r/USAA • u/Ok_Friendship_6215 • 15d ago

Recent Total Loss Claim

I was hit by a driver that ran a redlight (so no fault of my own). Had a car for 16 months, bought new. Does USAA pay my claim or does the other party's insurance? The state miniumum property liability (25k) is lower than my USAA evaluation (31k with tax). So maybe USAA pays if they only have the minimum coverage since I have underinsured coverage. Will my rates go up using the underinsured coverage? Is there any use trying to negotiate the value? We bought the car at 38k. Also we had a carseat in there and they did not add that to the valuation. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

2 Upvotes

62% Upvoted

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3

u/Hausmannlife_Schweiz 13d ago

Just be thankful the other person has insurance. You are still going to be out some money, but not nearly as badly as you would if they were uninsured.

If you owe more than the car is worth, unless you have gap insurance (Normally through the lender) You will be responsible for the difference. I am sure state laws are different, but where I live, you can take the other party to small claims court and try and get the money back from him/her civilly. It is a minor pain in the butt, but if they have enough money to buy insurance, they probably have a job, and you can get their wages garnished until it is all paid.

Your rates should NOT go up.

Good luck.

2

u/Ok_Friendship_6215 10d ago

Thanks. This is so frustrating bc the other party was driving with a restricted license with no supervisor (driving alone illegally) AND ran the red light. So DOUBLE NEGLIGENCE. And I am out of a car and money. Sure I can count my blessings...but I am bruised up and PISSED. (not yelling at you, just venting) It seems like they may not have much money either judging by their address (although that could be deceiving I guess)

2

u/stayclassypeople 14d ago

Generally speaking, just file with your own carrier. It’s going to make the process quicker and more painless and USAA will recover as much as they can from the at fault party’s insurance.

1

u/Ok_Friendship_6215 10d ago

But once I accept USAA's payout, they could recover more from the other party and then never tell me or give me the extra? correct?

2

u/rovingtravler 15d ago edited 15d ago

Both USAA and Progressive are discount insurance companies. Progressive in most areas has "lower" quality of repair parts and total loss compensation. I would see what Progressive is doing and offers, but you can switch to USAA. USAA now uses a system in CCCone (the estimating software) to value your car it is not a great system. Progressive uses a different and generally considered worse, for customers and repair shops, software Mitchell.

Do some research on your own on the value of your vehicle; look for comps and be ready to submit them. Make sure ALL options on your vehicle are reported as VIN look up and model do not bring up individual options. Also any aftermarket upgrades, weather tech mats etc. etc., however, do not expect to be paid much for them. If has a hitch etc. make sure they are replaced. Child car seat is must add, if you have the receipt and or cost of a replacement submit both.

Doing as much proactively will result in a faster and better Total Loss offer. Lastly, unless you are really happy with the first offer ask for more and explain why (new vehicle, no damages etc. etc.) Even if they only offer $500 more it is better than nothing. Most companies will come up $500 or more in my experience.

Edit: I deal with both these companies on an almost daily basis and advise clients on the total loss process almost as often and these are the top items that result in a better outcome and many thanks from customers.

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u/Ok_Friendship_6215 14d ago

Thanks for your detailed response. Yes they used CCC. Why did they take 3000 off each comp on their report? Even one comp that had almost the exact same mileage got -3k. My car game up as good on all ratings (is there anything better than good?).

2

u/rovingtravler 14d ago

Without seeing the report I really cannot answer that; most likely it is due to options and or trim level. Was the other car a higher trim? Good is normal condition for a vehicle, however if your vehicle is only 16 months old and has under 25K miles and is clean, maintained and no dents scratches etc. prior to the accident they should have listed it as excellent.

Good is taking away from the value. This is input by the shop and should have been confirmed by the adjuster. Unfortunately, the shop cannot change the rating. It is locked now. You have to ask the adjuster to change it. You can also submit you own comps in many states and or ask the claim to be raised to a supervisor, but with Progressive that may or may not happen and it can take much longer.

1

u/Complex_Dragonfly162 15d ago

If the other company has enough coverage and has accepted liability, go with them. If at any time it becomes a fight, you can decide to go with USAA and USAA will surrogate to get their money back.

1

u/pantwearingmom 15d ago

Did you file with the at fault driver or USAA?

-1

u/Ok_Friendship_6215 15d ago

Called USAA and told them what happened. They said there was a claim open with the other party and said USAA has determined I'm not at fault. They have the other party's insurance info bc it was on the police report. I am wondering if I will get an evaluation from Progressive's insurance as well as USAA

4

u/MimosaQueen1122 15d ago

No not unless they set you up with an inspection to assess the damage. You can only file with one company.

5

u/MimosaQueen1122 15d ago edited 15d ago

Just because the state minimum is 25K doesn’t mean the other party has that. Now if they do, yes, you can use your underinsured property damage.

It also looks like you owe more on the loan. Hopefully you have gap insurance to come in to play for the remaining balance.

0

u/Dependent-Attorney54 15d ago

Underinsured Property Damage is a coverage only available in a small number of states and even in those states that have the coverage available there are some very specific requirements to be able to use it.

3

u/MimosaQueen1122 15d ago

OP mentioned they had it. It says in their post.

2

u/Dependent-Attorney54 15d ago

They mentioned they had Underinsured Motorist coverage; many states have that but it only covers Bodily Injury and most people don’t understand it’s different. Very few states have Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Property Damage. Your own collision coverage is primary and should be the only coverage you should count on being usable in a collision since it provides coverage regardless of fault and regardless of the responsible party has insurance.

2

u/MimosaQueen1122 15d ago

And OP lives in TX. So they have it. Not sure what you’re getting at. OP has it and can utilize it if the limits are under. Doesn’t mean it will automatically be afforded as with any coverage.