My car was totaled after I made maintenance and general repairs. Can the repair and maint costs be recovered?

Question

I had general maintenance and repairs performed on my car, so that it would remain in good condition. Tires, belts, thermostat, brakes, fluids, etc.to the tune of about $2,000. A week later I was involved in a multi-car accident in which my car was totaled. I was not at fault, not even partially. Can I have the repair and maintenance costs that I just put into my car wholly considered as part of the settlement that my insurer will pay for the car? I paid for the work with my Discover credit card -- is there purchase protection that would refund me those costs? Would I have to sue someone if I wanted to recoup those costs?

Answer 1

NO. General maintenance and repairs are just that -- services that are done to keep your vehicle in good condition, which WILL be considered on the total loss settlement. No one owes you dollar for dollar for the work you had done so forget about sueing

Answer 2

no. the same thing happend to me 3 years ago. I am sorry to say you have to take that as a loss.

Answer 3

No.  General maintenance is something you do to keep your car in decent shape, and it's considered in when they figure value.  You don't get reimbursed for doing what you are supposed to do.

Answer 4

General maintenance is work that has to be done anyway.  Major repairs, such as a new motor, can increase the value.  Often (not always) new name brand tires can increase the value because they have saleability.  Fluids, belts, tune-ups, etc, are needed to keep the car running, and are part of maintaining value, not increasing it.  Definitely submit your receipts, as they support a value based on good or better-than-average condition, rather than average or lower-than-average, but they will not just tack them on after the evaluation.  Sorry.