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It's totalled, and you should want it that way. If you get an estimate, get it from the finest "European Autobody" shop you can find. If you get stuck repairing it, you want a guru doing it. The only reason I would ever consider the list of shops they gave you was if you are required by law to use their repair shops (may vary by State).
You need to find out what you are entitled to. This does vary by State a bit, but in general you are entitled to the cost of putting a car in the same condition yours was in with the same miles in your driveway, ready to run, i.e. REPLACEMENT value. You can check with the State AG's insurance office for what's included by law i.e. vehicle, Sales Tax, Registration Fees, etc. You are also generally entitled to the cost of installing any mods you previously had installed.
So, ignore "book values", look for actual cars for sale and find out what it will cost to buy one that's the same within a reasonable distance (or with delivery if that's the only option). The Insurance Company is NOT allowed to require you to negotiate (e.g. "sure the dealer is asking $10K, but you can get it for $8K if you haggle). Nonetheless, they will try to get to that price by using the book values, which are what the cars go off the lot for, as opposed to asking value, which is what you are entitled to.
Since you were rear-ended, go after the other guy's company. The should pay in full. If they resist, go through your company and let them argue. But, it's always best to try to do it peacefully with the other company - unless they are being jerks. Be aware that the Lizard people are not known for their brilliance, logical behavior, or customer service. Don't let some bozo with a script/checklist jerk you around - they have a legal responsibility to help you via your insurance contract with them. But, they are low budget and likely to take the path of least resistance/work/labor on their part with the other company - if that means you get shortchanged, they won't care. So, work against the other company up front and make it clear (if they resist) that you are willing to hire an attorney and sue for a proper price and attorney's cost. You'd be surprised how their attitude changes the moment they find out you hired an attorney.
posted by 96.233.5...
, Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:43:06
, Sun, 24 Jan 2010 10:40:07
, Sun, 24 Jan 2010 09:10:07, Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:07:00, Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:42:00
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