What to Do with Brand New Tires When Your Car is Totaled by Insurance
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, especially when your vehicle is totaled, can be a logistical nightmare. However, what if your car was just totaled but it still has brand new tires? Navigating the situation can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can consider to best handle this scenario.
Options for Handling Brand New Tires Post-Total Loss
When your car is totaled by the insurance company, you might wonder if there is an opportunity to keep the brand new tires. Fortunately, there are a few viable options you can explore depending on the specific circumstances:
1. Remove the Tires
If your insurance company allows it, you can remove and keep the brand new tires from the totaled vehicle. This process may require you to pay for the removal costs at a garage or shop. Ensure that you have documentation and receipts from the entire process to support your claim.
2. Sell the Tires
You can also opt to sell the tires privately or through online marketplaces. Selling the tires can help recoup some of the expenses associated with purchasing them. Timing and their condition can impact the value of these tires, so check the market before deciding to sell.
3. Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Another approach is to contact your insurance company to see if they will reimburse you for the value of the tires, especially if they were recently purchased. Keep detailed receipts and documentation to strengthen your case. Understanding your insurance policy thoroughly can provide a better understanding of their terms and conditions.
4. Transfer to a New Vehicle
If you decide to purchase a new vehicle, check if the tires can be transferred and fitted to the new car. This strategy can save you money on purchasing new tires and represents a good use of the summer set you purchased.
Additional Considerations for Brand New Tires
While keeping or selling the tires may seem like a viable option, there are additional factors to consider:
Decreased Market Value
Tire warranties are not transferable, meaning even if the tires are practically new, they may not hold much value on the used market. Common tire sizes and any special features can also impact their worth. Check local Facebook Marketplace ads or other online platforms to gauge whether the tires are worth haggling over or not.
Insurance Ownership
It’s crucial to understand that once the insurance company totalizes your car, they effectively own the vehicle and any components it contains. Unless you can use the tires on another vehicle, their value is limited. If they are a common size and do not have any special features, they might not be worth much either.
Appealing the Insurance Claim
If you are dissatisfied with the value offered for your totaled vehicle, you can appeal the claim. Arrange to have an independent appraiser assess the value of your car, including the tires. This can help you negotiate a better settlement, especially if the appraiser values the car higher than your insurer.
However, unless you can reuse the tires on another vehicle, they are likely not worth much. Taking the necessary steps to understand your rights and explore all your options can help you navigate this challenging situation more effectively.