Lori Magallanes asked 3 weeks ago My daughter’s vehicle was parked in the driveway of a property that was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Her vehicle was totally burned. She submitted the claim to Allstate as a total loss and they paid her off and had the vehicle tolled away. Now, she’s receiving registration renewal for this vehicle. When she called Allstate to find out what happen with the paperwork to be filed with the DMV, they could not or would not help her out. Does she just go to the DMV to straighten this out?
Chris Faber Expert answered 1 week ago Hi Lori,
When an insurer declares a vehicle a total loss, pays the claim, and takes possession of the vehicle, the insurer or its salvage vendor will typically handle the title transfer and related DMV paperwork.
That said, your daughter should not ignore the registration renewal notice. She should contact the California DMV to confirm whether the transfer paperwork was ever submitted and whether the vehicle is still listed in her name.
Before contacting the DMV, it will help to gather:
The total loss settlement paperwork
Proof of payment from Allstate
Any release of ownership forms she signed
Tow/salvage documentation, if available
The vehicle VIN and license plate number
She should also contact Allstate in writing and request:
Confirmation that the DMV paperwork was submitted
The date it was submitted
Copies of any documents filed
The name of the salvage vendor that took possession of the vehicle
If the paperwork was not properly processed, the DMV can advise her on what forms may now be needed to protect her from future registration fees or liability tied to the vehicle.
If Allstate continues to be unresponsive, she can also file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance.
Chris