Tundra Frame

I was in a hit and run. We found them and they have AAA insurance. Collision place just told me I need a new frame. 2015 SR5 5.7 Crew Cab. The collision center said cost is 15k. Would not this prompt a salvage title?

 

Hmm. interesting question. I would think so but who knows?

 

Each State has a department of motor vehicles that have their own rules around this type of thing. You should check with yours. In some states, the salvage title has less to do with the damage and more to do with it being deemed a "total loss" moneywise. Meaning if the cost to repair exceeds the value of the vehicle, then it is a total loss. In some situations, the vehicle is so old that an accident that damages just some body panels makes it a total loss.

 

Diminished value is hugely important. Especially in this instance.

 

@ColoradoTJ and @matluth make great points about diminished value. I work in the insurance industry, though I don't get involved in simple auto accidents much. So here is a general overview:

Diminished value only applies in some states. These again have to do with the insurance regulations written by states individually as well as some of the court rulings that go state by state. Unfortunately, insurance is regulated by state, not on a federal level. Your agent can tell you if Diminished Value is recognized in your state. Or you can try to google.

Diminished value when recognized by states is usually only recognized in third party claims. Meaning if you hit a telephone pole and it was your fault, you cannot claim diminished value against your own insurance company. It usually only comes into play if someone else hits you and you are making a claim for diminished value under their policy.

There are exceptions to the above, but that is how it generally works.

 

I hope I can negotiate a reasonable diminished value without lining some lawyers pockets. Thanks for the input.

 

Sorry to hear that. Welcome to the best forum!

 

My coworkers insurance company dealt on his behalf with the other parties insurance to get diminished value for his Hyundai.

 

You don't need a lawyer. If you have a good insurance agent, he/she can help. Otherwise, you can make the claim yourself. You will need to spend some time on the net reading advice and how to from others that have done this before.
Unfortunately, I cannot help you in this matter. Since I work in this field, my assistance doesn't really count as "advice". Rather, it counts as "counsel". And there are rules that I must abide by to protect my Professional Liability (errors and omissions insurance). If you post ideas on here, I can opine. However, I cannot suggest anything. I don't mean to be a jerk about it, but it's like a Doctor giving out medical advice to his neighbor (not recommended).