Sunday was my birthday. The very first thing I did that morning was get in my car and drive to church. Didn't even eat breakfast. It was my pastor's wife who rear-ended me at the top of the off-ramp from the interstate. Also, just a month before, the impossible happened: my wife allowed me to bring home another Volvo, an 87 245 GL. Drove it home for $175, needs a starter, tires, and an odometer fix.

Is this all a coincidence, or was this meant to happen? My 244 is my first older Volvo, and I have just been pathetically moping around, trying to decide the fate of my beloved car for which I have developed much sentiment.

I have yet to speak with the total loss agent, but I have found out that the body shop's estimate of $1600 for repairs will deem this car as a total loss to AAA, the other car's insurer.

The other car hit my passenger side rear bumper, smashing my taillight and punching in the rear panel a bit. The trunk works fine, but there's more gap on both sides than there should be. The shock impact rail under the trunk was pushed in, and the bolt that should be visible under the trunk trim has been dragged under the trunk floor, and slightly farther forward is a buckle in the floor. The rear quarter panel was pushed forward, making a zero gap for the rear passenger side door to close.

There is no change in driveability, although I'm afraid that I might find out later that the car will be eating tires.

I want the insurance company to fix it. Is there a way for me to convince them that the car is worth, and I have put more than, $1600 into this car, and appeal the decision to make it a total loss? Or should I just fight for a larger check than what they will probably offer, buy the car back, and part it out for my new wagon?

By the way, the other car (a very new Toyota) was also totaled, with a $7600 estimate. When I first stepped out of my car after the accident, I was flabbergasted at how little damage I suffered compared to the other car.

thanks for reading, and for your help,

Josh in IL