My 99 GP GT in stupid accident in front of my home

[71gs3504sp]

Guys

Just pissed that my 99 GP GT with 104,000 miles was in its first accident a couple weeks ago. I have owned it since brand new and it happen right in front of my home! This person was so stupid, he was trying to pass me on my right while I was making a right into my driveway and yes my turn signal was on! Well his insurance agreed that it was his fault but before I took it to my into their adjustor I wanted to make sure that they would not total my car because of age, but I had to tell them if they do total my car my lawyer will contact them and he can deal with the whole issue. Well a note was give to the adjustor to fix the car no matter the cost! So my 99 GP GT will be repaired! Sorry guys just pissed about the whole issue. They estimated the cost for the repair for over $3,000! I am now waiting for my auto body shop locating used parts for the repairs, which are available. Here are some photo of the accident that night but will post better photo in the daylight soon.

George

[SomeDudeAtHome]

Man that guys an idiot. Being in an accident sucks no matter what car it is but having owned it since it was new I imagine made it hurt more. Glad to hear it's getting repaired though. Will probably look better than before since it'll all be new fresh paint haha.

[71gs3504sp]

Actually the original paint is in great shape!

I took care of it all its life!

George

[idrivejunk]

George, I'd be pissed too. Some folks just don't think before they steer, and seeing one you bought new and babied all this time smashed has to be a blow.

Its bad enough that the car is bent out of shape, keep yourself from doing the same. Do not fear the "total loss" stigma. I just went through this scenario with insurance today on mine. The way it works (at least here) is they declare it a "total monetary loss" and ask if you want to "buy back the salvage". You say yes and they deduct a fair salvage price from your settlement, that you must agree to. A very small "title transfer fee" is charged (mine was $10), and the vehicle stays in your name and is NOT marked as salvage. You don't even get a new title, the ins just owns it on paper for one second is what it amounts to. So roll with the total loss process, just say you would like to keep the salvage and you will be pleased with how it turns out.

Depending on how the repair shop treats you, that is. Just bear in mind that normally a body shop just takes the entire repair payment direct from insurance, so they are not going to be getting a very good payday by getting cash from you after you've settled it as a total. Technically, its an old cheap car just like mine but with half the miles. No amount of speaking in excited tones, stamping of feet or flailing of arms will prevent the words total loss from coming up though. If the damage is enough, and it looks to be plenty. Ask how I know!

[71gs3504sp]

Well I just went through a total on my daughters car in December. In PA if your insurance company totals your car you can buy it back if you like. This was done in her case but if you dont get a salvage certificate from DMV and give it to the insurance company they will not pay you the money that was agreed on! So that is what we did, had the car repaired from the insurance money and also pocketed a good amount. Once the car is repaired its needs to get inspected by a certified enhancement inspector in PA, then once its passes the inspection, paper work is sent with the salvage certificate goes back to DMV and they issue a salvaged title. I did not want to go through that mess again! I just wanted to get it repaired and keep my clean title but also take photos of the damage just incase I sell it in the future.

George

[idrivejunk]

Here, insurance companies write their own damage evaluations so theres no escape by getting a bodyshop to write it just short of a total or anything like that. At least you're already familiar with the local process. Sounds complex! With the availability of great used parts for these, maybe it won't come to that. If many new parts are used on the estimate, that will probably total it. For what its worth, my experience says you'll get around four grand for it. If you found a pair of red salvage doors that would be a home run!

[71gs3504sp]

Guys

Just picked up the car yesterday. There was additional $500.00 of damage to the lower rocker and center door post. The adjuster noted to the repair shop that they were going to possible total the car but my repair shop told them they already complete $2000 worth of work so they paid the additional cost. I will add a few potos of the repaired work shortly.

George