Car accident and advice.

[lbjgh]

My brother crashed his car yesterday (2004 Toyota Echo with 38k) and the car may be a right-off. His car hydroplaned and hit a concrete barrier at about 100km/hr. Both air bags went off and he wasn't hurt fortunately.

I'm hoping you guys can confirm a few things.

1. He does have the right to have the car repaired anywhere he wants right? This is important because the car is still under warranty and I want to be sure Toyota continues to warranty the drive train and car for the balance of the warranty, especially with the sever front impact. I suggested he contact a Toyota dealer to get an approved shop name.

2. I checked GMCanada and the black book value is around 10k. What can he expect from insurance if the car is written off? Is the write off value negotiable?

thanks LBJGH

[T_Totler]

1. He does have the right to have the car repaired anywhere he wants right?
Yup, he can take it anywhere he wants. That's the law. Tell him NOT to get railroaded by the insurance company recommending one of their so-called "preferred shops". That's a scam that reeks of "payolas", and since the car is still under warranty, I'd definitely take it to a Toyota dealer - preferably the one where he bought it from and had it serviced since they would have the complete history on the car.

2. I checked GMCanada and the black book value is around 10k. What can he expect from insurance if the car is written off? Is the write off value negotiable?
That depends on exactly what kind of policy he has. If the policy calls for "replacement value", he may be in luck, otherwise, he'll get "black book" or less. Insurance companies are hard-ass companies when it comes to claims, so he might have to fight to get the most for his car.

Just tell your friend not to sign-off on anything until he does some research and consults with third-party experts.

[Mouse]

I would suggest the GM's black book might be woefully low.

There are other black books on the WWW.

Check them out.

[lbjgh]

Thanks guys, I did tell my bro not to sign anything until I talked to him. I told him if the car isn't written off and it's fixed at the "insurance companies" preferred shop he'd have problems with Toyota if he had transmission, engine, A/C, etc problems.

The car was in perfect shape too... well until it hit the barrier. :o

[DazedNConfuzed]

there are plenty insurance "certified"(lack of correct word) repair shops.
they won't lead you to one, but will give you the option to shop around at these specific locations.

just don't go to some dude who works out his backyard.

ps. when I had my accident, some of the certified repair shops were way cheaper than non-suggested repair shops.

[lbjgh]

Got the scoop today.... it looks like the car is a write-off...

When he got the car I suggested that he get the zero-depreciation waver on his insurance policy. With his insurance company (Royal) it's stated as depreciated deductible something or other.

So it looks like he'll get the full purchase price minus the lean amount and towing charges.

It may work out like a glorified rental. :)

[Mouse]

OMG, just think of his next car's rates!!! http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/MouseMeat/Smilies/Boohoo.gif

[lbjgh]

Hay, it's no fault insurance... how can anyone be blamed? :)

[T_Totler]

Hay, it's no fault insurance... how can anyone be blamed? :)
Oh, he'll be "blamed" alright. Insurance companies are very clever at finding ways to increase premiums.

The term "no fault insurance" is very misleading.

[lbjgh]

He's a big boy... he'll have to take his lumps now.

[Frogy]

He's a big boy... he'll have to take his lumps now.


Did he have "loss of use"!

[T_Totler]

He's a big boy... he'll have to take his lumps now.
....and pull out his chequebook too ;)

[debbie]

Good to hear your brother is okay.

[T_Totler]

By the way, lbjgh, tell him to get a copy of the police report. That might come in handy.

[Frogy]

Good plan.

[Paul Stanway Jr]

Hay, it's no fault insurance... how can anyone be blamed? :)

Good to hear that the airbags worked...

No fault just means that insurance companies don't waste money and time suing each other. It does not mean that his car insurance premium will not go up.

If he is lucky, he has one of the insurance policies that give you "one chance" at an accident without increasing his insurance rate.

Good luck...

[lbjgh]

Well the good news came in... the car was written off, my brother wasn't hurt, he wasn't charged with anything and insurance company is paying out $18K+ (zero depreciation waiver on policy)

With the exception of the inevitable insurance increase he's no worse for the accident. :rah: