what to do Jeep wrecked (totaled)?

Question

long story, she hit me and she had no ins.Mine is taling care of it but body shop has did 5G's already on it and now they say the frame is (Diamond) and can't be repaired needs new frame,but that will but it over 10G's.98, 2.5, automatic, oversized wheels, 4 in. lift,and tube bumbers.Checked Blue Book $8,500.00.Was told buy body man to find something comparable and ins. would have to do it as a trade out due to being totaled.anyone have an answer.Already found one 98 5 spped 2.5 110,000 new motor with15,000 miles.looks exactly like my jeep now but this one is $10,000.00

Answer 1

Problem #1: a diamond condition on a Jeep frame is NOTHING -- one the most basic and easy conditions to correct in auto-body repair. I have repaired and been involved in hundreds of repairs of this nature for over thirty years, I-CAR certified, Chief Frame Systems certified, etc, etc. Unless there are severe frame damages and conditions a good tech can do a LOT of safe/industry standard repairs vs replacement; make your claims guy show you why frame and body repairs are going to total your vehicle.
Problem#2: your policy does NOT state that you will be given replacement cost for your car. Customizing and add-ons do NOT necessarily add any value to the vehicle. Settlement is going to be fair market value only. Please stop taking advise from the body guy -- they don't handle claims (sounds like they don't repair frames either).
Do research: locate as many Jeeps for sale in your area as similar to yours as possible. If, indeed, they are all close to same asking price then this is considered market value. Blue book, NADA, etc. are good resources but are only a GUIDE (it's printed on the cover). Help the adjuster rather than enter a combative situation. The company has nothing to gain by not settling for a fair price (honest). If he/she is truly being a moron, and believe me, the industry is FULL of them, then demand to speak to manager after manager until you get one that will be reasonable. Act like an @ss and your file will go the bottom of a VERY large pile, dude. Good luck.
PS --NEVER take advice from a damn car salesman!!

Answer 2

You will get ACV, not necessarily blue book. Basically what similar vehicles are selling for on the market. However, with any customizations,(not sure if anything was added after you bought it) sometimes insurance policies will not cover that extra stuff if you did not tell them about it, and they did not endorse the policy for it. There's no "trade out". Could be that $10k purchase price is higher than it should be as well. Maybe you can negotiate that. Has the insurance company actually made you an offer? I wouldn't take Blue Book as "the word" on what you'll get.

Answer 3

From experience, you will get the blue book on your totaled Jeep. Have your insurance company sue the woman to pay all the damages. So it won't affect your insurance so much. Take the money they give you for your car and buy a smaller gas friendly car.

Answer 4

cow boy bill
hit it right on the nose......................

Jeeps do not hold their value and all the after market stuff if your choice and doesn't always value to the car,

find comparable vehicles and negotiate. Remember though the insurance company gets the ACV of a Car from a database company that compiles all the vehicles from within your market area with their selling prices (not asking price)

Answer 5

I don't see how the bluebook accounted for your lift kit and other extra's but, no matter what, their kinda held to replacement of your vehicle.
They're going to fight you, that's their job, fight back. If they can't find a replacement in their price range or for what their willing to spend they will try to get you to close out for a cash setlement. Don't do it. Tell them to have yours fixed and painted properly- no short cuts or junk parts.
Demand a supervisor. Tell them they have a choice- you found an acceptable replacement and the price.
Challenge them to find you a better replacement.
Hey, if they do, how wrong can you go. It's a lot better than walking, so, take it.
But, and I stress "but", if they don't,.. demand they pay the price for the one you found. That will the closest to yours.
Once again, be prepared, they will try their best to screw you.
Hey, good luck.

Answer 6

Insurance companies don't "trade" vehicles. If they total yours out, you'll get a check for the ACV plus tax & title, less your deductible, then you go shopping on your own.

Answer 7

That's life with accidents and the insurance company's. Same thing happens to others too.