My "new" solara has been totaled by hail.

by **MountainDude** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:37 am

Sad story: I just got my Solara (2001 SE V6 auto) 2 months ago and absolutely love it. Last week we had a nasty hail storm, and the car was dented all over the place, plus the rear window shattered and the rear speakers no longer work. State Farm looked at the car yesterday and said they will total it. In a few days they will call me and offer me 2 options:
1. they give me a check and take the car.
2. they give me a smaller check and I keep the car.

Has anyone been in this situation? Any advice on the good and bad things about each of the options?

By the way, I would definitely prefer to keep the car.
Thank you for any input.

by **pepowdylan** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:50 am

Depends how much money they offer you if you keep the car. If might not be that bad to fix... It just all depends.

by **Ilovemylara** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:52 am

Sorry to hear that man.. I would wait until you find out how much the check is first, if you keep it. Perhaps you could do the repairs yourself.

by **jetbtkng** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:53 am

ya hale sux, part of my family lives in minnasota, it happens there all the time, time to get a carbon fiber hood and deck lid, and body shop, if you want to keep it.................. :drinking:

by **campfire9** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 10:02 am

You may want to find out how much a body shop will charge to fix your car before you decide if its worth saving. If the insurance check covers the cost of repairs fine. If not then you have a decision to make. I would guess the insurance check will be less then the repair cost.

Just my thoughts and good luck.

by **mazen222** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 11:09 am

sorry to hear that man. Check how much they would give you. You can check and see if a scrap yard has the parts and how much it will cost to repair.

do the math and see if you win. You can also contest the check if you think the amount is too low, check for solaras for sale in your area and compare, provide them the ads if they refuse.

by **Black Bob** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 2:39 pm

The term "totaled" is used very loosely nowadays with insurance companies. It used to be that frame damage/structural integrity dictated a car being totaled but now it strictly depends on how much money the insurance companies DON'T want to spend.

So to give my 2¢ on option #1: Although I know you really love the car, this option is the path to the least headache. Get a check, buy another Solara and drink a shot of Jack Daniels in memory of the old Solara every now and then.

As for option #2: Being that the insurance company is trying to save money, the smaller check will be SMALL. It will not cover even the cheapest estimate from the cheapest bodyshop. Also, keep in mind that your insurance company has already labeled the car as "totaled" in their own database, you might have a hard time getting the car re-insured from them. Trying to get it insured from another company is dependent on whether or not your insurance company shares data with other insurance companies.

Also, I feel for you brother, this dilemma I don't wish on anybody that loves their car no matter what brand they own.

by **makethemusic72** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:17 am

Black Bob wrote: Get a check, buy another Solara and drink a shot of Jack Daniels in memory of the old Solara every now and then.

X2

by **yaddadaimsayin** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:19 am

dang.. total bummer. any pics?

by **jimmm** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:14 am

makethemusic72 wrote:
Black Bob wrote: Get a check, buy another Solara and drink a shot of Jack Daniels in memory of the old Solara every now and then.

X2

x3

by **DrLove** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:18 pm

An accident/ salvage car doesn't value a lot after the repair. I would take the check, remove my aftermarket parts, and buy a new one the color/motor/transmission u want. My car was in an accident and now the value is cut by half, afetr the repair. I would prefer that they give me money to buy another car, less trouble, and it's always great to buy something new.

by **TMMK Toy** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:47 pm

Where the hell do you live so I know not to go there?

by **MountainDude** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:39 pm

I decided to keep the car!

I would have received $3000 more if the insurance company took the car, but that option was not appealing to me (I really like my Solara).
In the state of New Mexico, insurance companies cannot salvage a title due to hail damage, and they have to insure me, including comprehensive coverage.

I will immediately replace my rear window (which shattered), rear speakers (don't work any more), and the hood, then go from there.

Thanks everyone for their input.

by **Ilovemylara** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:44 pm

Get a carbon fiber hood! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OE-STYLE ... ccessories
Lighter, stronger, and it looks great!

by **GreeKAvaLoN** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 9:43 pm

TMMK Toy wrote:Where the hell do you live so I know not to go there?

+1. I'd hate to walk outside and get hit with one lol

My "new" solara has been totaled by hail.

My "new" solara has been totaled by hail.

I made my decision

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