TruBee
Well-Known Member
Damn! That's depressing. I drive my car on the regular, and it what I fear the most! Good luck. Try Carlisle next month for some of the parts you may need. There's always a surprising selection to be had.
I know that I wouldn't pay the same amount for a car that has been in a major collision versus one that was unmolested. Even if the car is repaired, it's my intent to get the insurance company to compensate me for that loss in value.
be slow to do anything, dont sign anything, dont take any money as:
1. any signature could be used to give access almost any records on you or the car including health records.
2. any money given to you relieves them of any future liabilities, so dont take not even $1, even if they say damaged uncovered later will be considered. are you OK?? what if your back starts hurting a few weeks from now?? this would also not be covered as their liability is relieved.
3. they want to pay you fast as this closes the case.
4. if you have any idea you will fix the car, make them send a check to the shop doing the work, this still leaves YOU open as you have not taken any money.
5. they have no one or no system to correctly estimate the value of the car, YOU are the only person able to give it a dollar value.
6. dont let them talk you into totaling the car, as then they will own the car and you will have to buy it back from them. it will also take the title and you will not be able to title it later. it is not their car and will never be their car----it is YOURS.
7. be an A-Hole from the beginning, and then you can back down later after they see you cannot be run over easily.
8. tell them you want to send the car down to Jeff Lilly in Texas to repair and restore it. he could totally do it but it will be expensive, he is one if the best.
8. the insurance company has one and only one agenda--to pay out the lowest amount of money.
was there a minor in the car with you? if so the court will make them hold the case open until the minor is 18.
maybe this helps, hope you get an adjuster who has some concept of old cars and will be human about it.
i am sorry, i am 57 and i cannot find but a few people i can trust anymore, no one or no company has YOUR best interest at heart (especially if they tell you that in the beginning).
PT in Tennessee
Thanks to everyone for all the good information. Unfortunately, the insurance company doesn't want to pay squat, so off to the attorney it is!
Unfortunately, some guy ran a red light and schmucked my 67 Coronet convertible on Friday. Thankfully no injuries, but it's depressing as it previously was unmolested except for new seat covers and carpet. Absolutely no rust and the only body work was a repaint about 20 years ago.
I haven't heard from his insurance yet, but am trying to do some research in case I have to negotiate with them over the valuation of the car, so I'd like to ask for some help from here with 2 questions-- first are there any sites that provide a 'book value' for classic cars? Secondly, even if it is repaired, obviously, I lose value as it no longer is unmolested. Does anyone have any idea how an accident of this magnitude would diminish the resale if it was repaired?
Thanks so much in advance for all your help and commiseration.
whatever happened ???
seems like there was a lot of great advice given and wondering if it worked out for you.