Insurance is totaling my truck.

[TheWhiteElephant]

There are a few things to consider, and with all due respect and without wanting to step on any toes here, this thread has a lot of misinformation about your situation.

First, is it the at-fault party's insurance that is paying your damages, or is it your own insurance company that is paying your damages through your collision coverage? CCC uses values for comparable vehicles in your own market based on your zip code. They DO NOT have to stay within 100 miles. If there are not enough comparable vehicles in your market, they can definitely expand.

The tough part of using a "custom" older vehicle as a daily driver is that it is not necessarily "special" to a market. In other words, you may have a $10K paint job or $5K wheels that will actually hurt the value of the vehicle because an interested buyer may not want your paint job or wheels. Same principle as having an airbrushed anything on your hood.

Maintenance receipts will not necessarily add value to your vehicle, but they will definitely HURT the value if it is lacking in maintenance. In other words, a brand new windshield or a new A/C system, new radiator, new belts, etc. will not bring up a vehicle's value in a market because a potential buyer would expect these things to work when considering a purchase. On the other hand, if your windshield has cracks, needs belts, A/C doesn't work, then you better believe that the buyer will use that against you. If the receipts are fairly recent, they should help you in some way, but don't expect dollar for dollar value.

When your vehicle is declared a total loss, you do have the option of "buying" it back from the insurance company. In other words, they will offer you a value to take the vehicle--pay you market value, taxes, and title transfer fees less deductible (if using your own policy--no deductible applies if the at-fault carrier is paying you). If you want to keep the vehicle, they will pay you market value (with no taxes) less the salvage quote--the guaranteed value that a local auction will get when auctioning the salvage.

If the other party is paying your damages, agreed values/stated values mean nothing. These terms only apply to your own policy and only if you are using your own policy. One thing to consider that MIGHT be an option is to ask the insurance company if they can determine the value of your vehicle as a "specialty/custom" vehicle.

When the insurance company makes you an offer, they are obligated to provide paperwork to you that fully explains HOW they arrived at that offer. They should have a printout explaining all this in detail.

The other sad fact about market values is that for example, a 1979 Chevy is just that--a 30+ year old vehicle, so the "comparables" they find are in all likelihood NOT going to be comparable to your vehicle since your vehicle is not your average 1979 truck.

If you don't have collision coverage on your policy, it would be pointless to notify your insurance company because they will only get involved if you have the proper coverage to repair your damage.

One of the biggest determining factors in values is mileage and condition. And did I mention mileage? Your truck looks to be in above average shape.

Above all, take the advice you read on an internet forum (including mine) with a grain of salt. Do your own research and a huge word of advice--keep cool and reasonable. If the adjuster sees that you are a reasonable person just trying to be indemnified, then there is a big chance that she will really want to help you and work to get the value you feel is fair.

Last thing--insurance laws in Texas are VERY different from insurance laws in other U.S. states, so advice being offered here may be totally incorrect if coming from someone in another state.

I hope this helps.

[y5mgisi]

Great reply!

[83burban]

I really hate reading these posts and seeing these pictures. Living in Los Angeles most of my life, I have seen so many nice cars destroyed by sh*t cars with un/under-insured drivers. The insurance companies aren't there for you unless your car is 2 years old or newer - the only thing they are good for is dealing with medical bills - and even then they can bend you over if you don't know how to cover yourself adequately.

I have been looking at the agreed value coverages recently, since I have in total 4 "classic" cars:

76 AMC CJ7
62 Chevy C10
70 Mercedes 220
83 Suburban

Couple things you may want to note. I am not even eligible for this coverage yet, since I am only 22. Of all the major places - Hagerty, Heacock, etc, the only one that I found that would suit me personally when I turn 25 is Lelandwest.

You can select unlimited annual mileage and occasional commuter use, something that many others do not do. I haven't done a ton of research on companies yet since the only car I drive is my Suburban and I wont be eligible for it for a couple years anyways, but its worth it for others to look at it in my opinion.

Sorry for the loss, hope that you can recoup as much as you put into it

[1LOW4X4]

God dammit this pisses me off to no end.

I would DEMAND another adjuster to handle my claim. Cold hearted ***** would be out the door.

[primrrd]

