Disputing Total Loss Car Estimate w/Insurance???

I recently got into a nasty car accident in which my car was deemed a total loss on site. I have received the police report and clearly the other party is at fault (3 witness statements are included as well!), so i am pursuing damages through the other parties carrier. I used to drive a 2003 Honda Civic EX Coupe clearly worth $10,000 in excellent condition according to nada.com and kellybluebook, even at 99,000 miles. Now, my car was in good condition and I do have maintenance receipts, but my insurance provider is only offering $5,181.00--Is there anything I can do to go about disputing this claim? This is WAY below what I expected to receive and this whole process is becoming very frustrating as I had planned on keeping that car as long as possible.
I'd appreciate any help--Thanks.

mbrcatz

OK, I just did the KBB value, based on what you said, and came up with $8,000. So the obvious question is, how much is your deductible? If it was REALLY in "good" condition, they should be offering you more. Unless you have a $2500 deductible, and then the offer is fair, IMO.

You need to talk to your agent. That's the guy who can help you, and that's the guy the adjuster will give the dirty details to, and explain why they took so much off the car. Some reasons could be body damage, tires near the end of their life, brakes near the end of their life, torn upholstery, etc. Of course, if you have a salvage title, that's going to substantially affect the price.

Bottom line - your agent is the person to help you with this. None of the rest of us know the details, or can get them.

oklatom

They are in the ball park with the offer. It's worth $5,300 which you *might* be able to get. I don't know where you got $10,000, that's a very unrealistic figure.

But don't take my word for it, some of the insurance agents will be weighing in on the question, let's see what they say.

Donnie H

they have a book about like Kelly blue book...,some call a car dealership an ask if they have one ,,if so how much??.
you have a computer put in kbb...do as it will ask..each question is part of saying your value...

CwboyBill

I work in auto claims and just checked our NADA computer system -- looks like your car is worth appx $9,925.00 per the information you gave us. I don't know where the insurer got $5,881.00 but it seems to be an error vs a low-ball offer due to the extreme difference in pricing. Just remain calm and don't panic. The best thing you can do for yourself is to locate as many vehicles in your area for sale as much like yours as possible and list the selling prices and phone numbers. If the mean average is $5,800 then it's a fair offer, meaning that this is a fair MARKET value, or actual cash value of the car (which I doubt). Contact the claims adjuster and simply request how he/she arrived at that figure -- like I said, it could be a mistake or maybe the appraiser discovered that your car is a rebuilt-total/Katrina flood-car or something. Who knows? The fact is if you can prove the value of your car then that's what you will be paid. If, after doing all this, you still are up against a wall then it's time to request (respectfully) their manager, and his/her manager above that if needed. Keep this up until you get a satisfactory answer. I know everyone in the world seems to think insurance companies are staffed by demons and criminals but there really is no advantage to a company to NOT give you a fair settlement. Most likely this whole situation is a mistake or you have just drawn an idiot adjuster (and there are LOTS of them out there) to handle your claim. Remember -- don't lose your cool. A professional, calm attitude will always prevail.
Luck.

melfred_20

your looking at the private party resale value. They are giving you the trade in value. Its about right.

Scott R

Some of the guys working for insurance companies are the lowest form of life.

I looked it up in NADA and clean retail is $10,400.

Obviously trying to shaft you.

lblackvelvet

Hello friend, I just checked the Kelly blue book with your car having 99000 miles in exellent condition , with the average features, and it should be worth around 11,000 dollars. Do not settle !!!! Contact your agent ASAP ! They are trying to railroad you !!!! You should be entitled to replacement cost at the least ! Your Agent should back you up on this, that is there job to see you are satisfied!! If you have any further problems, e-mail me and i will give you a phone number to call to get results. Good luck !!!

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: