Subject: Geico Declared My Car a Total Loss – What Should I Do?
Hi everyone,
I was in an accident with a Geico driver about 10 days ago, and Geico accepted liability since the other driver was at fault. Today, I just arranged a rental car while my 2017 Nissan Rogue is being repaired. However, I received a call from a total loss adjuster at Geico who informed me that the collision center assessed the damage and classified my vehicle as a total loss.
I’m a bit unsure about my next steps. Geico has already issued me a payment of $2,987.89 for the repair claim and is now offering $7,500 for the total loss of my vehicle. I’m trying to clarify whether they will subtract the initial payment from this new offer.
Given that my Rogue has 269,600 miles on it, I believe this offer seems fair, and I should be able to find another vehicle within this price range. However, an amount closer to $10,000 would significantly ease my search for a new car. Any advice would be appreciated!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that’s really frustrating. Since Geico has already offered you $7,500 for the total loss, it’s understandable to want to clarify how that works with the payment you’ve received so far. Typically, an insurance company will not deduct previous payments (like the one for repairs) from the total loss settlement, but it’s best to confirm that directly with them.
Here are a few steps you can consider taking:
Clarify the Offer: Contact Geico directly to ask whether the $7,500 is your final settlement or if it will be adjusted based on what they’ve already paid you for repairs. Make sure you understand the breakdown of the total loss claim.
Research Your Car’s Value: Use valuation tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to check the going rates for similar 2017 Nissan Rogues in your area with similar mileage. If you find that $7,500 is lower than expected, you can present this information to Geico.
Negotiate if Necessary: If you believe your car is worth more than what they are offering, gather evidence and negotiate. Provide documentation such as recent sales of similar vehicles to support your case.
Consider Your Options: If you accept the offer, keep in mind that you’ll need to find a replacement vehicle quickly, especially since you’re already using a rental.
Consult a Professional: If you’re still unsure about how to proceed, you may want to consult with a claims adjuster or an attorney who specializes in insurance claims for additional guidance.
Good luck with everything, and hopefully, you’ll have a resolution soon!