I think I'd just put some red tape on the tail light and keep on rollin' man :). Glad you weren't hurt though. Crazy stupid people.
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I think I'd just put some red tape on the tail light and keep on rollin' man :). Glad you weren't hurt though. Crazy stupid people.
For what happened the damage isn't that bad, but if you look close you can see the dent just below the gas door and just in front of the rear tire. That's why I think they'll total it.
I can't see a total. Maybe though. That is something that can be repaired on the cheap. Also, the car is not in overall bad shape. Maybe a claybar and Zaino? Keep us posted.
I think it could have been much worse, but that don't look total bad.
Looking at the pics I doubt that would be a total, even on a $3,000 car. I was thinking the whole back corner was caved in or something. Glad you're ok, hope it gets worked out. Maybe try and squeeze enough money out of them to get a decent full paint job?
I hope you guys are right, let you know after lunch.
What a PITA this is going be. Their estimate is $1035, so I'm glad they didn't try to total it, but now I have to go around and get more estimates, because this is a lowball figure. No bumper cover replacement, $20 for a taillight. Cheapest I found on ebay was $35 and my body guy gets them for $80.
No, I'm not fixing it 100% but I should get an accurate number as the car has decreased in value. What do you guys think, should I just STFU and accept that I have to look at a dented quarter panel for $1000 bucks. ?????
They don't owe you $1035 - they owe you a fixed car. ::Rant::
Now, if you don't want it fixed, but would rather have the $, that's up to you - but they gotta get closer to reality on the number for sure. IMHO and all that...
Glad you're okay, though.
Just for future reference, who is your insurance company? (If you don't mind that is.)Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharpie
My insurance is USAA, this lady has Progressive.
Tell them that it's BS, you're calling Jim Adler and your neck hurts, I bet they triple their estimate fast.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharpie
Don't think that hasn't crossed my mind......
The first thing to do is get 3 estimates...
The 2nd is to call your agent and tell him the bullshit you are experiencing.
I had hit a downed power line and the electric company tried to pull the "Act of God" crap because a storm rolled through. I had pics of everything (including the untrimmed trees all through the lines) and called my insurance agent. He was chomping at the bit to go after the other insurance company if they didn't take care of me on this.
If your insurance agent is worth the money you are paying him then he or she will help you with this.
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by channelmaniac
It actually might be the first thing I'd do at this point. USAA's good folks, in my experience....
Typical insurance tactic. They give you a lowball number and hope you will take the $$ and not fix the car. If you take the car to a good body shop they will know how to work with the insurance company once the total exceeds the estimate. My friend with a body shop has to do this all the time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharpie
From what I remember the last time this happened to me, I had my choice of body shop. I took my car to a shop I had a connection to, and they handled it. The other guy's insurance was cheap and shitty at first, but in the end they relented. It was a touchy deal because it was a gray-market BMW, but it all worked out in the end. I think the original estimate was about $1500, but the final tab ended up being about $2500.
+1 for calling your agent to bird-dog the other party.
I have sent the USAA dogs on another company before and they not only got all their money back, but my deductible too
The body shop will get them to pay more if they need them too, but then they have to fix it. I'm not willing to drive a bashed up car for a grand. Reselling it wrecked plus the grand will never get me what I could've sold the car for 5 minutes before it was hit.
If I got it fixed I don't see the best painter in the world being able to blend faded paint. Not sure what my next move is at this point. I'll call USAA and get their opinion.
Eating my humble pie......
My body guy looked at the estimate and the car and said he could do it for their price, so excuse my rant. I'm not going to go for the full fix though, I'll probably just buy a taillight and then if the dent bugs me I'll have them pull it out and not paint it or anything for $160.
Sorry this happened Chris. Glad you are ok.
Insurance companies low ball their estimate hoping you'll cash the check rather than paying to fix it.
Get several estimates and make them bump their estimate up. If you don't want it totalled tell them that isn't an option. Get more money and then get Steven or your neighbor to fix it cheaper. Use the extra dollars for Miata upgrades!