What do you guys think?
 

So basically, a friend of mine accidentally drove his less-than-a-year-old Mitsubishi Lancer through a very deep puddle at the bottom of an offramp during some most inclement weather, resulting in some very severe damage (think water flowing inside through the bottom of the doors). He was able to drive it to the dealership, who has since told him the car is a loss and are basically changing him an additional $4000 for the pleasure... he had full coverage insurance on it, which I would have thought would have paid to get this thing repaired/replaced, albeit stinking his rates for years to come. Do you guys have any insight/advice to give on this situation? I'm of the opinion that he's getting screwed and should get a lawyer... am I a little off my rocker when I say that?

Nope, your friend is fucked.

Best he can do is argue with his insurance company IF he thinks it can be repaired.

And I wouldn't be taking any car to the dealer as their incentive is not to fix the damaged car, but to sell your friend a new car.

He should take it to a shop that specializes in this kind of damage (Although I don't how much water there was I can tell you that yes, a flood can total a car easily if the water was high enough to get into the engine and electronics.)

I thought that was what full coverage was for... I would sue. But I was born in California, so I would sue if someone looked at my dog funny. It's not my fault tho... :)

Tell him to call a lawyer.

full coverage is for blue book value only...most cars lose $2,000 in value as you leave the lot.

Also, if it has more than about 1000 miles per month that will take a big bite out of the value

If he owes more than the car is worth then he's screwed. That's what GAP insurance is for. Just in case the car is totalled or stolen and you still owe mucho $ on it, the insurance takes care of it (minus any deductibles of course).

Actually, at least in the insurance office i work in, full coverage is for the replacement cost of the vehicle, not necessarily the blue book value. He should be able to get another car by making an insurance claim.

this is true. This should most definitely be covered by his insurance company. If the car is not repairable, then they will give him a settlement, that should be enought to at least cover the amount remaining on his loan, if not more.

Then it is time to buy a new car.:D

I agree, the insurance company should pay for it. But they know that only a very small percentage will actually do anything about it. Most people just let themselves be screwed over. These things rarely go to court. Hire a lawyer and they will settle really fast.

Good advice. You don't have to settle for what the insurance company offers. Just remember a lawyer will cost $ too.

I am an insurance specialist for a state dept of insurance. this is the poop. your friends water loss is covered under the comprehensive portion of his policy. the comprehensive coverage many times has a lower deductible than the collision coverage. the best part is, companies do not surcharge for comprehensive losses. let me know if you have any questions.

well damd, sounds like Francis is gona wrap that one up. I cast my vote with the guy who knows what he's talking about.