I was in a minor accident that was my fault. There was very little damage to the car in front of me. My car's passenger side head lamp was broken and there was a little bit of fender damage. She just had a black eye, really! I then had it taken to a very respected body shop with over 30 years of excellent business. The owner did a thorough inspection of the car and estimated the damage at $2000.

When 'The General' insurance company did their estimate it came out to $3500!! The mechanic was dumbfounded. 'No way it's that much! The guys on crack!' Upon further inspection of the insurance companies estimate, we found that part of their total involved parts that MAY need replacing in the future but where not damaged in the accident.

All the while, I'm being tossed back and forth between people over at the insurance company. No one would return my calls. They labeled it a 'total loss'. End of discussion. This goes on for over two MONTHS!! I couldn't work because my job requires that I have a car.

I ended up just canceling the claim and paying for the repairs out of pocket. It cost exactly $2000 just as the mechanic said it would. I have taken it to my regular mechanic of many years and he says it in perfect running order.

This nightmare started in July and I finally got the car back in early September. Yet, when I tried to register my car this year, I was told that my former insurance company had placed a salvage title on the car in October! A full month after the claim was canceled.

I've tried everything from the insurance board to the better business bureau and no one will help me. The dmv says that there is nothing they can do if the insurance company will not relent. I sent them the bill and the estimate to prove that the car was perfectly fine and not in need of a salvage in the first place and they refused to accept that their estimate was wrong.

What gives them the right to put a salvage title on a car they never paid a claim on?! Someone please help! They are liars and frauds!