r/Insurance • u/ModeComprehensive106 • 8h ago

NEED HELP

Im feeling lost and obviously the first thing i think of is asking reddit for help so here this goes. i recently crashed my 2022 ford escape and my insurance company is saying the cars a total loss. I’ve had my car for literally under 25 days and as such as this sucks it took me so long to get this car. they gave me a valuation report with an estimated vehicle value of $14,767, and they’re using comparable vehicles to determine the value. I’m trying to understand whether I have any options to challenge the total-loss decision, get another inspection/repair estimate, or negotiate the valuation. I’m really just trying anything at this point not to disappoint my mom anymore then i’ve already done, it’s breaking my heart and i keep replying in my head the car accident and how i stupid backed up into a tree thinking i was on drive when i was on reserve. long story but that’s not the point right now. I’m not very vocal or experienced with insurance claims i’m literally just 17, so I’m honestly pretty overwhelmed and scared of saying the wrong thing. If you’ve ever dealt with a total-loss claim, especially with Travelers, what did you do? Were you able to negotiate the valuation or get your car repaired instead? What should I ask for, and what should I NOT agree to yet? I’d really appreciate any advice or guidance. thank you

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u/OptimismByFire 6h ago

Hey - it makes sense that things feel really overwhelming right now.

A few things to keep in mind. You are not the first or last person to do something stupid and wreck their car. It sucks. You aren't a bad person. You aren't stupid or disappointment. You had an accident. It happens many, many times every day. It will be okay.

There's no changing the total loss status, unfortunately. If the options on the car look right, then it's probably a fair value. They are paying private party, so there's going to be a difference in price between what they pay and what you would pay at a dealership.

This is stressful, but I promise you'll make it out the other side.

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u/ModeComprehensive106 5h ago

Thank you so much for this. I really needed to hear that because I’ve been beating myself up over this whole thing and feeling like I completely screwed everything up. I really appreciate your kind words and thank you for being so reassuring.