Fair settlement price on a totalled 94 SVX L

[Zandar]

Originally Posted by ensteele

I have been putting mileage, year, and price on a graph and it is a fairly good indicator of price. You car would be $6,000 to $6,500 according to the graph.

The other thing to keep in mind is that you want a car that is comparable to yours, not just a SVX. You want it "replaced", not just get another SVX. You insurance agent should be helping you get the settlement. If they don't, I would be looking for another agent.

Actually, your insurance agent can't help you. File a claim with your insurance company (provided you have collision coverage) and your adjustor will help you.

If you don't have COL coverage, then you have SOL coverage and will have to deal with the other company.

You just need to find out what CT DOI procedures are for comparable autos for a 3rd party claimant. Any insurance lawyer should be able to consult you on that with little or no charge.

[teal one]

When I first got my license (back in the day) I got hit by some guy. I went to MY ins. agent, where he filled out my accident report with me, and followed through, getting the most he could for damages done to my car from the other guys insurance company. I didn't have full coverage on my car, but the agent said: Thats What We're Here For!! Those days are long gone!! Good luck-hope all goes well. You may explore the option of "by back" where you do get a cash settlement and keep the car. Depending the extent of the damage, someone here may want it to fix. A lot of guys here have, or have access to, parts to fix it. There is a possibility you could come out a little better that way, and would save another one from being crushed!

[ensteele]

Originally Posted by teal one

... agent said: Thats What We're Here For!! Those days are long gone!!

I am glad those day are not gone. My agent is very good and I have mentioned before, that I shop for an agent, and not the insurance company. If your agent is bad, your insurance is worth $0.00. Their policy is "That is what we are here for. If I was in that situation, they would pay me off and go after the other insurance company. I have seen them do it before and it wasn't me that they were helping.

[OrangeOkie]

Originally Posted by ensteele

I am glad those day are not gone. My agent is very good and I have mentioned before, that I shop for an agent, and not the insurance company. If your agent is bad, your insurance is worth $0.00. Their policy is "That is what we are here for. If I was in that situation, they would pay me off and go after the other insurance company. I have seen them do it before and it wasn't me that they were helping.

I could not agree more. Look for the agent,not the insurance company.
Also, "agreed value" coverage is a must with any "collectable" car.

[teal one]

I guess I got a bad attitude about insurance companys and or agents-two years ago a guy made a left turn in front of my granddaughter. 95 Olds Gutlass Supreme,fresh tranny,tires,exhaust,brakes, and so on with all reciepts, car in good condition. After two weeks of trying to get a hold of this guys agent, I got with her agent. He said if she had only had full coverage he could help. Otherwise, keep trying to contact his agent.(gee, thanks!!) Finally, an appraiser came to look at the car. WOW!! You really mean you'll give us a whole 900.00 for it? I asked for an explaination as to why so little-he replied "thats all it's worth." It took a while but ended up with 1500.00 and kept the car. I agree-witout a good agent the insurance is worth nothing. But if you don't have collision coverage around here they won't do much for you. Probably should have had it,but(excuses,excuses,etc) Plus having worked in the collision busines for 30 plus years makes you kind of dislike their practices!!

BTW: New agent seems to be pretty decent!!

[ensteele]

Full coverage for mine is only a few $$ more than liability. For so little more, it could save me so much more.

[momzsvx]

Originally Posted by ensteele

Full coverage for mine is only a few $$ more than liability. For so little more, it could save me so much more.

I had full coverage on my polo green. I only have liability on pearlie. Full coverage for the one I drove most. Now since my accident I must have full coverate on pearlie. An agent will look at my car this week. I hope I am happy.

[Zandar]

Ensteele, unfortunately your agent is the exception rather than the rule. If you have an agent that can actually help you in the claim, keep that one for as long as you drive!

Generally, agents are nothing but salesmen. If you ever have an accident, all an agent can do is direct your to your claims centre (unless they're really old-school and do everything on the premises, which is rad). You're pretty much in the hands of an overworked, underpaid call centre representative that will be more concerned about hitting their numbers than helping you out. At least, that's my impression from working with Geico, Allstate, Progressive, AAA, USAA, Farmers, eSurance, and a few dozen others.

Oh, sure, there are good reps here and there; but usually if they can pawn you off to someone else they will. The long and the short of it, though, is that (again, for the most part) your agent who wrote the policy will have absolutely nothing to do with you if you have to file a claim because that's not their jurisprudence. I know some companies are shying away from this trend, and I really hope they all do; but cost is cost and call centres are cheaper than on-site professionals.

Also, if you don't have collision coverage don't expect your agent/adjustor to help you get a settlement. In fact, it's illegal for them to do so in many states (as they are then acting as an advisor at that point; i.e. legal representation).

[TN_fwdsvx]

Good news! Body shop owner called "their" insurance claims adjuster today and received permission to begin repairs. I suspect he "conspired" with the agent... informed him that his customer (me) had already contacted a lawyer and the state insurance commission just in case they refused to repair the car. Sometimes the good-ole-boy-network is a good thing. Used trunk lid is across the river and should be there tomorrow. Bumper cover is being shipped from San Diego so may take longer. He is also working up an estimate for me to pay for painting the rest of the car.

MobziW - good luck with yours. Be ready to fight and you may not have to.

Originally Posted by TN_fwdsvx

I have a 1994 L (FWD) which was struck in the rear by a Memphis City Schools SCHOOLBUS. Took a week to get an adjuster to look at the car and he estimated value at $1600. The adjuster is on contract with the bus company's insurance company which doesn't seem to have an agent in the Memphis area. I do have an 800 number for the agent handling the claim and I disputed the adjuster's evaluation. The agent immediately raised the evaluation to $2,875 (NADA mid-range retail). Unfortunately, repairs are estimated at 2,800 before they even look at the suspension - and the car is not drivable due to rear vibration at about 40mph. After talking with the owner of the body shop where my SVX is currently residing, I did a search on the internet for 1994 - 1997 SVXi for sale within 500 miles of Memphis.

Lowest price I found: $3,500

I will be disputing the evaluation if they still try to total my car. Recommend you do same to get "real" value of your car.

[teal one]

Congrats!!!! Another one saved!!!

[sicksubie]

I got $5962 for my 94 with 88k on it when I got in my accident..