by John and Theresa Kightlinger

Let’s face it; the only time anyone even thinks about being involved in an auto accident is when they buy insurance! Even then, they don’t think “total loss!”
All too often, when a consumer’s vehicle has been deemed to be a total loss, he or she hasn’t a clue as to what to do or how to go about determining what a true and fair replacement value is, let alone how to go about collecting it.
The following tips are offered to help you navigate through the process, help protect you economically and reduce emotional stress and frustration.

Rule No. 1: Never take advice on how to collect money owed to you from those who owe it to you! Simply stated; some insurers are in it for the money and want to pay out as little as possible
in claims. Some insurers also make greater profits by retaining dollars they owe than from their
investments!

Rule No. 2: An insurer’s first offer is rarely, if ever, the company’s best offer! It’s not uncommon for an insurer’s initial settlement offer to be 10% to 15% less than what they owe. Why do they do this? Because it works often when people merely accept it!

Here are some tips to help you receive fair compensation for your total loss:

1. Do your own research as to what it will cost to purchase an exact replacement vehicle
   from sellers in a 50-mile radius (go to 100 or more if needed). Determine what your vehicle would have sold for just before the loss. This will help you to establish your vehicle’s “actual cash value(ACV)”, “fair market value(FMV)” or “replacement cost.”
2. Request (demand) the insurer provide you copies of all research they undertook and compiled to determine their settlement offer (including comparables, book values, etc., and the parties they contacted).
3. If they base their offer on the findings of a third-party total-loss value research company (for example, CCC Value Scope, etc.), call the dealers listed within the report and let them know what’s going on and if they would accept the insurer’s determined value for their vehicle(s). (Keep notes of the call.) If they will…go and inspect the vehicle to ensure it meets with your approval and is comparable to yours, and have the dealer provide you a CarFax or AutoCheck Vehicle History report. (Note: Not all accidents are recorded, so visually check the car out thoroughly!) My Body Shop and others offer a Pre-Purchase Inspection service for free. We will visually inspect for previous accidents. Pre-Purchase Inspections save you money and stress! Note: Keep in mind that you need not purchase an exact replacement; the goal is to get an exact replacement value and settlement.
4. If your loss involves an at-fault driver, make a claim against them to see what the
   other insurer offers you for your vehicle and settle accordingly.
   Note: Be cautious if the at-fault party’s insurer wants to have you sign a “Release.” You may wish to seek legal counsel before doing so, especially if the possibility of an injury claim exists.
5. Once a replacement amount is agreed upon, don’t forget to add sales tax and tag and title transfer fees as applicable in your state.

John and Theresa Kightlinger own My Body Shop at 401 N. Clinton St., Stockbridge. The couple have lived in the area and raised their children here over the past 20 years. John has been in the auto body business since 1985, and Theresa began work at General Motors after high school. Between the two, they have been working on cars for more than 75 years.