Car insurance claim appraisal?

Question

I was recently in an an accident where the other party claimed fault. My car was totaled, and I have been in touch with the other party's insurance. They sent me an appraisal which was low, and doesn't seem to have included the following:
- Lo-jack
- Extended warranty on the vehicle
- Trim of the car

Also, the zip code on the appraisal was wrong (maybe intentionally so) When I check on Edmunds or KBB, the private party value is at least 3K higher.

I am going to talk again with the insurance company, but any tips on how to proceed with this? I cannot go to an appraiser it seems since I do not have comprehensive insurance. I am based in California. Thanks

Answer 1

Just stay calm and keep a cool head. If you can SHOW the adjuster where they actually owe you more than their original offer they will pay. Edmunds and Kelly are not used for values most of the time -- you SHOULD be paid actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle prior to the loss. Do some homework .. locate as many vehicles as close to yours as far as mileage and options that are for sale in your area. Keep names and contact numbers handy and if the average price is indeed higher than the offer then tell the adjuster. They have nothing to gain by making an unfair offer. Note: a professional tone and cool head will get you MUCH more traction than screaming and threating to sue. If you run into a stone wall (the adjuster could just be a real tool -- thousands of them out there) then ask for a manager.

Answer 2

Not sure if you mean custom paint work by "trim." If so, that does not increase the monetary value of your vehicle unless it came from the manufacturer like that, in which case, it may already be figured into the value.

It also sounds like you don't have full coverage with your carrier, so you don't have them to verify the other carrier's findings. You could hire a public adjuster at your own expense, but I don't think it would be worth it.

Do ask them to double check the zip code and explain why they used a different zip code. If they can't give you a good reason, you have the right to speak to their manager. If you don't get any results, you can file and insurance department complaint. But your state insurance department is not there to verify the value of your vehicle, only to make sure the insurance company acts equitably.

Answer 3

Oh lord. Yes, insurance companies have "big meetings" telling their adjusters to put the wrong zip codes in order to "trick" you into accepting less. Please, the world is not out to get you.

First off, They dont owe you for the warranty of your car. That has nothing to do with the actual cash value of your car (which is what your owed) So.. just forget that warranty b/c nothing you can do legally will make them pay.

Now, if you disagree with the appraisal. You better have some valids reasons why. Kelly blue book is NOT a valid reason. I dont know any companies that go off of kelley blue book... their amounts are usually off PLUS what condition did you say your car was in on kelley blue book? I hope not the best condition.. b/c maybe 2% of cars are that.

Ways to show your vehicle is worth more include... ads are that same car in your area that cost more etc. But again... actual cash value is what it is... you can expect MAYBE to get a few hundred dollars more then they are offerign if you have a valid reason.

Answer 4

Are you saying you don't have insurance? In CA where it's required? If you do have insurance, get advice from your agent as to what to do and how to proceed, since they should really be doing this for you. If you don't have insurance I'm not sure what to tell you except to be really careful, because if you push too hard they will point out if you hadn't been there and accident wouldn't have happened, and without insurance you should not have been there in the first place.

Answer 5

I've had insurance companies send me quotes of cars from the wrong areas so they can claim that's what my car sells for. It's a trick. look in your county what your car would sell for. Find the highest you can and submit that to your insurance.

I live in Northern CA and they will tell me that my car is worth $$$ because that's what one sells for in Compton (over 500 miles away from me).

Don't forget to add in your Registration. If it's new, they need to refund the difference. If there is only a month left, then don't bother. Factor in the cost If your tires are in good shape. Tinted window, upgraded stereo? New paint?

Answer 6

Tell the company that their offer is not sufficient. I do not know what not having comprehensive insurance has to do with seeing an appraiser. This would be how you get an estimate of damages.