BeachBound1967
New Member
- 1
I have a 2004 Ford Escape that is fully covered under Geico. I owe about $3000 on my car. My deductible is $1000. (My husband passed away last year and so I'm living on one income now). So...although I could have afforded to pay this a few year ago when I first enrolled, I cannot afford the deductible now.
Last weekend, I had my kayak tied to the top of the SUV and it was partially blown off the top by strong winds. It knocked around the body of the car pretty hard before I could stop. There are several dents in different areas and I'm guessing the cost to repair this will be high since the dents are in several different locations.
So..now I'm trying to figure out my options because I cannot afford the deductible. I know very little about car insurance so excuse me if this question is less than intelligent....but is there a way I can file a claim, get an estimate, and take a check instead of going directly through the repair garage? I know people do this who don't owe on their car, but since I'm still making payments on my car, I know that changes things.
Or....unless I am mistaken...it is also my understanding that if the damage will cost more than what is owed on the car, than other options exist? Did I get that right as well?
What can I do here? I don't care about having the car repaired right away but I need to do something. The car is drive-able, and I can live with the dents for awhile (even though it looks bad). I hope this makes sense.
Please help if you can.
Thank you.
Last weekend, I had my kayak tied to the top of the SUV and it was partially blown off the top by strong winds. It knocked around the body of the car pretty hard before I could stop. There are several dents in different areas and I'm guessing the cost to repair this will be high since the dents are in several different locations.
So..now I'm trying to figure out my options because I cannot afford the deductible. I know very little about car insurance so excuse me if this question is less than intelligent....but is there a way I can file a claim, get an estimate, and take a check instead of going directly through the repair garage? I know people do this who don't owe on their car, but since I'm still making payments on my car, I know that changes things.
Or....unless I am mistaken...it is also my understanding that if the damage will cost more than what is owed on the car, than other options exist? Did I get that right as well?
What can I do here? I don't care about having the car repaired right away but I need to do something. The car is drive-able, and I can live with the dents for awhile (even though it looks bad). I hope this makes sense.
Please help if you can.
Thank you.