QuestionHello,
My wife was in a relatively minor accident where the main damage was to the front left quarter panel and headlight assembly. They've quoted the car as a total loss and we are somewhat okay with that. However, the numbers they've come up with for the prior damage estimates are outrageous. They've quoted $1400, even though there's nothing wrong with the car. Additionally, they've rated both the interior and exterior as "Rough" when, in fact, they are just dirty. With moderate cleaning, I expect the interior would be "Fair" and the exterior would be "Good."
As you know, these issues greatly affect the final payment for the claim. I estimate that it is about $2000 less than it should be. They are clearly low-balling this claim and it leaves a bad taste in our mouths.
How do we improve the condition rating to what it should be? How do we get them to re-estimate the cost of prior damage, fairly?
I know we can make a counteroffer. I just don't know the first thing about how to do so in a way that would stand a chance of working.
AnswerHello Kevin,
I'm going to answer one of your questions briefly, but for the rest, read the next paragraph. Regarding the deductions for "old damage", get an estimate from a body shop to fix the old damage. If you can't get the totaled car to his shop for the estimate, get him to come out. You may have to pay him. Get a few estimates. Then adjust for depreciation. If it costs $250.00 to paint and fix a dent the size of your hand on the fender, but the paint was 20% faded anyway, then deduct 50 from the 250 for a total of 200.00. That 200 is what the insurer can deduct from the value of your car. But, only if they started with a value for a car in "Retail" condition sitting on a dealers lot. If they checked off the "Rough" box, then they might only be able to deduct 50.00, if anything, from the value. It's very subjective.
I could write a book on this, but this allexperts.com is only for short brief answers.
You are an ideal candidate for two of the automobile products at UClaim.com. Go to the products page, then go to the automobile section. Its all about total losses. Pick the report that's right for you, whether you are making your claim as an insured against your own insurer, or as a claimant. Read the product descriptions.
If you are an insured, its this report "TOTAL LOSS AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE CLAIMS ADVICE AND HELP - FOR INSUREDS Subtitle: HOW TO NEGOTIATE WITH YOUR OWN INSURER". If you are a claimant its this " TOTAL LOSS AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE CLAIMS ADVICE AND HELP - FOR CLAIMANTS Subtitle: HOW TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE OTHER DRIVER’S INSURER".
After you pick out one of the two above, look further down the list and pick out the computer service the insurer used to devalue your car. Its probably CCC or ADP. If its a custom appraisal, then go with the "Gunslinger" report. These show how to discredit their valuations.
