Personal Injury FAQ
Car Repair Questions

Can I control whether my car is repaired or replaced?
How is the market value of my car determined?
What if I am "upside down" on the loan for my car?
Can I choose my own repair shop?
What kind of parts will be used in the repair?
What if my car already had some damage before the accident?
Will I have to pay the towing and storage costs?
What about license and registration fees that I had to pay to drive the car?

Can I control whether my car is repaired or replaced?
This can be a difficult issue. For most people, getting back into their own vehicle, as long as it is safe, it a priority. Normally, the insurance company has the option to either repair or replace your vehicle, depending on whether it costs less to replace your vehicle than to repair it. If this is the case, the insurance company will declare your vehicle a "total loss," and take action to replace your vehicle. If your car is declared a "total loss," the insurance company buys your car for its market value (see below), which can be difficult to determine. If you wish to keep the wrecked car, you may purchase it back from the insurance company for its salvage value. The insurance adjuster can deduct the salvage value from the settlement and you can keep the car.

Often the situation is reversed, and the insurance company chooses to repair a vehicle rather than replace it. In this case, if you are concerned about the safety of the repaired vehicle, you should contact an attorney to discuss your options.