Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2007 05:01:15 GMT From: still me <wheeledBobnospamo.com> Subject: Re: Safe but wrecked! need input
On Sat, 18 Aug 2007 18:39:06 -0400, "hippo" <johnhnospamthis.shoal.net.au> wrote: >I agree. It's done it's job properly and saved its people! Twists, >stresses and misalignments probably extend beyond the immediately >visible. >At least you'll know what to replace it with hey? Glad he's ok. Cheers I concur. Sounds totaled, even without seeing a picture. You'd need an entire nose on the car and the frame straightened. They rarely drive correctly after that kind of work, even if it can be done. Not to mention, safety after that is questionable. You don't say where you are located, so it's hard to give you specific advice on dealing with the insurance co. You need state (country?) specific information on how the insurance process works in your state. In most areas in the USA, you are entitled to the cost to replace the car at a dealer (that's list price, they can't assume the dealer will discount the listed price) plus sales tax and other related registration costs. Sometimes you have to ask though, Insurance Co's don't give money away even when you are entitled. FYI - they also like to sit on claims so they can hold onto your money longer... don't let them get away with it. In many areas, you are entitled to get and estimate from the body shop of your choice. The body shop then deals with the insurance company. I would suggest finding a top quality shop in your area - someone who specializes in european cars and knows Saabs. Tell them to spare no expense in the repair estimate. You can then use that to argue with the insurance company. If you can't get it to a shop, let the Insurance Co look at it... if they say it's repairable, then spend $100 have it towed to the shop of your choice, let them do an estimate, and let them argue with the insurance co. The insurance co will often intentionally leave out necessary items, use unrealistic labor rates, skimp on repairs, specify used parts, etc. You need a body shop to work that angle for you. And, if you do end up getting it repaired, have it done at the shop you select, not the one that the insurance co selects. Last but not least, the Insurance Co is NOT your friend. No matter how nice they seem, they are all about saving the company money. They deal with people like yourself every day and are very good at what they do. Remember that they are personally rewarded based on minimizing payouts, not maximizing them. Don't let them have the upper hand. You have a policy, they are required to honor it, they are not doing you a favor - they are fulfilling a contract. Post again when you have some additional info and we can help guide you to the next step.
