Car insurance, Possible total loss and $$ for van

[Karin]

My&nbsp;'05 Honda Element&nbsp;is in the shop and has been for at least&nbsp;three weeks as a result of an accident, that is, getting rear ended.&nbsp; I'm presently driving a rental car, which is being paid for by the insured's company (allstate).<br><br>As it happens, the&nbsp;repair place&nbsp;can't get a&nbsp;particular&nbsp;part for my car, the floor pan or some such.&nbsp; There was not a single one available in the US, and they have no idea when one might come.&nbsp; Fallout from the tsunami, from what I understand.<br><br>While the car was valued more than the cost of repair (in other words, not a total loss), the cost of the rental car will conceivably make it much more.<br><br>I'm thinking of calling allstate and asking them if they're interested in a settlement, so that they can get me out of the rental car.&nbsp; Which would give me the $$ to get into a van.&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>Anybody know anything about this (total loss, cost of rental)?<br><br>I'll probably call allstate tomorrow.<br><br>Thanks,<br>Karin<br>

 

[Wild_E]

I have no idea, but I think your on the right track. Just do not grab the first van you see and make sure you narrow them down, and they get the best one after having it looked at by a Mechanic<div>Or buy new</div>

 

[Simran]

Just make sure you know what your Element is really worth when you start negotiating a settlement. I went through this a couple years ago. Educating myself about my rights and my vehicles value in advance made it much less painful. <br><br>Good Luck,<br>gus<br><br>

 

[Karin]

The woman at the body shop said it probably wouldn't happen because they've got too much money into it already.&nbsp; Back to Plan B.<br><br>Thanks for your input!!<br>

 

[SoulRaven]

Your insurance company should have the ball right now, not you... Call your agent and tell them of the situation, the time without your vehicle and that you want them to broach the subject of a full value settlement... remember you are paying them to protect you and your interests, in other words it is their job and they are damn good at it...<br>

 

[Phantom Blooper]

<P>I found over the years...."Your not alway's in good hands with Allstate."</P>

 

[Karin]

<P>You aren't kidding about that.&nbsp; The driver who rear ended my car had Allstate.&nbsp; They tried to claim that it wasn't completely her fault (only 75%) because she was avoiding another driver, someone who was apparently trying to make a lane change.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had to speak with a supervisor to get them to accept full responsibility.&nbsp; I have no respect for insurance companies!!</P>