What do I do next for a likely totaled, new vehicle? (PA)
Hi all,
I very recently switched my insurance and address and all to Pennsylvania due to the length I’m there for schooling. I’m a male in my early 20s, and traded in my previous car for a new one just last week. Sadly that same day, I lost control driving through a downhill curve and crashed pretty hard into a tree (nobody else on the road, so I am most likely to be considered fully at fault). Car is most likely totaled, airbags went off and pretty much the entire passenger side drivetrain is smashed in. Fortunately physical injuries are not too bad. Police responded to the crash, and my vehicle was towed to the lot of a body/repair shop.
My main questions are: the vehicle is being stored at the lot of the group that towed it. I filed an insurance (Progressive) claim and an agent reached out end of day last Friday, saying they had to verify the date of the accident with the police report/records group. They would then send an adjuster or person to take the vehicle away to the insurance’s lot. I was told to take my plate and registration, leave both keys and all original options/items with the car (mats, etc). Based on the photo and video attached, the agent said over the phone it would likely be totaled. However I don’t have anything in writing (valuation, where the vehicle will be taken, if I can dispute an offer once it’s taken), and the fact they told me to take plate and registration make me think they’re just planning to total and auction.
Should I let the adjuster take the vehicle, or leave it at the current body shop until they do an appraisal/offer/send more information in writing? Is this normal? The insurance agent seemed kind of insistent that they couldn’t do an appraisal until they took it. Would it be worth getting an appraisal/estimate by the tow/repair person? I am worried insurance will just take the vehicle and give a low offer. It is a very new and good condition car, and just about half was being financed. I have quite good coverage on my policy, and feel it may be possible to get a decent bit back (if not enough for a replacement) but this is my first time getting into an accident so I’m unsure.
Of course there’s other questions regarding stuff like the police report, what information to best include to help my case, etc. but some of that is more legal stuff which I have requested to talk to my school’s legal resources groups for help.
Any insight into what to do would be much appreciated, for those who’ve had similar experiences or know how this all works. Thank you!