jimbug

My daughter couldn't stop in time for someone pulling out from a bar late at night. Took quite a hit on front driver side fender and headlight area. I'm very thankful that her very well constructed 2001 Lexus RX300 kept her safe with only a bruise from the seat belt. This is one of the features of the RX300 that I hoped to never take advantage of, but glad it holds strong in a collision.

I only have liability coverage and I'm not sure the other driver will be found at fault. So, if I don't don't get insurance coverage what are your ideas to get the most value out my wreck?

Thanks, Jim

2KHarrier

Well, there are no doubt a few parts/pieces that can be recycled into another RX300, but that would entail you holding onto the car and running an ad, pulling parts, watching the carcass get picked, and then eventually having to dispose of the remains.

Or, sell it as a whole and let someone else deal with it..

Glad to hear your daughter is OK!

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Without pictures, difficult to assess the extent of the damage. Post pics, it may be repairable.

jimbug

I'll try to get photos eventually, but the vehicle is out of town. Body shop said it would cost more than it's worth to fix it.

salimshah

Glad your daughter is OK. Sorry to hear about the loss of the vehicle.

The front does have body part that are bolted on ... like the bumper and fender. But any structural damage will be hard to fix. Then you have many engine related parts in there like the radiator etc.

Salim

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

A police report usually assigns fault. Did she call the police? If not, there's always small claims court. Your car should be worth ~$5000, depending on mileage and condition.

jimbug

Well, I got some good news today. Police report shows the other driver was at fault, so called my insurance company back with his info. Hopefully I'll hear something by tomorrow. He hadn't made a claim on his insurance.

He had three violations: Ilegal turn, no registration, and no insurance. My agent said his vehicle did have insurance, but didn't name him as a driver.

salimshah

I hope for you that the owner of the vehicle says that the driver had his permission to drive.
Failing that, I hope you have un-insured motorist coverage.

Salim

jimbug

I do have uninsured motorist coverage.

Drcoffee

So you want to avoid using your insurance. On the police report is his insurance company. Call them and start the claim. Important note here. Don't ask, tell them you will be getting 2-3 quotes and picking a bodyshop to repair the vehicle. If its a total loss you will be paid current value. Stick to your guns. They will try to reduce the payout any way they can.

my daughter had someone hit her bumper. The initial offer was $550, by the time I was done with them, we got them to pony up $1,500 for the repair. Big difference.

jimbug

jimbug

Waiting for claims adjuster, they were also insured with Farm Bureau insurance. Took the tag off, got the tow bill receipt, and took these photos. Body shop feels certain they won't want to repair it, but will let you know what their first offer is.

I picked up a rental car to drive today through Farm Bureau. It's a Dodge Journey AWD and my daughter is driving my 2002 RX300 AWD while we wait.

Thanks for all the advice and support. Any accident where there are no injuries is a blessing. We are thankful for that and also thankful that my daughter called the police when the other parties were asking her not to call them.

2KHarrier

I do hope this works out in your favor, regardless of the outcome. I've never dealt with a UM claim before, so please share what happens, to the extent you're comfortable.

RX469

iTrader: (1)

Wow! Happy your daughter was able to walk away.

Also waiting to hear with the insurance company comes back with.

jimbug

Farm Bureau is going to tow it to a local salvage auction company to evaluate and call me Wednesday with their offer. Will update on what they say.