I got involved in an accident where my car got totaled. I was thinking that instead of buying another car, I’d buy my totaled car back from the auto car insurance company. Would that be possible? Thanks.

Ricky

Chicago, IL

Regarding your first question, as per Illinois laws applicable in your case, you may not be able to buy back your totaled car. As stated by the Illinois Department of Insurance, a resident is normally not allowed to retain a vehicle when it has been cleared as a total loss. You are not allowed to keep whatever is left of your car should the auto car insurance company declare it a total loss, as per the Illinois Vehicle Code. This measure is done by the state of Illinois to avoid what is called “chop shop” crime.

However, having said that, there are actually two instances in which Illinois laws do allow an automobile owner to salvage his/her vehicle after having it totaled:

1. If the car has suffered only damage from hail, and it does not hinder the operational safety of the car.
2. If the car is 9 model years old or more.

(In the above instances, a salvage certificate should be filed with the Secretary of State.)

Therefore, the state, through the auto car insurance company, has the right to determine if your vehicle is still fit for its operational safety and road worthiness. They basically won’t allow for hazards on the streets or on its citizens. And they surely won’t allow you to suffer another bout of serious accident, would they?

So, if your car does not meet the above requirements, consider having just a portrait of your totaled car to remind you of such happy memories.

I’ve always been a sucker for cheap stuff, and not too long ago, I purchased cheap auto car insurance in Michigan. Now that I need to make a claim for an accident, they’re giving me the runaround. When the accident happened, I was only the passenger because a friend of mine was driving my car. All the same, they have to cover my losses, right?

Jonathan

Detroit, MI

I’m right there with you, Jonathan. That’s the thing about cheap companies with bad service. They know everybody is scrimping on food, rent, clothing and everything else, so they offer rock bottom prices, but they are hardly worth your money.

Before you purchased this auto insurance policy, I hope you checked out the auto insurance company first. Are they really licensed? You can visit the state website or the Michigan Department of Insurance to take a look at the list of licensed car insurance agents. When dealing with them in person, they must carry their license with them, too. In their offices, the license to sell auto insurance must be posted on walls.

As for what you are entitled to receive, there seems to be no doubt that you should be reimbursed for your medical expenses and other losses. In Michigan, PIP or Personal Injury Protection is mandatory. For as long as the cost of your hospitalization, and your doctor’s fees are within the reasonable amount determined by the auto insurance company, they have no choice but to reimburse you even though you weren’t the one driving. As a passenger, your PIP still protects you from unexpected expenses caused by some road trouble. So, think twice before jumping to cheap auto car insurance in the future.