After the collision (100% not my fault) the insurance company sent an apriiser to assess the damage. Repair cost were estimated at $1773. The book value of my car is $1000. Because the repair cost was higher then the book value of the car, total write off.
The adjuster told me my options were to accept the settlement of $1000 and lose my car or retain the car and recieve $700 in compensation. The ladder sounded like not a bad option because I have Kouki bumpers on the way and the damage was not severe. However, if I retained the car it would be branded as a "salvage" and not be allowed to be driven until the damage was fixed and it passed a type 6 structural inspection. At that time, the branding would be changed to "Rebuilt" and a safety and emmisions check would have to be done before the car is allowed back on the road. Sounds like a headace and thats not even the half of it.
I was not happy with my options so I went to see my adjuster armed with receipts of all my repairs and upgrades, ads showing what Hachi's are selling for, Kellys blue book quotes and even magazine articles to try to show the value of an AE86.
After I presented my case, she went and talked to her supervisor and came back to make me the offer of; $700 in compensation and no branding on the car. Sounded good to me. The only thing I have to provide them with is a safety within 10 days and all is well. Tomorrow I'll un-jam my headlight and replace the side marker and that's all that should be needed to pass.
they're not paying him to improve it really.
They're giving him $700 and the damages total over $1700, so he's gotta pay $1000 himself.
The only good thing is he gets to keep his car, and he doesnt get a salvage title put on the car.
Yah but first of all, those estimates are never accurate. Plus they always give you a price similar to what the dealrship would charge to fix the car, but if you take it to a body shop you know it would probably be less than half of what they quoted you.
I hate insurance companies for that reason, you pay them for years and years without getting into an accident and needing their help (Which means they'd be pocketing your money), and then when you need them they try to get out of it...
__________________
My sexy AE92 http://members.cardomain.com/ababan
If you have a car that's worth something (ie. new) and you get into an non-at-fault accident you end up getting alot back. When I had a fender bender with my other car I ended up getting $6000 in repairs for free. Of course I never would have had to spend the money in the first place but hey, I think it turned out ok for me in the end.
Funny thing is that people will get the bare cheapest insurance company, never talk to the agent and if anything goes wrong, they expect the insurance company to treat you like a king. That's why I found a good agent, developed a relationship with him, refer a bunch of people to him and he treats me with respect and gives me decent rates. On a number of occassions he's bent over backwards for me. I can't complain. If you need a good agent let me know.
I deal with Unifund and my claims lady was very nice and helped me out alot.
I showed them all my receipts but they don't care. Any work you get done is considered maintenance i.e clutch, axle bearings, starter etc. I was happy to get the car back and for now it only cost me $100 to get it into drivable condition. When I got hit my lights were down which was a good thing because the collision did not break my light or even damage the motor. I local body guy pulled my fender and radiator support back to shape and light popped up and turned on. Just have to get a safety done this week and I'm in the clear.
I guess I'm lucky because it could have been alot worse.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
