What questions/defense should I prepare for insurance co. who will pay off my car as a total loss?

Question

Insurance company of other driver who caused an accident (same company as me) will be writing off my car as a total loss, and I expect them to try to offer the "fair" blue book value, an unfairly low amount. The car does have a few prior exterior blemishes, some interior stains, runs very well though. What is the best way to handle trying to get closer to the "good" blue book value when they call with their amount?

Answer 1

they are going to pay you actual cash value, period.  cars depreciate they do not appreciate in value.  it is written in EVERY car insurance policy that losses are paid on ACV.  if they offer you fair condition, then thats what they have appraised your cars value at and unless there is something "outstanding" about the condition of the car they don't know about, thats what you will get.

Answer 2

Sorry it does not work that way. They will give you what your car will part out for. They don't care what the blue book say. It is a total lost. The blue book does not even cover a total lost vehicle. This is were you should had a lawyer on your side. Perhap you could had got your car replaced. A rental car on the other driver insurance. Plug money in your pocket for the other driver causing the aacidend and hospital bills. And paid you for being out of work. If you have signed a find settlement. Then you are out of luck. The insurance company does what they want. It is their benfit to save money.

Answer 3

So -- your vehicle is in 'fair' condition but you going to try and stiff them anyway. Your car is worth what it's worth -- no one uses Kelly Blue book except used car dealers. Most insurers use NADA or market surveys to determine values. What don't you at least listen to their offer before you have a cow?

Answer 4

Insurance companies don't use blue book, which is highly inflated.  They use fair market value, which is the worth of your car, adjusted for condition.

You won't get any extra because it "runs well", that's expected of any car.  

The insurance isn't out to cheat you, the offer will be what similar vehicles are selling for in your area.

Answer 5

Look up the value in a couple of different "blue books", Get several appraisals from Auto "experts" and also get estimates to repair it from a couple of body shops.  BTW, you may be perfectly happy with the value they put on your car  :>)