Car accident, what to do?

[paulfife]

If it was me I'd probably junk it. Given that the estimate isn't real accurate I'd feel uneasy considering the high end of the estimate is already 2/3 of the vehicle value. Keep in mind that if an insurance check is coming that the insurance may likely total the vehicle. The percentage threshold for when they do this varies but you're in the range where that is a possibility.

I look at it like this - assuming no insurance money is coming (since you didn't mention it) if you replaced the vehicle you'd have the $650 plus the $2500-3000 repair expense you would have otherwise paid, leaving you with a shortfall of $850-$1350 from the KBB value of $4500. From my experience it's pretty common for the initial estimate to be low, especially if the hood can't be opened. The shortfall amount could quite possibly be eaten up or exceeded. You can at least say you know what your losses are and that the remainder probably isn't worth rolling the dice over.

[FTL_Ian]

Put a pic up online here.  Is the vehicle driveable?  Is the radiator damaged? Are/is crushed fender(s) affecting steering?   You could buy chinese fenders/hood or price parts from a salvage yard.  Brother in Londonderry could put it back together with matching paint as long as frame is not damaged.

Too late, it's gone.  $850 to a junkyard guy.  Now I hope he honors his word and brings me back my brand new winter tires.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[NC2NH]

My girlfriend got into an accident yesterday.  She's alright, but even though it was in a parking lot, the front of my '98 Toyota Tacoma took a lot of damage.  After taking it around to the local auto body shops, it's pretty clear that repairing it is not worthwhile.

Sorry to hear about this. I'm glad Julia is OK.

[Dreepa]

Welcome Paul!

[paulfife]

Welcome Paul!

Thanks! I've been lurking for a couple weeks and figured it's about time to post.

[cathleeninnh]

I now there are lots of lurkers. Actually, I think a couuple of weeks is relatively short.

Let us know you better. Jump in anytime.

Cathleen

[burnthebeautiful]

Put a pic up online here.  Is the vehicle driveable?  Is the radiator damaged? Are/is crushed fender(s) affecting steering?   You could buy chinese fenders/hood or price parts from a salvage yard.  Brother in Londonderry could put it back together with matching paint as long as frame is not damaged.

Too late, it's gone.  $850 to a junkyard guy.  Now I hope he honors his word and brings me back my brand new winter tires.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Does NH have a winter-tires law? In Sweden it's illegal to drive with summer tires/normal tires in winter. I'm not sure if winter is defined by date or temperature.

[Dreepa]

Does NH have a winter-tires law?

Not that I know of.

I have the same 'came with the car' tires from when I bought it in LA 6 years ago.

[Russell Kanning]

Does NH have a winter-tires law? In Sweden it's illegal to drive with summer tires/normal tires in winter. I'm not sure if winter is defined by date or temperature.

Hello ..... you have got to get out of there man.
Can you imagine the conversation in NH.
Cop "Are those government approved snow tires?"
Shorty "ayah ... but you could look real close as I rock the pickup back and forth if you want to officer."