Parts No Longer Available | How do I fix my car?

by Shaun
(Massacusetts)

I was recently involved in an accident in which the party at fault did not have car insurance.

My insurance (progressive) paid to have my car fixed. When I got it back I found that the right headlight bulb was taped into the housing with electrical tape. To make a long story short, they ordered a new headlight because they said the first one did not come with the necessary part to hold the bulb into the housing.

Well, the second headlight arrived and once, again, the part to hold the bulb into the housing wasn't with it. According to SAAB, that part is no longer made. I have a 2005 Saab 9-3 and they don't make this part for it anymore!

The bodyshop ended up fabricating a device to hold the bulb in. It isn't in correctly and while it does light up the road, the light isn't focused correctly and during daytime it looks like the bulb is out.

People tell me all the time that I have a headlight out. Just last week the bulb burned out and I can't replace it because it's screwed into the housing.

My question is: can I tell my insurance company they need to total my car because a part required to fix it is no longer available?



Answer:

Hello Shaun,

The light bulb was taped? That is some quality work by Progressive's bodyshop there. Well, they cannot total the vehicle because of one part.

Total loss is a question of value really. What is the value of your vehicle now and what would it cost to have it fix. If the value to have it fix is less than the value of your car (70%, 80%, or 90% - depending on your state law), then the car is a total.

Your problem is that the insurance company owes you to fix the car, not to replace it or to fix it with new parts. They can try to get you used parts and that would be okay. I know it is not a fair situation, but it is what it is.

Your insurance company must help you finding a correct part (even if it is used) from another 2005 SAAB.

For more about total loss, please see: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/totaling-a-vehicle.html

I hope this helps

Good Luck,
http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com