Automobile Insurance Claims

Reader’s Question:

My car got hit and my vehicle will likely be a total loss. What about the rims and stereo and all the accessories in my vehicle? What are my rights with it in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

Martin

Chattanooga, TN

When an auto insurance provider in Chattanooga, Tennessee settles with the individual on an automobile that has been determined a total loss for the ACV of the vehicle then unless you have negotiated with the insurance provider to buy back the vehicle for the salvage value it will become the property of the insurance carrier.

The insurance provider has paid you for the car so it becomes their property now. The insurance provider may sell it for salvage and recoup some of the monies they paid out for the total loss auto insurance claim. You may try to negotiate for any accessories that you may want off the automobile, however once you are paid for your total loss the car is the insurance provider’s property.

Collision Insurance Coverage

Reader’s Question:

My boyfriend borrowed my vehicle to buy something from the grocery store and he was rear-ended a driver who proceeded to drive off. I would like to know if I make a claim from my car insurance company in Knoxville, Tennessee to cover the damages to the bumper, will my auto insurance be affected since my boyfriend is not on my car insurance policy.

Samantha

Knoxville, TN

You will have to verify with your insurance company to determine if your car insurance coverages is extended to your boyfriend while he was driving your car under under your car insurance policy terms. If you give permission to somebody to drive your vehicle, normally car insurance coverage extends to them.

If your boyfriend resides in the same household with you and you did not add him as a licensed household motorist your insurance carrier may deny the claim however if he resides somewhere else and occasionally borrows the vehicle your insurance carrier in Knoxville, Tennessee will likely not take issue with his driving it. If your insurance carrier does not have an issue with your boyfriend driving the vehicle then you should be able to make a car insurance claim against your collision coverage.