Q: Do I have to pay taxes on a new vehicle that was totaled before I can file an insurance claim?
I was in an accident that was the other party's fault and my was totaled. The accident occurred two weeks after I purchased the vehicle. I had a loan out on the vehicle and I didn't have the title yet. I was told by the other party's insurance that they did not need my assistance and that they would be able to handle the whole claim without my name being on the title. A month has passed and they are now changing their story and telling me that I do indeed need to register the car in my name and pay the taxes on the vehicle before I can finish the claim with them. This is obviously frustrating because I would be paying $1000 in taxes on a car I don't even have because it's totaled. I am unable to finish the claim, file a gap claim, and pay off the loan to my lien holder until this is all sorted out. I am unsure which of their answers regarding the title perfection is true, and I'm also wondering if there's any legal action to be taken because they gave me the wrong info at least once.
A: in most states the taxes are part of the property damage settlement. If they are at fault and car is totaled, chances are it was a big hit and you were hurt. The other side isn't caring for you. Contact a member of the Mo. Assn for Justice for the county where it happened. They give free consults.
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