Auto Repair

[zbryan]

My car was parked in front of my house when a drunk driver crashed into it. Because my car was parked the driver of the other car was held responsible. The insurance company of the driver is offering money to replace it, saying it is "totaled." However, my insurance company said that they are required to pay for all repair costs if I want to have it repaired.

Are they required to pay for my vehicle damage if this is what I want or are they only required to pay what is cheaper? What is the point of requiring that people have $10,000 minimum in property damage for auto insurance if insurance companies never have to pay this amount?

[Mr. Knowitall]

In most states liability ends with the satisfaction of the injured party's damages, which would mean the lesser of the cost of repair or the reasonable replacement cost of the vehicle. If there is an exception in Missouri, perhaps your insurance agent can provide you with the legal authority which creates that exception.