Auto Insurance Claims: wanting more value for totaled car, kelly blue book, local used car lots

Question
My son bought a 1991 convertible camero in April for $3500. Even though there were 240,000 miles, a new engine had been recently put in. He got hit & the car was totaled. They only want to give him $2075. When he asked the guy (who is a local cop) who sold him the car for paperwork showing the new engine, he said he had it done at a certain station. My son went there & they said that wasn't so. The seller then told my son that he had a former employee do the job on the side & the employee had gotten fired for taking business away from the shop. What can we do to increase the amount that they are willing to give my son? Would getting the seller to write something up & getting it notarized help?

Answer
Hi Brenda,
I seriously doubt that this was a brand new factory fresh engine (it would have cost $2,500-$3,000).  Most likely it was a used engine recovered from a salvage yard.
Either way, it's considered a maintenance problem and has little to no affect on the value of the car.
Your son is only entitled to fair market value for the Camaro.  Check Kelly Blue Book, NADA, local used car lots and newspaper ads to determine the fair market value in your area.
If it's greater than the offer of $2,075 then present proof to the insurance company and demand an increased settlement.
I hope this has been of help.  Please write again if I can be of more assistance.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 10-17-07 11:28 AM PST