My husband got rear-ended in his 1970 Nova?

Question

The guy did have insurance - thank god! What are the chances we're going to have to fight with the insurance company to get the car fixed right - seeing as it's a classic (restored) car?

Answer 1

You aren't going to like this answer, but this is how it works. A 1970  Nova is not a "classic" car, it's just an old car.  There is no way any insurance company, (or court, if you sue the other driver) is going to give you more than the Blue Book value of the car. You are only entitled to the actual value of the car at the time of the accident. Fighting the insurance company will be a waste of money because it will be  a fight you will lose.

Restoring old cars is an act of love, rarely is it a good financial decision because you end up sinking much more money into them than they will ever be worth. If you want to repair it to it's original, pre-accident  condition most of the cost is going to be on  you.

Answer 2

La pretty much nailed it.

Answer 3

Unfortunately they are probably only going to be willing to give you blue book value unless it was insured for more. If the insurance company is not totaling it then you can get them for the cost of the parts to fix it. Good luck.

Answer 4

You'll need to use your uninsured/under-insured portion of your insurance.Get a lawyer,you'll have to fight for just compensation.

Answer 5

you're going to need proof of it being restored.  receipts, photos, trophies from shows.  hupefully you had it insured as classic, then you can use your insurance company and their records.

Answer 6

it all depends on the other person's company.  i hope he is insured with a good company.  if so, things should go good for you.  if not they may fight you on this.  do you have it insured on a classic car policy or just a regular auto policy?  if its on a regular auto policy did you have an endorsement added for the higher value and "custom equipment" on the car?  contact the adjuster who is handling the case.  he may want to have you fax him receipts or pics, etc of the car to show what you have restored on the car.  be patient and be NICE to the adjuster.  this will get you a lot farther than losing your cool with him over things.

Answer 7

the other guys insurance never makes it easy for you you will have to fight for everything

Answer 8

ugh, horrible answers- take them with a grain of salt.

First off- you dont have a choice whether its repaired or totalled. Its simple... insurance will do whichever is cheaper (and has every legal right to do so.)  They will find the actual cash value of your car.... and then estimate the repair cost.. and go off of which is less.

Obviously you are going to want to show them the vehicle has a high value- hence it will be less expensive to repair.  Show them this by any evidence you have.  Pictures, ads of what this car sells for,  receipts you have etc.

keep in mind though-  most people think there cars are worth alot more then they are.  No offense- but i dont see many people in the market for 1970's novas... that means it wont be worth much.