Auto Insurance Claims: Uninsured Hit and run, peace and goodwill, certified mail

Question
I was in my house and we heard such a clatter. I arose to see what was the matter. There was peace and goodwill toward men. Behold my car was not where I left it. It was a good 10 feet from where I parked it. Glass was everywhere and the front was caved it and the tail gate was flat.I owned a 1999 minivan that was just a heap of rubble, Witnesses stated they saw the other truck speed away and around the corner. He forgot one thing ,his license plate.The police called and investigated the crash. The man who owned the P/U would not come to the door. His truck was impounded. Police report generated. Now I have to deal with my insurance company. They are calling it a collision and deducting 1000 dollars and only saying my car is worth 1600. I say it is worth 2600. How can I get the higher amount. They are investigating the hit and run which is 300 deduction. What are my options?

Answer
You're headed down the right path Gary.

Get a few estimates from various online sources to support your $2,600 valuation and present it to the carrier via certified mail.  That should help.

I think this was certainly a hit and run based on the facts and therefore the lower deductible should apply.

Best of luck and maybe St. Nick will slip a new Minivan under your tree.

Ernest Ferraro.