My '83 Camaro was recently backed into by a Brand New F150 truck. The damage wasn't too bad, just a dented hood and a lot of paint chipped off the front fender. I didnt think it was going to be all that bad to fix but I recently got my first estimate for $2,000. Apparently my custom paint is gonna be hard to match, and they though a new hood would be needed. I also went and got another estimate, which turned out to be about the same as the first, except they thought they could fix the hood. I guess my problem is...I only paid $1500 for the car and I really dont think the bluebook is anywhere near 2 grand, but someone told me that the insurance company might just say the car is totaled and give me the bluebook for the car, since the cost to repair the minor damage is greater than the value of the car. Is that possible?

 

It is very possible, do you have comprehensive/full coverage insurance?

 

Yes, but guy who backed into me is the one responsible. So his insurance is handleing it.

 

Was there a police report filed? That is also another deciding factor. As for cash to you, you can just get what his deductable is from his insurance company. It usually ends up with your insurance company paying the difference

 

If he claims fault then his insurance will pay in full. Now you need to up the value of your car by showing how much your paint cost, parts and accesorys... I got over $3000 for my 84 Z28 that was still in primer.

 

The Insurance companies will total the car when the cost of repairs exceed the car value. Even if it was not your fault[sm=chattypair.gif]

 

Thats why he does what ever he can to raise the value as much as possible. My car was a total wreck so I got as much as I could by showing what was on it then paid the salvage value of $50 to keep the car. The $800 in the gauges alone were worth that.

 

So I can still drive the car even though its considered "totaled"???

 

If you can buy it back from the insurance company and get it fixed to the point that it will pass state inpection for a salvage title and be issue plates, YES. But, to your question? NO

 

Depends on what your stae requires. Here in CA after a buy back the DMV takes the plates, You get a brake and tail lamp inspection and then they give new plates and a title that says "salvage" on it. That on the title hurts the resale but the car is getting old and does not matter that much. And you know what the damages are to it. I you want to get paid and can buy it back cheap I would say go for it. If not you will have to replace your car with what you get paid.