Got in a Wreck, could use some advice!

[PurdueSD]

For those watching at home... I accepted a settlement and deposited the check today for a full loss on my pickup. I received some very good advice along the way and am very appreciative for that. Just in case it helps anyone in the future... here's what I did.

1. I did my research. I looked for reasonably comparable vehicles in my immediate area. when none were available I expanded my search trying to keep to my general region. I found 10 trucks ranging in price from 7-14k. I dropped the high and low and averaged the remaining 8. I provided this information to the insurance adjuster and let them know what I would be willing to accept.

After lots of phone calls, ridiculous offers and all the little games the insurance adjusters play... I kept calm and firm and tried to convey I knew what I was entitled to without being a dick. I Was patient, held my ground and let it play out. Today I made a call, was offered half of what I was willing to accept. I let them know that there internal repair estimate meant nothing to me and I would start talking to 3 or more reputable shops to make the repairs or maybe even a restoration shop. I let them know I would not accept a check for any repair, we woulld have the truck repaired and they would pay the body shop. This seemed to change his approach.

He asked to call me back in 30 min. When he did, he said they were willing to pay my full number to put this behind them. I agreed and reminded him, that state law requires them to reimburse me for sales tax "after" establishing a replacement value. He agreed, and I accepted.

In the end it was a pain in the ass, but really simple. Do research, find nice and immediately available comps. Be fair but firm and wait... and wait. He wasn't very receptive to giving me a buyback (salvage) price on my truck. and I didn't push the issue because I didn't want to sabotage the deal.

now on to the next one I guess...