Auto Insurance Claims: What is right and/or legal?, kelly bluebook, independent vehicle

Question
My sister was recently in a car wreck which was not her fault, got witnesses, she only had liability but the driver at fault had full coverage, they are trying to tell her that all she can get for her totaled car is $500. I checked her car on Kelly bluebook and it was a little over $3000. Is it true that she can't get more than $500. for her car? It seems to me that since the accident was not her fault and her car was totaled that she would get at least half the car's value?

Answer
Hi Christine,

The insurance company of the at-fault person owes your sister for the fair market value of her car. You should check the value of the car by going to www.autotrader.com . There you can search for currently for sale vehicles like hers. You will have to make adjustments for the condition of the vehicle, options and mileage. Another alternative would be to hire a local independent vehicle appraiser to inspect and appraise the value of the car, But that could cost as much as $300.00. Ultimately it will be a negotiated settlement. You just have to find information that will help you negotiate with the insurance company.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh