Is there any way to get additional compensation for a vehicle after it has been totaled?

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Is there any way to get additional compensation for a vehicle after it has been totaled?

I have a pickup truck that I bought new almost 4 years ago. I only have about$ 26,000 miles on it. The truck was immaculate. It was recently wrecked in an accident with another vehicle. The other driver was charged and I was not. The adjuster is on the fence about whether to total the truck. The truck is so badly damaged, that I would prefer it to be considered a total loss. Is there any type of additional compensation that I’m entitled to, other than the repair cost, since the truck will be an extensively repaired truck instead of what was an immaculate truck?

Asked on August 16, 2011 Florida

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Unfortunately, as to the truck itself, no--if it is repaired, the only compensation you get is the insurer's paying the repair cost (subject to the deductible, if it's your collision coverage). While it's true that a repaired vehicle is not worth as much as an undamaged one, that is not a loss that insurers have to compensate you for.

Do remember to see if you can get any out of pocket costs (if the coverage in question would cover them); e.g. towing; rental (if you had to rent a new vehicle); etc. Also, if you had any personal property damaged or destroyed in the collision, you may be able to get it covered under your homeowners or renter's policy.


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