I am an insurance agent in IL.
here is what I tell my clients-
1. Many/most companies use NADA as it is less than Kelly Blue book. They use the avg price for the car not the high value. If I remember correctly NADA only uses one value.
2. I would try and collect from the other company first not your own. If you use your insurance, your deductible will apply until they are reimburse from the other company. (They will subrogate and collect what they paid plus your ded.
3. Some companies, not all, try and low ball you and mail you a check. I won't name names but one of them that has done this has their headquarters in Bloomington,IL. SF.
4. Your medical is NOT covered by your own insurance. They will not pay and subrogate it back since you did not elect to have that coverage. You can turn it in to your health insurance but they will NOT pay either until they are certain that all auto coverage has been used up. You have none on your policy but they will expect you to seek reimbursement from the other carrier.
5. The other company will not pay for your medical bills until they know you are done with your treatment and are ready to sign off. It is a case of them wanting to know what they are dealing with. They will not just start throwing money into a hole if they do not know how deep the hole is. I have seen people need treatment for 2 or 3 years. The other company kept the file open but did not pay medical until my client was ready to sign off.
6. You are entitled to a rental but most companies do not volunteer to provide you with one because of situations like yours where you do not need one.
7. Everyone who has said so is right. GET CHECKED OUT. I was in an accident when I was 18. (On my birthday actually.) Guy pulled out in front of me. Wasn't wearing my seat belt (So long ago it was not the law.) Hit my head on the windshield. I went to the client on campus but did not get any xrays of my neck or back. 30 years later I am having problems with my back and arms. A chiropractor xrayed my back and even I could see the damaged vertebra and the calcium build up as they tried for 30 years to fuse themselves together. It was too late to have the other guys insurance pay me for the damage to my back.
My mom was in an accident at less than 5 mph and she got whiplash and has suffered with it for over 40 years.

8. I went thru this in a hurry and I know I am forgetting something so if you have other questions just ask me.

"wpr" wrote:

I just remembered that on a totaled vehicle you will get the state sales tax up to the amount of the old car reimbursed as well.

"wpr" wrote:

As to whether or not your rates increase, all adjusters should avoid talking about that. It is not their job.

Some companies have the "accident forgiveness" where they don't charge for the first loss. Technically even if Farmers doesn't have that, you will not be charged for an "at fault accident". I have seen companies not charge for that but take away the "claims free discount" since you had a claim and the rates go up even though it was not your fault.. Their argument is that they paid for a claim. That is why I prefer to try the other guy's ins co first. That plus not having to deal with the ded.

tax refund of sorts-
You were in an accident. You are entitled to "be made whole" again. Regardless of which company you settle with, you will have to take the money and go get another car. I am ignoring the ded for now- Let's say you and they agree that your car is worth $3000 and you can find a car that is just like it (miles, color, accessories, everything) for $3000. The State is going to charge you taxes and fees for buying that "new" car. You are entitled to get that money back from the insurance company in addition to the money you got paid for the car.

"wpr" wrote: