Can you take stuff from a car that has been in a car accident?

Question

If I spend a lot on my tires, then total my car the next day, but want the tires, can I take them?

They are in fine condition, but I want the tires back.

How do I go about taking them?

Answer 1

call your ins. co. for permission

Answer 2

I've heard of some insurance companies wanting to get the car as it was insured...If you had new items on it them you can show them the sales receipt and they will adjust the amount you receive. I had to bring in my old stock radio back when my car was totaled in a rear end accident, I got to keep my after market radio and sold it to a friend. Some cars get sold to salvage  yards and the more pieces they car sell the more money the car is worth to your insurance company.

Answer 3

You are not supposed to remove anything from the car except your personal property after an accident.

If they find out you did they can refuse to pay the claim or part of it and hold you liable.

Also, when they evaluate the value of the car after the wreck they will take into account the value of the tires so you will receive some compensation for them.

Good Luck, sorry about your wreck!

Answer 4

Yes you can but the insurance company will deduct their value from the settlement they give you. Actually, you can even buy the entire wreck back from them for the amount they expect to get for it at auction.

When my 02 Miata was totalled in April, I got a good settlement. I could have bought the car back then for $900 and fixed it up. I would have if it was for me but it was meant as my daughter's graduation present and I needed something to give her too quick for me to have fixed it up.

Answer 5

That is up to the insurance company. But I am going to say no.

Generally after the accident, the company that towed the vehicle sends the insurance company a bill for the towing and storage of the car. If the insurance company totals the car, they give the tow company the vehicle in exchange for the storage and towing. The tow company then either parts out the car or sells it to a scrap yard.

If you elect to pay the tow company for the tow and storage (usually a few hundred dollars) they may give you the car. But have you really gained anything? Sure you got your new tires back, but it cost you a few hundred dollars to get them.