Got hit from back at a red light by a van couple weeks ago. Bumper got scratches and fender deformed a little. Although the damage is not bad at all and the car still runs great, his insurance company decided to total the car. But offered me to keep the car for about $50 deduction from the cash value they are going to pay me.

I would like to know what is going to happen if I agree to total the car and still would like to keep it and drive it (my brother in law drives it to school everyday). Do I have to apply for a new title and plate and re-register with DMV? Re-inspect the vehicle? How about my car insurance, will the rate increase (I have only liability on this car)?

I doubt you have to do anything, but some states have strange laws. Call your DMV and ask about this if you are worried. Won't affect your car insurance rate unless you were at fault in the collision (which you apparently weren't).

From a mechanical point of view, take it to a shop and have them check the alignment if there is any chance the collision changed the wheel position.

ProMan,

You may also want to take the car to a body shop you trust to get their estimate of what it would take to fix the car completely and also what it would take to just make the car safe and driveable. If you don't know of one offhand, ask friends or relatives for recommendations. Then you can make an informed decision.

Mike

Thanks for your opinion.

1. I checked with my insurance company and Maryland DMV. Both said that since the car is still under my name, there is nothing I need to do to keep the car.

2. The damage is pretty light. I am sure there is nothing wrong with the chassis or alignment. I can't feel anything differnet than before the collision. I will put it on a lift and visually inspect it. The reason the car is totoaled is it's an old car. The cost to fix it exceeds the cash value of it. And the reason I would like to keep it is, it's imported from Japan, the whole car....

is it camry?