Auto Insurance Claims: Possible total loss claim, total loss car

Question
QUESTION: I was recently in an accident that caused significant damage to my 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis.  It was in excellent condition with 75,000 miles and no damage at all.  The other driver was ticketed for failure to yield and after submitting a claim to his insurer they have admitted liability for the accident.  I had plenty of pictures and evidence.  Anyway, that part worked out okay.  The adjuster came to estimate the damage and was very rude and basically he said I would have to accept what they gave me.  I was told they are waiting to hear back from their survey company to compare the total loss cash value because he thinks it will be a total loss.  I have done plenty of research and learned a lot about how this process works.  I know I will need to do research and gather info on my own and request reasons and proof as to how they determine the amount they want to give me.  I need to know if and how I can get the insurance policy so that I can see what I am entitled to.  I am most interested in finding out if there is a right of appraisal clause or something similar.  Any other advice would be appreciated.  I did nothing wrong and now it is costing me money, time, and stress.  I loved my car and put alot of work into it.  Please help me out.

ANSWER: Hello Greg,

While I am sure that you have learned allot, the fact that you are seeking to go to appraisal tells me that you still have much to learn. Contrary to popular perception, going to appraisal is heavily weighted in favor of insurers. Appraisal is theoretically a great concept. But in the last 20 years, the process has been corrupted by low quality insurers. Why? Because they control the umpire, the 3rd appraiser who will side with yours or the insurers appraiser. It's not just a matter of two appraisers "splitting the difference" and everybody goes away happy. Most insurers will spare no expense to crush you by hiring a law firm to get a judge to appoint an umpire "suggested" by that insurer. And if you are lucky enough "to win" in an appraisal, "low quality" insurers will hire a law firm to attempt to "vacate" the award, for one reason or another.

You may be able to get a copy of the other drivers policy at UClaim.com which has over 100 policy copies from many insurers. But it won't do you much good, since you are not dealing with your own insurer. You can get a very useful eBook entitled Total Loss Auto for Claimants currently on sale for around $12.00 on a 50% off sale with a money back guarantee. It will show you how a good public adjuster gets the money without the trauma of "going to appraisal".



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

QUESTION: i realize I am no expert.  I actually did purchase the total loss e book and that's where I got my info.  I guess I need a different one that tells about the public appraiser.  I don't know much about that.  How do I go about that?  I am trying to get the best out of this situation because I really loved that car and I would like to get another exactly like it.  I have been looking for a similar car locally but it is rare and I can't find one like it.  What happens if there aren't any comps locally?  Your advice is very much appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer
Greg,

Please send an email to info@uclaim.com regarding your situation with your claim.


Greg,

The UClaim eBook "Total Loss Auto 'for Claimants'" does not go into the "policy appraisal" process for several reasons:

1. Since there is no insurance policy contract when you are a claimant against someone elses insurance company, neither side can "demand appraisal".

2. The law does not require an appraisal process in property damage lawsuits.

3. Appraisal is generally not recommended and only to be used as a last resort whether you are a claimant or an insured, according to the UClaim author Ron Cercone.

However if you do want a very thorough discussion on how to best handle a formal appraisal process, you will find that in the UClaim eBook Total Loss Auto 'for Insureds'".

If you can't find local comps, then branch out. If you use traderonline.com, which has the largest database of used cars in North America, you can gradually expand out your search from county to state to national region to the entire country if necessary. And if you can't find comps, remember, neither can the insurer. So the only alternative will be to go by book values (which are also covered in the UClaim eBooks.) If you can't find the info you are looking for in the UClaim eBooks, you may want to send an email to info@uclaim.com asking for help. Nothing to loose for asking.