In such cases you are entitled to be paid what it costs to replace your car. In other words, you have a right to be paid the full retail value of your car plus all applicable sales taxes and title transfer fees. Often insurance companies will offer you less than your car is worth. In such cases you need proof of the cost to replace your car. This book will give you the average sale price in the U.S. for your car.
Many auto dealers employ professional appraisers.
If the damage was your fault or fault cannot be determined, or if the damage was caused by an uninsured driver, you must make a collision coverage claim. This is a claim made under your own collision coverage. Such claims are governed by different rules and procedures than liability claims. Your insurance company has the right to inspect the damage to your car before they are obligated to pay a collision claim. You have no right to a rental car from your own insurance company unless you purchased rental car coverage.