Car Totaled? Five Steps To Get You Back On The Streets of Baton Rouge

So you think your car has just been totaled? Now what? Are you just not sure what to do next? What is the process? Through the years, Medines Collision Center has developed steps that should guide you through the process, and will enable you to be back on the streets of Baton Rouge as soon as possible. 

After your accident, normal precautions must be made such as; checking for injuries, dialing 911, looking for witnesses, calling your insurance company. One thing Medines suggests is to take pictures of everything. It’s assumed that you should take pictures of the damage, the accident and the injuries, but also take pictures of their license plate, driver’s license, and insurance card.

Mistakes happen, just writing their information down might lead to a costly error. Pulling out your camera phone and snapping a quick photo helps prevent numerical or alphabetical errors from occurring while working through your accident case. It's just a good idea to keep yourself protected.

Now it's time to get the insurance process started. At first glance, the car may appear like it will never drive the streets of Baton Rouge again. But, how do you find out and who can help?

Take Control, Choose Medines 

Have your car towed to Medines Collision Center. There it will be inspected for the severity of the damage and all information will be relayed to you and the insurance agency. Medines will complete a thorough inspection and administer a repair estimation report before moving forward. If the report comes back a total loss, Medines can provide you with a NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) value of your vehicle report. The insurance company might not want to use these figures, but the amount they offer is “negotiable.” Depending on the situation, it's often suggested that you get within a few hundred dollars of the bottom line figure, if possible.

Personal Items

Remove any personal items from inside the vehicle. You can also grab your license plate.  Medines will have you sign a release form in order for the insurance company to pick up your vehicle. You do not want to sign the release form until you are satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations and ready to release your vehicle to the insurance company. 

Insurance

It is very important that you get all of your negotiations with the insurance company in WRITING. You do want the negotiations to drag on any longer than needed. However, you do not want to release your car until the negotiations with the insurance company are finalized. Once this process takes place, have the final numbers sent via, email, fax, or mail.

THE DMV 

Take the license plate to the DMV or a notary for handling. The DMV is free, usually a notary will charge around $5.00 to process it for you. You will need this to be done before you drop insurance on your vehicle. If you drop insurance before you turn in your license plate, the DMV will find you $75.00 after ten days.

Follow up with Medines 

Your car may need to be stored, and Medines is licensed to do so. You are not responsible for the tow, storage, and related fees. Do not let the insurance company tell you otherwise. The insurance company will come and pick up the car. However, make sure your personal items are back in your possession before they do so.

Medines Collison Center has been aiding drivers get back on the road for decades. We are here to help guide you through your accident no matter the severity. If you have just been in an accident and are looking for help with your case call 225-357-7983 or download more information about why you should Take Control an Choose Medines Collision Center.