Auto Insurance Claims: totaled car, farmers insurance, car question

Question
QUESTION: I was in an accident where the person who hit me caused $7,800 in damage to my 2006 PT Cruiser with 30,000 miles.  Farmers Insurance admitted that the drive of the car who hit me was at fault.  The adjuster wants to total the car (he did not give me a choice).  I owe $8,600 and the adjuster said I should get $10,000 but it's up to the total loss department.  I'm worried of what I've read that I will get less than what I owe.  What are my options as they will be giving me a payoff figure in few days.  Am I ok?

ANSWER: Hi James,

You should research the value of your car by going to www.autotrader.com . There you can search for vehicles like yours that are currently for sale in your area. You should locate 5 to 10 withing a 50 mile radius of your zip code. Print out the comparable vehicles and average the prices. This should give yo a fairly good idea of the value of your car. Then whne the insurance adjuster calls you with a figure you will know if it is in range or not. If not fax them the info you have found to help you negotiate a better price. Remember that they will also owe you sales tax and title transfer fees on top of the value of the car that you negotiate,

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What if I don't like the offer.  Can I hold up the process?  What are my options?  If we can't reach agreement, then what?  I do need to get a new car so they do have an advantage over me.

Answer
Hi James,

As I said, if you don't like their offer then send them the info you found and try to negotiate. The do not have to negotiate with you in which case you would have to file a law suit against the at-fault driver. If you can convince the judge that your car is worth more and you win, then they will have to pay you what the judge determined to be the value.

A faster option may be to hire an independent appraiser. This will generally cost you $200.00 to $300.00. Its better to just try to negotiate. Another option is to put the claim through your own insurance comapny and see if they make you a better offer. Of course if you do that they will deduct your deductible.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh