The Legend, final chapter...

[urban_legend]

At one of MI's famous road construction sites - a hap hazard assortment of orange barrels and lane changes - the legend took it broadside. Looks like the end. Most of the damage was to the door but rear quarter and rocker panel will need to be replaced. With a 2001, and the cost of new parts it doesn't take long to total it out.

So my question(s) is how best to approach this with the insurance company? Any one experienced here? Should I take the car and part it out? Try and fix it with salvage sheet metal? Take the money and start shopping for "Son of Legend".
The first glance estimate from the collision shop was 13K and counting - all sheet metal and the door interior.

Oh and most importantly - other driver not a scratch and I escaped with a single bruise on my elbow. Side airbag and belt worked to perfection. Same intersection claimed the husband of a friend of mine so as sad as I am to see the p-car go - damn fortunate to be able to tell the story and live to drive again.

who's your insurance?

1) Get your receipts for service together

2) print the KBB retail value

3) pull 3 of the highest comp sales within a 100 mile radius

Meet the adjuster at your car, and make sure you present him with all three.

Amica, State Farm, Famers insurance, and you'll be fine - Geico tends to screw it's clients without the lube (in my experiences with them, anyway).

Originally Posted by urban_legend

So my question(s) is how best to approach this with the insurance company? .

[husker boxster]

Sorry to hear about the demise of "the legend", but glad to hear you're OK.

Was the other person at fault? If so and if the person has reputable insurance, you should end up fine. The insurance co will want to do everything they can to make you happy so this incident doesn't end up in court. They should give you a very good settlement for your car. This will be one instance where the higher prices listed in the various car pricing guides will work to your benefit. Don't be surprised if they offer you more than book value. But they will want you to sign a release saying you'll not sue them.

With a generous settlement, the economy still sputtering, and the end of convertible weather approaching, you should be able to find a nice replacement.

[Frodo]

Quote: "Was the other person at fault?"

Posted by husker boxster.

If it was the other guy's fault, hopefully you had the presence of mind to complain about neck and back pain as soon as you got out of the car...You did do that, Right?

That's one of those little things that comes in handy when you start negotiating with the other guy's insurance company.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by husker boxster

Sorry to hear about the demise of "the legend", but glad to hear you're OK.

Was the other person at fault? If so and if the person has reputable insurance, you should end up fine. The insurance co will want to do everything they can to make you happy so this incident doesn't end up in court. They should give you a very good settlement for your car. This will be one instance where the higher prices listed in the various car pricing guides will work to your benefit. Don't be surprised if they offer you more than book value. But they will want you to sign a release saying you'll not sue them.

With a generous settlement, the economy still sputtering, and the end of convertible weather approaching, you should be able to find a nice replacement.

A couple of years back I was in an accident where the other driver was at obvious fault and my vehicle was a total loss. I thought then the same as you at the time, boy was I wrong. The other driver's insurance company (a reputable one) made an offer (which I felt was low) and that was it, no negotiation. We ended up having to go through subrogation (in effect a claim on your policy in which your insurance company goes after the other's). I have never sued anyone in my life, but that experience would make me consider it in the future.

[vath2001]

Where did it happen? I was through Ann Arbor 2 weeks ago and saw the usual "cluster f___" of barrels.

[Mike_Yi]

A friend of mine wrecked his Carrera at the track. It was totalled, but he bought the wreck from the insurance company and stripped it in his garage. He eBayed the parts and made more off the parts than it would have cost him to replace the car. He came out way ahead. That may be something to consider if you have the space.