On Tue 12 Sep 2006 08:28:51p,  wrote in rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
(news:450750c3$0$34572$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net):

Excellent news!  

RE:
"I get the feeling that most of you who are responding are used to
owning much more expensive cars than I have. So if such a car is
"totalled", that implies some pretty major damage. I mean, say
your car is worth $14K. It would take a *lot* of damage to reach
that figure! In which case, I would certainly expect the car to be
beyond repair. "

Up until my very first new vehicle in 1998 (a modest Chevy S10) I
used to buy used cars.  In the case of an accident requiring
repairs paid for by an insurance company, I'm not sure which would
accrue more $$.  On the one hand, older cars can require parts hard
if not impossible to find in good condition.  If the parts can't be
replaced, that can lead to a "total loss" condition.  On the other
hand, I just had an accident in my 2005 GMC Canyon that resulted in
just a minor dent in the drivers side rear panel and the bumper.  
It resulted in $1,500 worth of damage (according to GEICO, the
insured's insurance company).  To me looking at all of the parts
involved, I would have figured the cost to fix would be higher.
This is where some insurance companies are very smart. They form
co-ops with collision specialists and rental car agencies. I have
to credit GEICO, and if I were in the market for a new insurance
company, I might go with them. This is another marketing ploy -
they're helpful. From the time the accident happened, to when the
person at fault reported it (3 days later) to the day I was to
bring in my truck to their repair partner (3 more days) until I got
my truck back (4 more days) it was painless. Of course, my truck
was driveable before I had to bring it in, but if it wasn't I would
hope they'd give me a loaner/rental. (Joyce, did you get a rental?)
The rental they gave me while waiting for my truck was a pickup
truck (I told them on the phone I didn't need a truck for the short
time they'd have mine) and it was a HUGE F150 Ford truck. Boy was I
spoiled during that time.  LOL Got my truck back Friday of the same
week I brought mine in to be repaired.  Seamless repair; I can't
even tell it was damaged.

I hope you have this type of experience.  

Good news, Joyce.  Hope the repairs work out well.

That is wonderful news. Now, how long is it going to be out of
commission?

--
CATherine

Happy dance