Hey gang, need some advice.
I was involved in an accident 5th of Oct. They (other insurance) is paying $11,120 to straighten the front rail frame and replace everything that goes with the front end. They wont total my car since repair is less than 50% of the value of my car (2003 G35 sedan, premium pkg and spoiler).
My question is how do I handle the diminshed vaule compensation when "they" send out an appariser ?
Thanks for any input !

-Jackal-

 

I'm glad you asked! I was hit on 8/10, $14,000+ total damage. Thankfully, the only real frame damage was to the left rocker panel. They wouldn't total the car either, although it did sustain severe rear suspension damage. I've read about diminished value over the past couple months on this site, very grey info, many variables. What I did was I obtained an estimated loss from an independent appraiser. The claim was through Allstate, and they advised me it can not be a body shop or dealership because of a potential bias. I faxed all info between appraiser and Allstate. 1 week later (today),I received a check for $4,338.14. Now, I've hear that this can actually take months, if at all. No guarantee, but definitely give it a try, esp. if it's not your fault. Also, your car can not have been in any previous accidents. The whole process depends on state to state, the ins. company etc. None of this can happen until the repairs are finished, Good luck

 

Thanks jbone for the info. USAA in San Antionio said they send an independent apprasier to chekc my G35 after it's been repaired. My car was immaculate and no prior damage. I wonder how you got $4K; percentage of Cash Value ? Is it too much to expect at leat 25% in loss of vaule ? Trade-in Value or Replacement Vaule ? Should I plan on gettin my own apprasier ?
Thanks for any replies !

-Jackal-

 

Allstate gave me the dollar amount for my estimated loss. I honestly thought I wouldn't get anything, after all that I read. When she told me the whole amount, I nearly $hit myself! Is USAA through the military? If so, I've heard they're pretty good.

 

Everyone's been saying USAA is pretty good, but thus far they are playing hard ball. Not very symphethics towards my loss of time and headache.

-Jackal-

 

Isn't frame damage by itself enough to total a car?

 

no, to total a car the costs of repairs have to be greater than or equal to 50% of the market value of a car. That's why salvaged M3's or Vettes are dangerous buys, it means they had over 20-30 thousand dollars of damage.

A 1983 Honda accord that's salavage is safer, chances are he replaced the front windsheild and the salvaged title occured.

 

Don't give up, it may take a while

 

Will keep you updated. Should get my G35 back late next week. New front end and headlights. At least the new headlights should make it look better. Need new tires. Any recommendation on wide tires with good wear/handling for my stock sedan 17" wheels ?

-Jackal-

 

Good luck. Any word yet?

 

Oh well, after 7 weeks I finally got my G-sedan back. Looks Ok on the surface but not like as it was before. Leathers all dirty, hood not lined tightly, paint residues on edges and other little things. Just glad to have it back. Got new Tires 225/55/17, wonder if this will mess up anything. So overall I can't complain too much. Looks good with the new clean/clear headlamps. Just waiting to hear from the Appraisers about the Diminutive value of the Car. Hope they dont try to screw me.
Over all repairs mounted to ~$14,000. Practally new front end from fan to AC, to Radiator to bumpers to Lights. Whole new dash (since Infiniti bags are integrated to the entire dashboard). New steering wheel and finally the Column itself. That led to VDC Off light malfunction so my SLIP light is on. Dealer is going to replace the sensor ??? under warranty. More like they messed it up when the replace the column.
So that's my story. The Drama will continue once the Appraisor vaules my Car.
Pic of wreck. Bah, too big.
Well, any comment on my tires ???

-Jackal-

 

You are entitled to have your car restored exactly to the condition prior to the accident. If they can't, then you may be able to have it totaled. That's how it was explained to me. Fight hard, and if they turn you down, keep pressing for the diminished value. 14,000, you lost quite a bit of trade in value. PM me if you want the place that I faxed my info to for the dim. val. estimate.

 

Will keep you updated. No call for that aprasial yet.

Have to go in and get the VDC off lamp taken care of. The car thinks I'm going in a 90o angle. Said the sensor need to be replace. Man, it's the begnning of the end. $519 for 30000 mi Service. Yikes.

-Jackal-

 

USAA Adjuster came back and offered a lousy $2090 in diminutive value after ~$14,000 worth of repairs.
Any suggestions ? Should I get a independent appraisal ? Then counter offer ? Any thoughts ?
Thanks.

-Jackal-

 

Don't cash the check untill you are satisfied! That's saying that you are.