if someone's car is totaled what can they retrieve...?

ChrisSlicks

You are always allowed to retrieve personal items from the vehicle, even before the claim is settled. Just visit the holding yard where the vehicle got towed to with your ID.

This does vary someone by locality but in general if the insurance company cuts you a check it is for the complete vehicle including all modifications. If you have modifications that have significant value then you should consider a different policy, e.g. stated value policy. You will not be able to swap parts on the vehicle while it is at a holding yard. However it is your vehicle still and you are free to tow it to your house and swap parts before the insurance adjuster arrives. Once the insurance adjuster has made his value assessment you are not supposed to change anything, however I doubt they would pay attention to things like exhaust, intake etc.

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Jeffblue

interesting. i feel like insurance companies love to jack up your rates if you were to tell them you had modifications, however, if you have them, i wonder what kind of marginally insignificant amount of money they are really giving you for your mods.

i have heard a lot of people forget to cancel their extended warranties (if they have them) when their car is totaled. same thing goes for when you sell the car, you should cancel it and you recieve a check from nissan or whatever mfg. but thats a separate issue.

ChrisSlicks

Some insurance companies here require at least a basic inspection (by an approved 3rd party) to verify that the equipment you are supposed to have is in the vehicle.

Obviously if you've installed a supercharger and then go to your insurance company to ask for higher coverage you're going to get screwed. That's why I suggested agreed value as it simply covers a dollar amount.

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Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms

Jeffblue

so what would you do as far as wheels/suspension/intake/exhaust/etc, the common mods people do? just not mention them?

ChrisSlicks

I wouldn't mention it. If you have really expensive wheels on then you might want to declare them to make sure they are covered in case someone jacks the wheels.

__________________
Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms

Jeffblue

the replacement cost of the rays is enough to cover almost any aftermarket wheels you'd get, seems like it would be easier to just leave well enough alone and have them write you a check for the replacement cost of the rays then putting it on file that you have aftermarket wheels, having them raise your premiums, and then try and shaft you on the replacement of them if the need were to arise.

ChrisSlicks

Yes. I was only thinking special coverage would be required with some custom wheels costing $4-$5K.

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Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms