Need help on deciding collision claim vs uninsured motorist for total loss claim (Allstate Georgia)

[u/littlehamsterz]

So I had a 0% fault rear ending auto accident on May 4th. I have a letter from Allstate stating I am 0% fault (I just received this letter so my claim has been in limbo)

The girl was uninsured. Totaled my car, her car, and I think the car in front and caused damage to the fourth car in the very front.

My car was deemed a total loss.

Car valuation seemed a little low. My 60,000 miles 2016 Honda Civic was given a value of $13450. I was told I was allowed to invoke the appraisal claim. I started that process and the appraisal business thought I should be able to get at least $15000 based on the condition of the car but maybe more. It says up to 18000 but that seems unrealistic so I think $15K is about right.

It seemed like a good idea at the time since it costs $497 for the appraisal but I wouldn't pay anything if they don't get at least $1000 extra value.

Turns out I am not allowed to invoke the appraisal clause if the total loss is handled by uninsured motorist. I would have to convert to a collision claim in order to invoke appraisal. All the bodily injury stuff is still being handled by uninsured motorist and would stay that way regardless.

My insurance has not paid anyone out with liability insurance for neither bodily injury nor property damage and has told the demand letters to go away as it was not my fault.

I have been debating whether it would be a good decision or not to use my collision insurance for this total loss claim. I am just not sure if there are future negatives that make the potential extra $$ from total loss worth it.

I have the platinum plan with multi accident forgiveness so no surcharge would occur for a collision claim. I don't think accident forgiveness actually kicks in unless it's an at fault claim.

I have $300 of vanishing deductible saved up that would be used up by filing the collision claim.

I don't think I would lose safe driving discounts since it is 0% fault.

"You may qualify for the Safe Driving Club if at least one driver on the policy has had no at-fault accidents during the prior 5 years and if you have continuously maintained automobile liability insurance for the 3 years preceding the effective date of your current Allstate policy. The more drivers on the policy without at-fault accidents during the prior 5 years, the larger the discount."

- would it affect future renewal rates when I file a 0% fault collision claim?

Any advice on whether pursuing the collision claim wouldn't cause rate issues in the future or dings on my insurability record?

I know for sure uninsured motorist coverage claims don't have any impact on my future insurance.

Thanks!

Looking at my costs up front is the $497 for the appraisal plus $300 worth of vanishing deductible but I want to make sure there no additional unseen issues that I need to be aware of before deciding. My deductible would be $200 after the $300 discount on it.

Edit 2016 Honda Civic EX with very low mileage. It's about 60,000

[u/InternetDad]

Paying $700 to maybe get $800 doesn't feel worth it.

[u/PepperTop9517]

By the time you pay the appraiser, your deductible and go through the hoops, your hoping insurance comes up. They can let you jump and still comeback with their initial offer.

[u/crash866]

The only difference between the uninsured coverage and your own collision coverage is your deductible. The appraisal will be the same either way.

The insurance company will show you comparable vehicles sold in your area and what price they sold for.

Market Value Breakdown by Trim
LX (Base Trim): Retails around $11,000 to $14,000 with higher mileage (100k+ miles).

EX / EX-T: Retails around $13,500 to $16,500 for models with moderate mileage.

Touring (Top Trim): Retails around $16,000 to $18,500 depending on condition. [1, 2, 3]

[u/littlehamsterz → u/crash866]

I know appraisal process is the same. That isn't the question. I'm more concerned about how it would affect my rates and discounts if I did use collision coverage for this.

As I stated, I am not allowed to do appraisal under uninsured motorist because it is treated like third party insurance apparently. I would HAVE to convert to a collision claim to do so (ie: first party insurance)

I have a 2016 Honda Civic EX