Car accident, insurance through SGI, don't want my car to be deemed total loss

[colorfulpoet]

My dad bought a 1998 Chevorlet Cavalier from SGI Salvage in late April for 400.00. All the work it needed done was to fix a dent in the back of the car. It costed him literally nothing to fix the car, plus inspection fees. So for under 1000.00 he got this car registered again. The car runs great and Im surprised it was deemed a total loss in the first place. It only has 45k on it, new tires, new breaks, the transmission appeared to be new and the interior was in really good condition. I got the car for my birthday 6 weeks ago. Unfortunately I got into a minor accident this past Monday. There is huge dent in my left side front panel, above the wheel. The wheel isn't damaged, my hood, or drivers door is intact except for a few scratches. I made a claim with SGI, and have an appointment tomorrow to have the damage assessed. I learned that it will most likely be deemed total loss, even though the damage isn't that bad, and my dad has the parts needed to fix the car. Is there anyway I can get out of this whole process, to avoid having to pay the deductable and having my car deemed a total loss. It will be easier to fix it and the chances of me getting another cheap car, with low mileage like that is very unlucky.

I really like the car :) I feel like it was made for me.

Come one, does anyone know anything about SGI?

[colorfulpoet]

Some has to know how SGI works? Advice anyone

[MS MSP]

If they write it off, it will be branded as "salvage".

You should be able to keep the salvage for a cost, make the repairs, get it re-certified, and put it back on the road.

That's how it works in Ontario.

[colorfulpoet]

It was bought from SGI Salvage like 3 months ago, fixed up, and six weeks after it was registered again it was in another "minor accident". It already has re-built status, but it a really really good car. I don't want to have to go through that again, for such a small damage. Couldn't I just skip the appraisal appointment today, and just fix the car. It is complicated because I already made a claim on the accident, and reported damages before. I didn't actually see the car when my dad first bought the car, if I did, I would have reported no damages on my car in the first place. I've been told I have no choice but go to the appraisal appointment. Someone told me last night I think if I don't take the car in, they can't put a value of damage on the car. I want some advice.

[Rehan]

Probably too late to retract the claim now.
But in the future, don't even bother with collision coverage for a low value car like that. It's not worth it.

[colorfulpoet]

I had to file a claim, because it has too be determined who is at fault. I don't know if skipping the appraisal will do anything.

[colorfulpoet]

:(

[Darryl]

Just go to the appointment tomorrow and ask the person doing the appraisal about your situation.

I'm sure they would know better than anyone on here. If they don't know or have no authority to say, hopefully they can point you to someone who can. If not, ask your insurance broker.

Not going to the appointment isn't going to make the situation better.

[Heero01]

Why would you want to keep such an old car anyways?

Take the insurance money and buy a nicer car.

[legacy40k]

Why would you want to keep such an old car anyways?

Take the insurance money and buy a nicer car.

Agreed. Cavaliers and Sunfire's were infamously poor cars.

[colorfulpoet]

I would only get no more then 1800.00 for the car, plus my car is awesome. I get attached to things to easily Im a sucker. Plus it is such a easy fix, and the car has new brakes, tires, newer motor and transmission and low mileage. Its amazing on gas. 60.00 a month.

[colorfulpoet]

I postpone my appraisal until further notice.

[Ohmsford]

I've never dealt with a claim much more then a couple thousand with SGI, but its my understanding that you don't have to accept their offer, even on a total loss. If they deem the vehicle a total loss, and are willing to give you say $1500 for salvage, I believe you can refuse the $1500, but you'll have to make the repairs yourself and get it reinspected to reinstate its status from salvage to active.

I have heard of guys accepting the total loss claim, and then buying the same car back for $500 from the sgi salvage yard. Always an option with some risk.

Not to sure how your deductible would play into this, likely you didn't have a package policy on the car if its value is so low, so the standard $700 deductible will sure eat into it. If you had a package policy (sometimes you'll need them for work for the extra liability insurance) and the deductible is next to nil, maybe you will make out ok.

[colorfulpoet]

How my insurance works is, if I am at fault, I have to pay a 700.00 deductable to get my car fixed, or they will subtract it if the car is written off. And if I am not at fault, the other party insurance will pay for the car.

[olympic]

Just call SGI and get the straight scoop from them. I'm reasonably sure you can just file a written statement to determine fault and then drop the insurance claim on your car. That way your car won't be inspected and written off. I know I've repaired damage done by wildlife, even after having the damage appraised, and the "claim" never showed up on my insurance. I'm just not 100% sure the same is true when there are 2 parties involved.

[colorfulpoet]

It is sad, because the car runs really really well. My dad already inspected the car, no frame damage, the wheel wasn't damaged in anyway, the front light is not damaged, door is a little scratched but not dented. It is just has to have a side panel replaced, easy fix he says.

[colorfulpoet]

I cancelled my appraisal appointment for now. Im going to call SGI on Monday and see what my options are. My dad can fix it if not I know a mechanic who will fix the damages for 650.00. If SGI will cover that the car shouldn't be written off. Does anyone else have any advice.

[starboy869]

People here gave you advice and you decided to not follow through. Pretty much any claim you submit for that car will be written off.

[ripjohnnyc]

How my insurance works is, if I am at fault, I have to pay a 700.00 deductable to get my car fixed, or they will subtract it if the car is written off. And if I am not at fault, the other party insurance will pay for the car.

you have 2 years to get it repaired from the appraisal date. Just drive it into the ground for 2 years, get it repaired, and profit.

[colorfulpoet]

I found a mechanic who will fix the car for 550.00. So the car isnt being written off. Thanks everyone for your input.