What happens when your vehicle is declared a total loss and you owe more than what the vehicle is worth?

Answer

Ok - There are a few things that may very well effect the outcome and answer to your question. I am an Insurance Adjuster in CA, NV, and CO. I am by no means an expert on the entire nation. Just a Few disclaimers 1. Every state is different - some have similar Laws, but you should also check the laws in your specific state before taking any of this as Gospel.

OK! That asside, If your vehicle is deemed a total Loss and you owe a Finance company MORE than the actual cash value of the veh, FIRST! Question the Insurance agency on How they determined the Actual value. They will use one of a few services - ADP or CCC. These companys will do a Market survey and by way of personal sales and dealer quotes in your area - they will find these listings in local publications - they will determine the ACV of your vehicle. Now. YOU Should ALSO be Looking online, In local Papers - At local dealerships, Etc to find out what it will cost to replace your vehicle. If your estimate for a Vehicle with similar Mileage and Similar condition is More than the Insurance Company's - SAY SOMETHING!! it is all negotiation! Find as many Quotes as you can to support your Amount.

ONCE you are satisfied that you are getting a fair cash value for your vehicle - You need to find out if you carry GAP insurance. This is coverage that you might have purchased at the time you bought your vehicle. The finance company is usually the one that sells it and it adds about 500 to the total cost of your Loan - depending on the kind of vehcile you purchase. Start by contacting your finance company - if they say that you don't have Gap insurance - Check with any other insurance policy that you may have.

Now If you have exhausted all of these posibilities and you still Owe more than your vehicle is worth, Call the finance company right away. with some creative and polite and professional discussion, Most of the time - they will re-write the amount owed into a signature loan - Sometimes they will reduce the amount over all or reduce the interest rate.

Other than that - there is not much you can do. Lesson to be learned - ALWAYS ALWAYS PURCHASE GAP INSURANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS WORTH IT EVERYTIME!!!!

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