Car Questions

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AClaire11

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We were involved in a car accident today (everyone is fine) and the insurance rep said if the fluid leaking was brake fluid, they would total the car. Is that accurate? I can’t find anything online saying that brake fluid leaks are irreparable. Other than the leak, it is just bumper damage.

Also, how does getting rides from people work with a convertible car seat? We’re going to start using one now, since she was almost too big for the infant seat anyway. It’s bulky and I think 28 pounds and a pain to install and uninstall. If the car is totaled, we won’t be able to buy a new one and won’t be able to get to our parish without a ride.

Please pray. It’s been a horrible week in a pretty bad month and everything just seems to be getting worse and worse.
 
AClaire11 said:
We were involved in a car accident today (everyone is fine) and the insurance rep said if the fluid leaking was brake fluid, they would total the car. Is that accurate? I can’t find anything online saying that brake fluid leaks are irreparable. Other than the leak, it is just bumper damage.

Also, how does getting rides from people work with a convertible car seat? We’re going to start using one now, since she was almost too big for the infant seat anyway. It’s bulky and I think 28 pounds and a pain to install and uninstall. If the car is totaled, we won’t be able to buy a new one and won’t be able to get to our parish without a ride.

Please pray. It’s been a horrible week in a pretty bad month and everything just seems to be getting worse and worse.
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I have no idea about insurance but I’m sorry times are tough. We are experiencing some struggles too. We will pray for. You
 
Almost anything is repairable, the question is the cost. If the car is older and the book value is low, the repair cost may be more than the book value minus the deductible. Many vehicles that are “totaled” from an insurance point of view are very repairable.
 
I am not a mechanic, but it depends on the extent of the damage. Usually, a car can be repaired but not if the frame or chassis is bent or unrepairable. The age of the car is also a factor. I was friends with a body repair guy and he said for them to fix the frame they had to heat it then bend it back into place…it was a very lengthy and costly process. It was also hit or miss…sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. Regardless, the repair causes the frame to become weak and unsafe.

Most insurance companies base the value of repair versus the trade value of the undamaged car. If the repairs would cost more than 50% of the replacement trade value, then they most likely will total your car.

You might want to consult a private mechanic or body repair person if you have any questions or have them take a look at it.

Hope this helps.
 
Thank you for your replies. The car is only a few years old and is between $9-10k iirc. So hopefully all we have to worry about is getting checked by the doctor and paying the copay.
 
Fluids can be repaired, and only if the vehicle is superannuated, as was said, would the cost versus the book value be too high.

If you really can’t replace the car, look for a mechanic who can repair it affordably.

ICXC NIKA
 
I can at least ease your mind about the car seat: whichever insurance company accepts financial responsibility is required to pay for the cost of replacing it. Just tell the adjuster that the car seat was in the car (I assume it was?) and they’ll explain what their company’s particular procedure is for that. Most will have you purchase the car seat and send them the receipt, and then they’ll send you a check for that amount.

I hope everything improves for you soon! :flowers:
 
That is information from the lowest end of the insurance spectrum. The agent answers to supervisors. The brake fluid leak sounds strange, like misinformation. The brake systems of cars must often be disconnected when making any number of common body and frame repairs. I would go over the agent’s head if they do not treat you reasonably.

Prayers ascending.
 
Okay, hopefully the guy is just misinformed or giving a worse case scenario. I’ll ask again when I call today. Unfortunately we won’t be reimbursed for the new car seat, as we purchased a convertible one before she was born and will be switching to it. I had great ideas about skipping the infant seat that didn’t pan out.
 
RE Carseats, carseats in wrecks must be replaced and should be covered in the insurance claim. I’m sure they won’t tell you unless they asked, but I simiply submitted my receipt for a replacement seat (and I made sure the claim adjuster saw the carseat in the car when he took pictures).

I would suggest a britax clicktight. They are not cheap, but are made to be easy to install in a seat belt, so no fiddling with LATCH on unfamiliar cars. Yes, they are heavy and bulky, but it’s your child’s safety we are talking about. It’s a great seat and has many other good features as well.

It is by far the easiest to install seat I’ve ever seen. I get a good solid install the first time, ever time.
 
I would get a replacement seat anyway. You are entitled to the replacement of your damaged goods, no matter if you already have replacement. They owe you to replace it, that is what insurance is for, to replace something you lost.

That would be like saying you didn’t want the value of your car because your spouse also owns a car and you can just use that instead (I know it’s not the case here, but it’s the same issue on a smaller scale).
 
misspriss said:
I would get a replacement seat anyway. You are entitled to the replacement of your damaged goods, no matter if you already have replacement. They owe you to replace it, that is what insurance is for, to replace something you lost.

That would be like saying you didn’t want the value of your car because your spouse also owns a car and you can just use that instead (I know it’s not the case here, but it’s the same issue on a smaller scale).
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Thank you for urging me to reconsider. We discussed it and decided it’s worth trying. We don’t have much storage space, but it will be worth not having to buy a car seat if we are able to have another child. And if not, we can donate it to a crisis pregnancy center.
 
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