Picked up my caR yesterday and this happens this morning

configsys · Post by **configsys** » 15 Aug 2018, 14:24

Just had my '00 Volvo V70R repaired since it had a burnt exhaust valve in one of the cylinders. Also, had the timing belt, etc done since it was due and they had it all apart. In fact, just picked it up yesterday. Had a blast during the 1-hour drive (over 60 miles since that's where the reputable and trusted Volvo independent service center was). Definitely had a smile the entire time.

So on my way to an appointment this morning, ...I get rear-ended!

My insurance already warned me that the other person's insurance would most likely want to total my caR since it's already old and the cost to repair it may come near or exceed the value of the car. What are my options if they try to do that? I really want to keep the car or wouldn't have spent $$$$ to have the cylinder head repaired. Would love to hear all your advice. Thanks!

P.S.
The other vehicle was disabled and had to be towed. Gotta love Volvos!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 15 Aug 2018, 15:01

You can be sure they will total it but I you should easily be able to get them to pick up the perceived value of the caR plus the total of the repair bill that you just paid.

I have also had decent luck with buying the car back from the insurance company after they total it. If possible try to keep custody of the car through the process though. I was going to buy back my wife's Audi and we had agreed on a $150.00 price but I walked away after I went to the salvage yard where the car was located and they stuck a forklift under it and crushed the entire exhaust system when they delivered it to the office. It will typically have to be retitled and it will have a salvage title but if you plan to drive it, who cares? From the looks of it you can scare up what you need to fix it for a song. You might even be able to reuse the bumper and just replace the mounts.

...Lee

Post by **scot850** » 15 Aug 2018, 16:50

Truly bad luck. So sorry to see another nice Volvo damaged by careless other drivers. Hopefully you can get it back and repair it.

Biggest issue will be the mounts for the rear bumper mounts. They tend to get deformed along with the 2 rear frame rails they attach too. Also look carefully for damage to that fragile rear sub-frame. What you can't see may be the bigger issue, but if you can get all the money back as Lee suggests including the just completed repair you may have enough to do a lot of the fixes.

Let us know how you get on.

Neil.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 15 Aug 2018, 17:16

Fortunately the damage doesn't look too bad at all. The Jetta definitely bore the brunt of that crash!

Like Neil said, make sure you have a good look at the rear subframe. That will be the more expensive area. The rest is likely just cosmetic.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 15 Aug 2018, 19:30

You are in Salt Lake city, so a 'regular' V70 will run about $2500. The "R" is worth at least $3500, plus the engine rebuild. Let the appraiser know that you are a Volvo nut and how rare the V70R is. Be nice to the appraiser...

It looks like he went under your car. If the sub frame is OK, the exhaust might be bent. The muffler unclips just behind the rear wheel, driver's side. None of the damage appears to be serious.

configsys · Post by **configsys** » 17 Aug 2018, 10:28

Working with the other party's insurance and made an appointment on Monday for the body shop and car rental. Keeping my fingers crossed they will repair all the damages.

Post by **Clemens** » 17 Aug 2018, 10:47

I'm crossing them for you right now. It'd be a shame to have a nice one like that totalled.

Post by **scot850** » 17 Aug 2018, 10:51

Here's hoping!

Neil.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 17 Aug 2018, 11:12

Good luck!

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 18 Aug 2018, 05:40

If they want to declare totaled. Tell the insurance company you don't want cash. You want then to replace it with another V70R, same or better options, same or better condition.