Picture this.
You have a busy life with work, family, and also juggling in a little time for yourself every once in a while.
It's a bit like walking a tight rope.
Then you get in a car accident and all kinds of annoying issues arise, such as a damaged vehicle, medical problems, and the at fault insurance company is pushing you to settle.
Here's some questions and answers regarding dealing with insurance adjusters after your car accident.
Question: I just spent over $1500 on my used car for a new engine and tires.
The insurance adjustor is only offering me $1500 for my whole car.
What can I do? Answer: The adjustor has probably told you that maintenance and repair costs are not counted towards the value of the car.
This is true.
However, a 2004 car with brand new tires and a new engine is definitely worth more money that the same car with old parts.
If you have receipts of recent repairs, provide the adjustor with a copy of your repair bills.
What you must do is convince the adjustor that your vehicle is better than the average condition (not like the values indicated in the insurance company's computer).
You should check out a copy of "Auto Trader" for like models with similarly upgraded components.
You can make a copy of these listings and supply to the adjustor.
The adjustor may say these are not sales but asking prices, but it may increase the value offered.
Question: I still owe $14,000 on my new car.
The adjustor is only offering $12,000 and my car is totaled.
That's what my car is selling for in the newspaper.
What can I do? Answer: With many late model cars, there can be a period of time where you owe more money than the car is actually worth.
This is referred to as being "upside down" on your car.
This is a tough situation because an insurance company does not have to pay what you owe or what you paid for it, only what the car is worth.
Here are some solutions: · Go to the dealer where you bought your car and see if they will put you into another similar vehicle and extend your payments.
If the original dealer is unwilling to help you out, then you will have to make other arrangements to pay off the extra money you still owe.
This can be very difficult for you because you may be hurt and off work with no income.
Even worse, you may be left with car payments and no car! · There is a chance that a personal injury lawyer may be able to give a legal promise (lien) to the car or finance company that payment will be made once the bodily injury claim is settled.
· If you are upside down on your car and the dealer won't help you get another vehicle, go to a major dealer who advertises car sales for people whether or not they have good credit.
Do not, however, go to the neighborhood corner lots which advertise slow or no credit to buy a car.
They will sell you a vehicle worth $800 for $3000.
If you pay more than the car is worth, you'll be right back in the same problem all over again.
When your bodily injury claim settles, you'll usually have enough money to trade in your older car and