By Jerry: My parked car was totalled. How should I handle the insurance company. See below for details.?
The other driver’s insurance company refused to fix the car stating that the cost of repairs exceeded the value of the car. They are stating that they will pay the KBB “Private party sale” value of the car. I faxed them a copy of the quote from KBB showing the “Retail value.” More likely than not, I will be buying a used car from a used car dealer. What are my options? Any suggestions that you might have will be appreciated. Thanks.
If they won’t budge, any other suggestions? Anything I can do on a state level (California)? The KBB retail value is $ 6000.

Good Answer:

Answer by candid
Dont settle for that crap,,, appear in person if you can.. They have to replace what you had. Even if you had an edsel with 40,000 miles on it.. Get an auto trader book, or books and find cars that are close to the one you had. Show them what they are going for because that is sure as hell what you lost!! You didnt lose some KBB book value quote. Tell them to replace what you truly lost. They will not spend more than the car is worth,,, but I would make damn sure they understood that I wasnt a fool and I knew how much the car is REALLY worth. The selling market for your car with similar options and miles will give you a good idea.. Consider and present everything!!! Was your car a non-smoker,, was the interior nice,,, new tires?? New Battery?? Modifications,,, They have to replace what u lost ,,,, Private Party my ass!!! Grey

Answer by te144
Your insurance company should deal with the other Insur. Co. assuming your state requires you to be insured. Your initial report should have been to the police with a copy furnished to your ins. co. Your ins. co. deals with the opposing ins. co. to determine fault as well as damages.
The other ins. co. took advantage with lies. Use your insurance — it’s their business, now. Good Luck. Let us hear how it’s going,

Answer by entidtil
Always involve YOUR insurance company in negotiations with the other insurance company. If your company can’t/won’t help. Get a couple of written assessments from auto price “professionals”, such as those who work in auto dealerships. If the assessments are higher, present them to the other insurance company. Be firm but fair

Answer by mbrcatz17
OK, legally, they only have to pay the LESSER of cost to repair, or actual cash value. They won’t pay retail value, as retail value takes in dealer profit and advertising.

My suggestion – go to your agent. But you’re not going to get more than they are legally responsible for, which is private party sale value (or, what you can buy the same car for, at the LOWEST price, not the highest). They aren’t obligated to buy you a car at the INFLATED value you get at a dealer.

Your other option – go to small claims court. But I think you’ll lose, sorry.

Answer by shjf47
Look through Autotrader and find vehicles like yours. Items used to arrive at vehicle value are: Make, Model, Miles, Condition (pictuers help) and options. Certain vehicles hold a higher values than the “Book” values. Insurance companies use the “N.A.D.A. Book” and/or “Kelly Blue Book” The KBB usually has higher values than NADA. Go and speak to your agent (if you didn’t buy the insurance on the internet) and have him/her show you (useing one of the books) how the company arrived at the value quoted.

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