Totaled Car Replacement Washington WA

Reader’s Question:

My car got totaled here in Washington. Will my insurance company replace it with the same car?

Colbert

Seattle, WA

Generally, the laws of your state and your insurer’s guidelines will determine if your totaled car will be replaced by the exact type and model, or if you will only be paid the amount of the actual cash value of your car.

A car insurance policy does not necessarily mean that your car will automatically be replaced by the same model. Most insurance companies there in Washington will pay you the amount of the actual cash value of your car. This amount is usually based on how much your car is worth at the time of the accident, although car insurance companies vary greatly in their ways of determining the actual cash value of a car. If you don’t agree with the amount the car insurance company is offering you, then you can try to discuss with your insurer that your car is worth more than what they’re offering. You may want to contact car dealers, so you can have a good estimate of how much your car is really worth before you got into the accident.

Keep in mind that in filing your car insurance claims, your insurance provider has certain options regarding the settlement of your totaled car. The insurance company can replace your car, or repair the damages your car sustained, or pay you in cash. But no matter what the insurance company decides to do, make sure that you get what you’re entitled to. Call your local agent and have him explain to you the details, or search online about the laws of your state regarding this matter.

Tags: auto insurance claims, Car Insurance Company, car insurance law