If your car was totaled by the insurance company after an accident and you need to buy a new car, it’s a good idea to get some expert advice and take your time. That way you won’t get stuck buying a car in bad shape or getting a bad deal on a car. Even though the process of buying a new car after an accident can be daunting, if you take the steps discussed below, the process may be easier to navigate.
Buying a New Car After an Accident
Before you start the process of buying a new car after an accident, make sure that you speak with an attorney about your claim first. Make sure that you have everything you need from the damaged car before you start looking for new cars. It’s important that you gather evidence by taking photos and videos of the damage. Make them as detailed as possible so that your insurance company will have documentation of all the damage to your existing vehicle. This will help the insurance company make a determination of what your vehicle was worth and how much money you should be compensated for it.
Do Your Research
When you’re ready to start looking for another car, start by doing some research. First, decide what type of car you want. If you need a car for commuting, a sedan that is good on gas might be a good choice. But, if you need to carry a lot of people or gear, an SUV might make more sense. Decide what type of car will best fit your lifestyle and needs.
Once you’ve chosen the type of vehicle that you want, start looking at sites like Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds to find the best-rated cars. When you’re comparing different types of cars, you shouldn’t just look at price. Price is important, but other factors are also important. Compare different makes and models of cars based on:
- Price
- Fuel efficiency
- Size and comfort
- Amenities and extras
- Longevity
- Safety ratings and safety equipment
- Reviews from consumers
Making a car is a big purchase so it’s worth it to take your time and look for the right car, not just whatever car is available right now. You can also let local dealerships know what type of car you’re interested in so they can contact you if they find a car you might like.
Once You Find The Right Car
After you’ve found the exact car that you want to buy you should look up that vehicle’s history and service records. Make sure that it hasn’t been in an accident and that it has a clean title. Never buy a car with a rebuilt title or that doesn’t have a title. Most insurance companies won’t insure cars that don’t have the original title. You can use a service like Bumper.com or Carfax to find the detailed record of a particular car using the car’s VIN.
Can You Sell Your Totaled Car?
Even if the insurance adjuster declares that your car is totaled, you may be able to keep it or sell it. You will have to determine what the fair market value for your car, and then that amount will be deducted from the insurance settlement if you decide to keep your car and get it fixed rather than getting rid of it. You can use a service like Bumper.com to determine the value of your totaled car.
Conclusion
Doing research is the best thing you can do when buying a new car after an accident. Take your time, be thorough, and don’t base your purchase just on the price of the car.
