. Only an independent expert can help. Remember the auto insurance company wants you to accept the lowest possible payment. Don't blindly accept a check. Fight for your rights.