Sorry about your troubles... I often wonder what would happen in the same situation on my truck.....
I am a insurance claims professional licensed in the state of Tx and Claims Manager for over 16 years. Your situation is a pretty common one when somthing different than a stock late model car is involved. Treetop and White Elephant have some good information for you.
I agree, behave yourself and be as patient and professional as possible. What you are dealing with is an adjuster, who is uninformed about classic chevy trucks, trying to get your square truck to fit into their round hole evaluation system.
It helps if YOU know what your truck is worth and have the figure in mind that will satisfy you. If you decide 5k will do it, then 15 to 20% of that would be the salvage value. Let them know, "I'll take 4000.00 and retain the salvage". This gives them something to work with and they will at least know that you are reasonable and you should have info to back it up. You should insist on them considering additional comparable trucks, provide all of the reciepts and upgrades to your truck and then be the nicest squeaky wheel you can be.
Your goal is to appeal to the highest level of management that you can.
They are often more likely to make exceptions and/or have the experience of similar claim situations to judge a fair resolution. Get your info together and continue to elevate until you get to, at least, a regional manager level. You simply have to ask them to elevate to their manager, or you can ask:
who is your supervisor, may I have their phone number, who is their manager-may I have their phone number, who is their manager-may I have their phone number.... get the idea?
If all else fails:
In Texas you have the option of petitioning the Board of Insurance. This "complaint" makes it's way, typically to the highest levels of your area or state. And they are required to answer it.
http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/complfrm.html
**
Are you feeling sore at all from the accident? Looking at the wreck, you at least had some soreness, stiffness and minor discomfort. Though you might not consider that an "injury", you may have a legitimate claim for your bodily injury, inconvienience and pain and suffering. You should of, at least, been asked if you were injured.. Sometimes a company will leverage the bodily injury claim with the physical damage settlement.
**
feel free to PM me- I'll give you my phone # and we can talk.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by primrrd

...
**
feel free to PM me- I'll give you my phone # and we can talk.

Fastest32 please take this man up on his offer. The information he is providing is coming from an industry professional in your area. This is the best advice you can have without retaining a lawyer.

[OlMech]

Was making a left hand turn in a no passing zone in my 80 4x4... guy passed three cars and hit me.. smashed the front end of my truck...
Insurance only wanted to give me 800 bucks and total the truck... by remaining calm, I managed to keep my truck, and get 1500 for the damages.. it took about five months.. I repaired the truck myself.. (didnt bend the frame) at a cost of around 1000 dollars...

In 1988 I had a new 88 stepside that also got hit... custom rims, hitch, sterio etc etc etc in that truck... insurance called and wanted to know if they could get the truck out of the local storage yard to save on storage expences... I said sure... "sure" cost me all of the stuff I had put in the truck, the rims sterio ALL of it!!!!!!!!!!!! i payed for three more years on that truck AFTER the case was settled... NEVER give them the truck!!!! Have it towed to your house!

[Fastest32]

They can't come pick up my truck until I sign some papers right. I felt like she was purposely ignoring my calls just letting time pass. They terminated the rental because they said they've settled with me already. I haven't settled with anyone on anything. I just hope there's no time limit and if I haven't proven my point in a certain amount of time they will just give me whatever they decide.
Posted via Mobile Device

[baclay9]

What insurance do you have? As in Who is the carrier and how good of insurance did you purchase?

[D.FENS]

I've had a couple cars get totalled out and had to learn some stuff the hard way.

Don't let the insurance company pressure you into settling until they offer you what YOU think the truck is worth, and make it perfectly clear, up front, you want to retain salvage rights to the vehicle.

Also, stay in contact with them. Don't duck the phone calls from the adjuster, they may use that against you if things turn ugly.

I had a claims adjuster from Zurich (the insurance company LOL)telling me they were gonna sue ME for fraud if I didn't take their lowball offer ($1200). In the next breath he was saying a truck was on it's way to my work to pick up the car, and that they didn't care if I had a rental or any other way to get around. Told me that wasn't his problem. I dropped what I was doing, took the car home and locked it up in my garage.

After some wrangling, and me putting the overly-aggressive adjuster in the doghouse with his supervisor, I was able to keep the car to part out myself and they cut me a check for $3500.

[Fastest32]

It's not my insurance I'm dealing with. It's the other guys insurance and it's travalers insurance.
Posted via Mobile Device

[baclay9]

Oh yeah...duh
Posted via Mobile Device

[pvkj454]

Do not settle or sign anything until they pay you what it is worth. It took a guy that I know 6 months to get the other persons insurance to pay what his restored 1948 Plymouth was worth. He gave them the choice of finding another as nice as his, paying the body shop of his choice to fix it or paying what he had in it in receipts and letting him keep the car. They finally did the last option.

I am paying $405/6mo for $20k stated value on my truck. They told me to keep all receipts and a lot of photos. The also said an appraisal would be best.

[70BLAZERX2]

Find another truck on the web with about the same options...tell them you want replacement value..and if they say no, tell them you will contact the insurance comissioner about it..

I friend of mine was hit by a big wagon , he had a 70 shortbed cst with a/c

they wrote it up for $550 , he found one on autotrader..same thing 70 with a/c for sale..it was priced at $6700 and thats what they setteled for..

This is your right to get replacment value..and when you do , buy the truck back from them...give them 500 for it..then find another body and use the good parts on it.

