Auto Insurance Claims: auto accident, total loss help

Question
I was hit by a women that ran a red light and totaled my 1993 absolutely MINT sc300 Lexis (1 of a kind)the accident was on July 15,2010. The womens ins. offer me 6200.00
That will in No way replace my loss...are they or are they not responsible for putting back to where I was before the accident. I have looked for a replacement (by their request)on the Internet I have found cars no where the condition or low mileage I had (42000) on my car for as much as 12000.00. Their first offer was 6200.00....I have asked for 11500.00 plus the tax on that amount.  what is thier responsibility??  Thank you

Answer
Jeffrey,

  It seems like you need an independent third party opinion on the value of your vehicle.  If the insurance company is opting to pay for repairs, then you need to deal with the shop to make sure the repairs are properly completed, and you need someone to calculate and provide a report on diminished value for you.  If the insurance company is claiming your vehicle is a total loss, then you need to have a qualified appraiser provide you with a market evaluation and then use the market evaluation to negotiate with the insurance company.

  Keep in mind that it will take a professional to document the value of your vehicle and you want to make sure if you go this route that the expert you use can properly evaluate your vehicle.  Most individuals believe that their vehicle is worth more than it actually is, but in your case, you might have a case due to the specialty nature of your vehicle.  Make sure you get a good expert that can give you the real value of your vehicle in a credible report.  

   Your only other option is to argue, argue, argue and see if you can get the insurance company to change their mind on the amount your car is worth.  Go over every detail of their calculation method and demand that they show you how they calculated the value of your vehicle.  Depending on the state where this is happening, there may actually be a law that dictates how the value of your vehicle is calculated.

   If you need more in depth information on this subject, look my company up on the web and call us directly.  Information is always free at Petty Details, LLC!

 I hope this helps.