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Totaled Your Vehicle? Here’s What to Do Next

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Totaling your vehicle can be devastating on many levels. It can mess with your money, keep you from getting the necessary transportation, and even create some legal problems. We all invest a lot of money into our vehicles, which can be difficult to recoup if you don’t take the right steps after totaling your vehicle. Here is what you should do after you total a vehicle.

1. Call Your Insurance Company and Do This

You pay good money for auto insurance just like other drivers. However, many people never file a claim. To ensure that your claim goes through without a hitch, be sure that you report the accident with attention to detail. For example, was a rough patch in the road leading up to the accident? According to the Highway Department, about 33% of all roads are unpaved.

If you were on an unpaved road before you totaled your vehicle, it may have been a factor in the accident. You must disclose any anomalies about the road or driving conditions. It can help to relieve you from ‘driver error’ claims.

2. Is Your State a No-Fault State?

How the process works with the insurance company and the authorities relies heavily on whether you live in a no-fault state. In some states, when an accident results in injuries or total losses, the accident can be determined to be no one’s fault. It was just an accident. However, in other states, there is always someone at fault.

For example, according to the California Highway Authority, California is an at-fault state, which means someone will be held at fault for the accident, will likely receive a citation, and will be held liable for the accident costs. If you live in a no-fault state, you are in a much better position than an at-fault state. If you live in the latter, it may be worth investing money in a lawyer.

3. Ask The Insurance Company About Doing This

Did you know you could ‘buy’ your vehicle back from the insurance company after it has been totaled? You can. You will lose some money on the payout, but you can still have your vehicle. Of course, you must invest some money in the vehicle to get it running again, but it may be worth the effort.

Repurchasing your vehicle from the insurance company does not require an exchange of money. The totaled vehicle’s value is deducted from the check that the insurance company will send you. In some cases, buying back your car can be a great deal, especially when the damage is strictly cosmetic.

4. Equipment Failures

Sometimes, an accident is caused by equipment failures, not due to neglect. A faulty driveshaft can cause an accident, brake failure, and more. According to HowStuffWorks, a common sign of driveshaft failure is vibration. A vibrating driveshaft can make it difficult to control a vehicle and can result in an accident.

Check the recall list for your vehicle’s manufacturer. The recall list may be able to help explain the accident. After you total your vehicle, the goal is to be able to explain the cause of the accident without it being related to the driver’s (your) fault. An unknown recall can explain an equipment malfunction that may have played a part in the accident.

5. Save Your Money

If you have totaled your vehicle beyond repair, take a deep breath and formulate a plan. Wait for the insurance company’s word about how much they are paying out before you plan to buy a new vehicle. If you have a loan on the vehicle, you may break even, but you may not. Don’t spend money until you know where you stand about paying off the loan.

Totaling a vehicle can cause money problems, but remember they are only temporary. Learn more tips for protecting your money and your vehicle today.

That didn’t last long…bye, new job!

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My new part time job lasted just a week. It wasn’t a good fit. I knew that almost from the first day. But I knew I needed the money so I was determined to stick it out. The stress was terrible. It was like being a firefighter…on call all day to put out fires, fix other people’s mistakes or complete projects they couldn’t.

But a week and one day in, and we decided mutually that it wasn’t a good fit. I was so relieved. Even though it puts me in a tough spot financially…I do not regret ending the contract. However, I am very grateful they did come through with payment for that one week. (During my 17 years as a freelancer, I have dealt with lots of people/businesses that just don’t pay or delay, delay, delay.)

I do continue to work my local part time job, and thoroughly enjoy it. But back to the trenches as far as more work goes.

Looking for work and help

Anyone need a new website? Or wanting to implement some new tech? I’m your girl!

That being said, I had several ask about getting aid…I just don’t qualify.

Working part time, with only one minor child in the home…I made too much money to get help with food, etc. I am going to try again for insurance. But I’m not holding out much hope.

I have had two interviews for part time freelance/contractor work via Upwork in the last week. Crossing my fingers that one or both of them comes through. And my current boss continues to put out feelers for more work here locally. I’ve been through this before, I know it will be okay. And this time…I don’t have children dependent on me. Thank God!

Me and my doggos! Two of these are my sister’s. We really enjoyed their visit.

Read more from Hope

A Change in the Debt Payoff Strategy – May, 2014

New Shoes and Sports – February, 2016

Meal Planning and Summertime – June, 2018