[PORKY]

Originally Posted by Fastest32

So I got rear ended on Tuesday and of course they're gonna total my truck. I was hit from behind and shoved into the truck in front of me. I get that they wanna total my truck cause it's old but they're telling me that market value is only 2500 and that's all they have to pay me. This week has been a huge headache and now I have to go through all this bs just cause I was hit. I'm so pissed. I faxed them a bunch of trucks like mine on craigslist that are going anywhere from 5 to 10k. So heartbroken. I just got spindles and a notch to flip it too.
Posted via Mobile Device

Sorry to hear that. Don't give in to the the insurance co., fight them all the way.
There job is to pay you as little as possible. YOUR JOB is to get as much as you can. It seems this accident wasn't your fault. If this is the case you are in control. Rear end collisions come with neck and back injurys often. They will be anxious to settle. DON'T sign that check till you get all you want. If they don't want to pay you what you want, tell them to "find you a comparable truck". They hate that! Another angle is to get them to total the truck at an agreed value then you have 1st chance to buy it back, for maybe as little as $1.00. They don't want to deal with it. Been there before on this situation, hang tough. Good Luck, Frank

[babyJay]

Sad to see such a nice truck bite it. I too say stand firm. Like Longhair said, sue him personally if you have to.

[gvchevy]

I manage a collision shop in Missouri and the laws are different accross the board. Can you buy the truck back ? Dont be fooled the field damage apraizer is not making all the decissions he is being guided by people above him. 90% of claiments don't fight back like you are dont back down. Do not let the truck leave until you have settled. Here in Mo. they like to take totals to the salvage pool and the settle because they try and convince you that you have no options. I agree with other posts that if you have full coverage ? work with you Ins. and they will sebrogate against Travlers. It is the insurance companies goal to keep there severity down (ie dollars spent) Good luck.

[Fastest32]

thank youeveryone for your advice. i've sent them examples of trucks like mine and I'm working on as many receipts as i can .

[dammitmitchell]

this is why i have "custom and hotrod" insurance on the things i REALLLY like.
my cheby no... because the salvage title is like 500 bucks. and i'll make my money back on parts.

but the Zcar.. will have 10k into in parts alone etc.. an only values at 3500..
they sell for 15 grand still with the build im doing...
it sucks and it's a PITA.. but that's how it rolls. Insurance is a huge scam..

[rayfinseats]

Stand your ground. They have to settle. The ball is in YOUR court.

[tucsonjwt]

In my experience in AZ, insurance companies only are obligated to pay you the market value of the vehicle of the vehicle if it is totaled. This means they can use KBB or local vehicles sold price (not for sale price) to value your vehicle. The only thing that counts is what your insurance policy states. Even if you produce documentation of the extra value in your vehicle, they are entitled to depreciate any repairs or modifications, or find the value of those items as used parts. My hat it off to those of you who were able to get full compensation for your restored vehicles using a standard policy.
As mentioned above, agreed value is the way to go for vehicles that are not daily drivers with a lot of money invested in them. I have never had comprehensive or collision on my old trucks because although I keep them mechanically in top shape, the additional cost for that coverage does not make sense on a $2500 purchase price truck (even though I put another $5000+ in repairs and mods in the truck over 8 years of ownership I still could not sell it for more than $2500 -so that is the current value of the truck.)

[81ShrtBox]

I had a 93" Powder Blue GMC Suburban that was totalled back in 2002. The other driver was drunk and fell asleep behind the wheel. He came across the median of a main HWY and hit me head on. His insurance company was trying to give me a GEO to ride in. I'm 6'4" 300lbs.... I cant get in a GEO. I was driving myself to therapy at the time so I need a vehicle big enough to accommodate me and my family of 5. I finally had to get a lawyer involved. It went from arguing about the rental vehicle to "Mr. Clayton we have someone from Enterprise Rental coming to pick you up from your home to give you an SUV" Claims adjusters do not respect individuals. I even got $8500 out of them for my Old Suburban.. they even let me take my stereo system and wheels off.

Get a lawyer.. makes it painless....just my 2cents

[RandyP]

Like has been said, you're stupid, absolutely stupid if you get the bare minimum liability coverage. Back in the 70's when my dad was working claims, he worked one where a kid was driving his hotrod nova with the basic 10/20/10 (is higher these days, but then it was 10/20/10) coverage on the beater.
The kid lost control on a windy road and ran in to a funeral procession. Took out the family car in front (stretched cadi limo), the hearse (another cadi) and then a new town car. People were hurt in all 3 of the cars, and all 3 cars were totals. The kids parents were hung out to dry, literally. You lose everything in a situation like that, and it sucks living in a cardboard box.
Always imagine you're the one who is going to plow in to the ferrari, or worse.

[81ShrtBox]

dont want to go on and on on the mans post, but the day I totalled my suburban I had just finished putting a new transmission, torque converter,oil pump, distributer, oil sending unit, valve cover and intake gaskets and a fresh tune up. Had new grille-bumper and lights for it in the garage. Was about to install the new front but was tired of working on it and went for a ride instead

they will try to make you feel frustrated and throw in the towel... dont give in

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 83burban

jdurant - I don't want to turn this guys thread into an argument -.

Originally Posted by jdurant

I don't want to turn it into that either..

Then don't! Discussions are fine, but heated conversation leads to reported posts and infractions. Please keep it civil.

Originally Posted by RandyP

Like has been said, you're stupid, absolutely stupid if you get the bare minimum liability coverage..

Randy, please read my response above. You need to apologize and walk away from this. Any thing less will result in infractions being issued.