Is ANyone a insurance claims agent??? Have a question for you!!

Re: Is ANyone a insurance claims agent??? Have a question for you!! (GTeeEYE)

Well, I'm not an adjuster, but I can offer some advice that has worked well for me in the past:
1. Look up cars similar to yours in Kelley Blue Book, Edmond's (sp?), local classifieds and even if there are several cars on the lot at your local dealer. All of these prices should be your cost to replace your car by the way, not trade value. Quote all of the average prices from each of these sources to the adjuster.
2. Do not let the discussion move towards another topic until you are happy with this price. Key hint here, tell them the average price that your car was selling for, and then don't say another word. Wait for them to speak, and then just reiterate the same statement in the same calm and rational voice that you used the first time you stated your price.
3. Now, add on ALL of the other costs incurred by purchasing a new car: Tax, Title, Registration, Inspection sticker etc. You can try asking for the cost of renting a car for a week(reasonable time it takes to shop for a car), but its unlikely they'll go for that.
Good luck. Sorry about your car, but at least it sounds like you weren't injured.

Re: Is ANyone a insurance claims agent??? Have a question for you!! (GTeeEYE)

The adjuster's job is to save the insurance company as much money as possible in the claims settlement process.
They really don't care about additional accessories unless you purchased the add-on policy to insure them, and they usually will work with you if you can save them money.
First off, do you own money on the car? What is the payoff? If the payoff amount is less, you might just ask them to pay off the car but let you retain the salvaged car without a salvage titled on it. Goto a good body shop and get the car fixed, and then sell the car on the market yourself. This only applies when you have enough equity in the car, otherwise it is not going to work.
I did this once, let the insurance company payoff the loan, which was less then the book value of the car or the amount they would have to compensate me, and then I took it to a good body shop and did a fantastic job on the repairs. I declared the accident to the buyer, but since there was no salvage title I didn't tell him how bad it was. When its all said and done, after I paid the body shop I had enough money to use for down payment on the next car lease.
You have to bargin with them! They will bargin because they have to compensate you by law, but how much is up to how you deal with them. You will never get book value, that is for sure.

Re: Is ANyone a insurance claims agent??? Have a question for you!! (GTeeEYE)

Congratulations! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
What were you going to get?
Note - I'm not happy that you wrecked the GTI, I am just happy it was totaled like you wanted. Now you get a new car insted of a rebuilt one....
Natty

Re: Is ANyone a insurance claims agent??? Have a question for you!! (Natty)

Yes, I am happy about it. I would rather be in a new car. Plus I didn't lose any of my mods (apr tuned ecu , tt pedals, Fuba antenna, ITG intake, CD changer) except the tint
The adjustor quoted me at 17,918 for the car + taxes and tags.
I think I should be given 18,500 for the car plus taxes and tags.
Is this fair??

Yes I am fine! I walked away for the crash with no problem at physical problems that is (I was so depressed, I luved the car). I just felt like I was tackled hard thats all. Anyhow, I just want to get myself back the same car.



[Modified by GTeeEYE, 6:43 PM 2-5-2002]