Auto Insurance Claims: insurance settlement, insurance settlement, insurance company

Question
Do I have to take the amount the insurance company tells me my claim is worth? How do I go about trying to show them my loss is much more? I had a car stolen that was worth at least $6,500.00 by any standard and they are offering me half of that amount. I can't replace the car for what they are offering me. Who should I go to for help?
Thank you
Sharon

Answer
Hi Sharon,

Insurance companies will often make a low ball offer to settle a total loss.  You should research the value of your vehicle your self. You should check the following:

1) www.nada.com
2) www.kbb.com
3) www.edmunds.com
4) www.autotrader.com

The last one will let you look for cars like yours that are actually for sale in your area.  You will need to make adjustments for differences in mileage, options and condition. Print everything out, average all of the value and that should give you a fairly good value. Then present your information to the insurance company to negotiate a better price.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh