A total loss claim on a vehicle means that the costs to repair a vehicle will exceed the actual value of that vehicle. The Auto Insurance in Austin TX inspection of the vehicle is often the most harrowing for the insured. This is especially so if the vehicle was flooded. There is a feeling, however discreet, that something may not be right. The job of the agent is to inspect the vehicle for damage.
Pictures help offer insight into what may have happened in the immediate aftermath of the flooding. The tricky aspect of a flood-damaged vehicle is that the damage is rarely visible. Any damage that has occurred will be ought of sight and interior, thus making it inaccessible in a quick inspection. The damage may also not appear at all. The salt water will cause issues in the following months, but it manifests as “invisible” in the first few days or weeks after flooding. This is why pictures are so pivotal. Pictures should also have the license plate in them to help authenticate that it was “that” vehicle that was damaged.
The inspector will take about an hour in total before finalizing an Auto Insurance in Austin TX claim. He or she will take photos of the vehicle in its present condition. The inspector will take photos of the surrounding area, especially if the vehicle is in the same location where it had the flood damage initially. The inspector will grab the mileage. This is done to confirm that no additional miles will be put on it. The vehicle will likely be labeled non-drivable. Even if the vehicle can turn on and drive, the insurance company wants it off the road. It will technically be a breach of insurance if the driver was to then drive the vehicle after the inspection in this situation.
The car may not be towed with the inspector. The insured will choose where they want the car towed to, which will typically be a body shop for a second opinion. From there, a determination of the totaled status will be made. Contact Patrick Court of State Farm for more details on total loss protocols.
