Hi everyone. Well after 7 weeks with my 98 LS, a huge piece of something came out the back of a truck and I ran over it. The car was inspected by my insurance carrier (USAA) and they said the rack and pinion and the ABS sensor need to be replaced, total cost around 1100 bucks. USAA wanted me to take the car to a service king, but I have insisted on having a lexus shop do the work and it is currently sitting at Sewell Lexus. My concern is that once they start working on it, the costs will go up and USAA has already been on the verge of totaling the car. I have never had an accident or dealt with insurance before. Some questions are:

What if the repair costs increase once they have started the work and the car is totaled?

I am receiving a check for 1100 dollars made out to me. What do I do with this?

Is there a better way to handle this??

Any advice???

 

Why would they total it for a rack and pinion, speed sensor? Is the car exhibiting any faults beside those listed? Of course the dealer is going to find other things that might need to be addressed but as long as they are not immediately necessary don't bother with them. They will most likely tell you that lots of suspension work is needed but if you were happy with the way it drove before the accident just tell them to fix what was damaged and move on IMO.

 

the shop cannot begin work on the car unless insurance gives them the green light, or else the shop will not get paid. however it does sound like you settled with your insurance by taking the $1100. the rest of the cost, if there is an increase, you will have to cover yourself. it is highly likely your rack was already on it's way out.

was there any changes in driving after the hit? check engine lights? did you pay a deductible?

 

Thanks. The car was pulling to the right and vibrating a lot. I have not paid my deductible. The insurance company is mailing me a check but I won't sign it or cash it until the shop confirms needed repairs. Sewell says they will submit a supplemental to insurance company for more charges.

Am I missing anything?