Recently rear-ended 2005 SE Focus hatchback in LA area -
I got new brakes about 4 weeks ago and was slammed 30 minutes later from behind. Insurance company says I must salvage the car myself. That's just fine, but can't find a salvage company I'm comfortable with in the Los Angeles area. Everything from the rear wheels forward is in great shape (especially the brakes). Engine has 116K and a lot of life left in it. Looking to get about $900. Any ideas? Need anything anybody?
6 Answers
NO WAY,The insurance co has to total it out(person who hit you,insurance co)no way you can salvage it yourself.
Dennis5050 answered 13 years ago
Hi papa, I was surprised about the salvaging situation, too. AAA Insurance (the guilty party's company who's paying out the damages to the 3 other cars this jerk involved in his joyride) has already laid down the fact that I have to do it if it's to be done, that they aren't going to do it. They said to expect anywhere from $500 to $1200 (yeah, right). Is what they've done (declined to salvage it) illegal or simply immoral? I wish I had practice in being rear-ended and going through what I've been through to get what I've gotten from them. I have a lawyer for the medical damages I'm suffering from, but did the car negotiations myself. You seem to be in the know. . .
you cannot salvage it,only the insurance co can do this.if they keep pressuring you,take the insurance co to court.if you go to DMV yourself to try this,get a salvage title.well lets just say.DONT.get a lawyer.
ok what they trying to do is illegal.they dont want to pay and never negoicace yourself.
Dennis5050 answered 13 years ago
Thanks for your experience and advise. It's daunting to go back into the pit with AAA Insurance. I negotiated myself for a pretty good settlement on my totaled car, they sluggishly paid out what I wanted, but stipulated that I would be salvaging my car myself. At this point I've already cashed the check and am looking to buy for cash another car within my price range. I've been offered $600 for salvage, not too bad, and they are reputable as far as I can tell. At least they have a visible presence for about 20 years in a decent neighborhood for the last 20 years. I don't want more practice at being the injured party (or otherwise), but will know better what to do and how to respond to guilty party insurance companies' tricks, bluffs and predictable, borderline illegal and predatory tactics. Fingers crossed for a happy ending to this nightmare.
if you were offered $600.00 for it by a salvage yard or dealer,let them have it.it will fall on them to salvage it.
