What is my next step in this automobile accident?

Question

Our car was totaled in an accident.

We were finally paid for it.

The check was cut July 23rd.

We've even purchased a replacement vehicle already.

I understand we no longer have the title on it, but who takes the car? And when? And how does that happen?

Answer 1

The insurance company usually has a salvage yard they work with that will pick the car up and take care of it for you. The insurance company should have already contacted you in regards to when the vehicle would be picked up--or the salvage yard contacts you themselves to arrange a date and time to recover the vehicle. I would call the insurance company and ask them what is happening with the vehicle since you haven't heard anything.

My car was totaled last year but I could still drive it (cost to fix was more than book value) and I had the option to buy it back from the insurance. Instead, I took the cash and let the salvage yard take it. They called me and we arranged to have the car picked up on a certain day and sure enough, they showed up and towed her away. You need to contact the insurance company asap.

Answer 2

Not to worry, it they gave you a check and took your title, they will eventually send a tow truck to get it out of your back yard and to their salvage yard where they will attempt to recoup their losses by offering parts off your car.

That is the problem with taking your car to your own back yard after an accident, the insurance is never is a hurry to get rid of it because it isn't costing them anything.  If you would have let the tow truck take it to his yard where he charged them daily storage, it would have been gone long ago.

Answer 3

The car can not be released from the repair shop until you verbally tell them that they can release it.  A large salvage yard will take the car from the repair facility.  Your insurance company will probably be instructing you to call the repair facility to release the vehicle to the salvage yard.

Answer 4

That's a long time for them not to have picked it up.  Give them a call and remind them about it.  FWIW, your state may allow you to charge a storage charge for each day the car is on your property.