[PichaDis11]

I have a friend who's going through a rough time as her car got wrecked and now looking to see her options. Can anyone share recommendations on how to deal with insurance? Buying the car and fix it?


Any info would be appreciated.

[floridaorange]

What state?
Whose fault?
Both parties insured?
Police report made?
Car value?
Damage estimate?

[PichaDis11]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

What state?
Whose fault?
Both parties insured?
Police report made?
Car value?
Damage estimate?

State - GA
FAULT - Other party may be a hit and run.
Insured - both
PR - Yes
Car value - Don't know. Kbb goes with 29k estimated??
Damage est ~ 19k or more from what I was told.

[Tommy-G]

I can help, but what exactly is the problem???

Don't ever buy a car that is deemed total loss and try to fix it...you'll lose EVERY time. Been managing collision shops for 25+ years, trust me.

[PichaDis11]

Originally Posted by TommyG-inFlaNow

I can help, but what exactly is the problem???

Don't ever buy a car that is deemed total loss and try to fix it...you'll lose EVERY time. Been managing collision shops for 25+ years, trust me.

Honestly just wanted to know the process and the options available from anyone who's been in a situation as this. Is there a more definitive reason to never buy a car that is deemed a total loss?

[Elvisfan]

Originally Posted by PichaDis11

Honestly just wanted to know the process and the options available from anyone who's been in a situation as this. Is there a more definitive reason to never buy a car that is deemed a total loss?

I let the insurance co handle it. They deemed it a total loss. They paid it off. Gave me the rest. I never saw it again.
It’s your money. I can’t imagine buying a car that’s a total loss. But I don’t work on cars myself.
How do you know that was fixed right? Safely.
FYI. From the crash to the check was 5 days. They paid replacement value. Much more than trade in.

[kpgray]

My 335i was totaled last November. The insurance company wanted me go to one of their "Authorized" repair facilities. I went to their closest one, did not see a single imported vehicle and then called the local BMW dealer asking where they sent their body repairs. Although this BMW repair facility was not on my preferred insurance repair facility list, I insisted at the BMW location due to the quality of the shop and their work (they repaired all high end vehicles including Bentley's Ferrari's, etc.). Insurance overall worked well with the repair facility and they both went over the vehicle thoroughly. Insurance inspector reviewed everything and determines several items including extent of damage, condition of the car, value of the car, etc. Totaled!

My insurance provided a fair price which included a higher value for condition (i'm very meticulous with my car). I contested due to recent upgrades to vehicle (I just installed the LSD 6 weeks previous), they wanted receipts and finally gave me 50% of the purchase price of the upgrades. As a final, I said I would accept if they allowed me to remove some of the add on's installed on the car if I put back original parts, they agreed and I signed release.

Insurance paid me a little more than I would have if i was to have sold outright (I believe) and they also provide taxes and title transfer as part of the payout (I would never get that from any buyer). Overall, it was about 2 weeks for the totaled diagnosis, about 3 weeks till we came to final agreement on cost, money cleared about 7 weeks later. From time of accident to payoff, 12 weeks. Although you may get more than selling yourself, it was a pain searching for the car you want in short order. You are limited to supply. I was lucky to find a 1 year old BMW Individual less than 30 minutes from home.

[BMWILUVU]

Originally Posted by PichaDis11

Honestly just wanted to know the process and the options available from anyone who's been in a situation as this. Is there a more definitive reason to never buy a car that is deemed a total loss?

They fix it as cheaply and cosmetically as they can get away with. You do not want the headaches down the road especially with how costly BMW repairs are.

[Pauloxxi]

If the insurance consider totaled and wants to pay... Take that. You never know how well they fix, and I assume a crashed car will loose value.
My case they fixed, that was 3 years ago, car was fixed well, I have no problems with this car, but I know the steering rack was bought salvaged. I discussed about that with Insurance Company, how they could be sure the part was safe, however for more ridiculous this is, they are allowed to use salvaged, aftermarket and etc. The rule it is a used car don't need to receive brand new OEM parts. Insurance premiums are much more expensive if you select only OEM parts in case of service, and lot of Insurances don't even offer this option. So... take the money and go after other car.

[ErkanTR16]

My 2016 340i was totaled as well. Here's my original thread if that helps with anything.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1471169

The entire process took like 1 month. It was my first car as well so i was emotionally attached to it.

When the insurance is giving you a total loss value.. Make sure they have selected every options/features your car has. They tried to fuck me over with a low ball value because the agent did not select M Sport Package and other factory standard options the car had.

Best of luck

[Tommy-G]

MOST insurance companies will not insure a vehicle that was deemed total and repaired.

You are likely to incur 20-30% additional in repair costs that was unforeseen when it was estimated.

Whatever you were to lay our of pocket you will never recover if you try to sell the vehicle.

Most people would never buy a vehicle that was a rebuild (fixed total)

Its just a bad scenario...the ONLY way you could do OK is if you had your own shop and did the work yourself or with your staff. Then you are in control the whole time.
Sorry, its just a bad business decision regardless of how you look at it.

[PichaDis11]

Originally Posted by ErkanTR16

My 2016 340i was totaled as well. Here's my original thread if that helps with anything.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1471169

The entire process took like 1 month. It was my first car as well so i was emotionally attached to it.

When the insurance is giving you a total loss value.. Make sure they have selected every options/features your car has. They tried to fuck me over with a low ball value because the agent did not select M Sport Package and other factory standard options the car had.

Best of luck

That was scary man. Hope all is well with mom now. Thank you as well for sharing.

[PichaDis11]

Originally Posted by TommyG-inFlaNow

MOST insurance companies will not insure a vehicle that was deemed total and repaired.

You are likely to incur 20-30% additional in repair costs that was unforeseen when it was estimated.

Whatever you were to lay our of pocket you will never recover if you try to sell the vehicle.

Most people would never buy a vehicle that was a rebuild (fixed total)

Its just a bad scenario...the ONLY way you could do OK is if you had your own shop and did the work yourself or with your staff. Then you are in control the whole time.
Sorry, its just a bad business decision regardless of how you look at it.

Heard that loud an clear.