car insurance question

[jay]

Grumble... the adjuster finally looked at my Mustang convertible after a minor fender-bender two months ago. There was a broad dent on one side, the bumper and quarter panel and hood need to be repainted... plus some interior sheet metal that is not structural, but hard to reach. They claim the car is worth $3005, while repairs are estimated at... $3011. Totaled, supposedly. They're offering to let me keep the car for a smaller amount, but I'd have to get a salvage title.

Does anyone have any suggestions for fighting this? The other guy's insurance company has accepted responsibility... but I'm getting apparently screwed over anyway, just differently. Can a car that is declared officially worthless (salvage title) be insured afterward? Should I just take the money and try to find another 15-year-old convertible? Sigh...

Comments

Car insurance

[suspira20.livejournal.com]

I have had this problem before, too. It occurs to me that the insurance companies have a good scam going - they total your car for next to nothing, keep the car and sell themselves for salvage, then you buy a new car with the corresponding higher premiums. I successfully fought that battle with my ranger when someone ran into me a few years ago. I argued that I can't replace my vehicle for what they were going to give me, and I had my engine rebuilt the previous year. They repaired the truck and I kept my title, but I had to do some hard (abrasive) negotiating. The salvage title would make your car more difficult to sell, but you can get insurance.