We're thinking about doing this because dd's car is such a good car, except for the fact that it's a wreck right now. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this. Is it a nightmare and more costly than looking to replace it for the money? We paid $12,000 for the car 3 yrs. ago and now they say it's only worth about $5000.....:( . We can't replace the car for that money (not with as nice and in great condition that it was). Aaack, this is such a pain. HELP!

what type of damage? If its cosmetic, try a local high school. I hear the work is done well and the only cost is parts.

FIL did this several years ago with a pickup truck that caught on fire. It was a work truck and he wanted to keep it. The repairs were extremely costly, much more than what the truck was worth at the time. If they totalled the car, you should be able to pay that one off and have a down payment for another one.

It all depends on what damage was done, is the car drivable? If it is take it to several place for estimates. M dh knows several body men so we get our work done pretty cheap but most body work is very expensive, esp. the labor.

The car is semi-drivable.....it will drive but it sounds terrible due to some body damage. It's paid off, BUT we can't get another one as nice for the blue book price. :(

Lisa,

Are they giving you the fair value, at least the blue book price? If not, you need to contest that $5000. The insurance companies goal is to give you the bottom line. You need to go up 3 ranks...the estimator's bosses' boss to get this. I heard this on a radio broadcast. If you are willing to go through this hassle, they are willing to pay you more.

Keilley

We have had a car totalled out and kept it with minimal repairs, it's a 3rd car and we actually got a check for more than we paid for it because we got it for such a bargain to begin with. It was called "totalled without surrender", we just can't carry collision or comp on it anymore.

Lisa,

I have had really good luck with repairs of a car that was wrecked. If the frame has not been bent (even though they say they can straighten a bent frame now, it has been my experience that once it is bent it will never drive the same) it can usually be fixed almost as well as new. I bought a car that had been totalled by an insurance company and then completely repaired and it was one of the best cars that I ever owned, it was a Buick Somerset and I loved it. It did however have a title that noted that it was a "salvage title" but I was able to insure it for full coverage insurance at a regular rate with state farm insurance. I hope this helps. :D

Blessings,
Kathy