Auto Insurance Claims: Disputing an insurance settlement, 2004 infiniti g35x, exact car

Question
Good evening,

I was in a car accident approximately 10 weeks ago and have now been deemed to be at fault.  My insurance is, obviously, handling the other party's claim as they should.  My car's damage (2004 Infiniti G35x) has now amounted to $17,401 which is very close to the 75% manditory total amount (I live in NC) per the insurance company's estimating system and $18,320 per the body shop's estimating system.  The insurance company values my car's pre-accident value at approximately $23,500 but I have found the exact car locally for $21,980 and that is about the same amount that I originally paid for the car.  What can I do to dispute this value so that my car would total out and what are my odds of winning that argument?

Thanks in advance,
Alex

Answer
Hi Alex,

If the repairs have not yet started, you can simply call the insurance company and make your argument. Print out the value info that you found and send it to them. You should also argue that with the extent of the damage you and your family will not feel safe in the car. Also, in North Carolina you are able to make a claim for the diminished value of the vehicle, which in this case will be more than $5,000.00. If you inform your insurance company that you will be making a claim for diminishied value in addition to the cost of repairs, they may just go ahead and total the vehicle.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh