Re: Need advice from those who have had a totaled car
bhays,
I totaled mine about a month ago.
1) If you have the factory stuff and a kind adjuster they let you take things off the car that you can replace with factory equipment. However, you also have to remember that the adjuster factors in the value of the tread left on the tires, etc.
2) You will not be able to retain the car because it is less than seven years old. However, the adjuster should tell you who and where the car will be sold at auction. I think my adjuster said that they were starting the bid at $3500 or only expected to get $3500 I don't remember, but something like that.
3) In my case, once the insurance company and the adjuster declared the car a total loss they will get a current value for the car (i.e. my base coupe w/ 11,000 miles was valued at $16,900). Then the insurance company will coordinate paying off the lien holder (if there is one). Once the lien holder is paid off, the difference between the currrent value and your lien will be mailed to you in check form. This money is yours. Which for me, it was nice to see the large check, but sad because my first crossfire was gone...sadness.
I ended up getting into an '05 SRT for almost the same as the payments I was putting towards my previous crossfire. Just keep your eyes peeled and don't settle for anything less than you want.
I know for me the downside was that GEICO would only pay for a rental for roughly a week after they declared my car a total loss.
I hope this helps. Sorry about your loss, but glad you are ok.
P.S. Where are you located?