by kdodge36 » Sat May 22, 2010 04:45 am
my daughter had an accident in a 16 year-old car we bought new. It is sollid mechanically and the damage is cosmetic, but because of the age of the car, etc our insurer has declared it a total loss. They have offered $1950 minus the ded., but NADA is $3000 and Autotrader is $3600. I researched comps online and at dealers think that the actual value is more like $2700-$3000 for our car. We would like to fix it since it is a well-maintained reliable car... how do we present this info to our insurance co?
Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 06:57 am Post Subject:
Neither am I saying that $1950 is a bad offer after 16 years, nor am I saying that you have to accept this offer. This might well be an amount calculated upon his initial assessment. You may wish to ask your adjuster regarding how they arrived at this figure.
Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 10:55 am Post Subject:
how do we present this info to our insurance co?
Yes, you may consult with your adjuster. You may call on the customer service dept. to obtain any email-id wherein you can forward your point.
Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 11:34 am Post Subject:
kdodge, that's quite a difference. Was there any unrelated, unrepaired prior damage on the vehicle that would drop it's value? Double and triple check their evaluation, make sure there aren't any clerical mistakes, or missing information (ie exact same model and options, check the mileage etc).
If you'd like post the yr/make/model/mileage and I'll run a value.
How did they arrive at their value? What system did they use? You can do a local market survey, call three good used car dealers discribe your vehicle, ask what they would ask for this vehicle were it on their lot, (and they would sell a vehicle this old..most send these to the auction). Write down the date/time/who you talked to etc. Tell your adjuster that you don't agree with the value and this is why..present this along with the enternet info you have. Assuming of course that your vehicles value wasn't reduced by prior damage.
If you want to keep your vehicle you can, (in most states), your carrier will deduct the salvage value from your payment. You need to check with your states DMV to see what is required to get it legally back on the road if anything. Also you would want to know from your body shop what it will cost you to repair it.
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