Eagle, CO asked in Car Accidents for Colorado

Q: What is reasonable to ask for on a wrecked car in addition to what it's worth, i.e. cost of recent (10 days) repairs.

Our daughter's boyfriend wrecked and totaled our car. He did not have permission from us but was given permission to drive it by our daughter who although is not an owner is on the insurance policy. Our insurance company has given us a fair valuation of the vehicle, but I feel like the boyfriend should reimburse us not only for the deductible (which he said he would) but also for the cost of the repairs we had done to the car only 10 days before it was wrecked. The repair bill was $4,400 and included a new engine ($3,900) and new front brakes. Would we have a case to have him pay this in addition to what the insurance company pays us for the value of the vehicle as we are obviously out that money?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Wyomissing, PA

A: You might, but generally the courts say that the person is only liable for the damage they caused --i.e. the value of the vehicle.

In this case if it had a new engine you can argue to your insurance that they should increase the offer because your car has been improved. You buy a car with 100,000 and a new engine you should get more value than just the value of a car with 100k. The brakes are iffy. Generally that's a "routine maintenance" item. Best bet--cut your best deal with the company, and let him deal with them.

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