Total Loss - Insurance Tips?

[ylwjacket]

I have State Farm. If they would recover even some of it, that would be great. In the past 4-6 weeks, we've done:
- new thrust arms
- new cv axles (front)
- complete cooling system replacement, including radiator, water pump, thermos, all hoses and sensors
- oil filter housing gasket
- valve cover gasket
- alternator
- battery

Was planning on the car running for awhile.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by ylwjacket

I have State Farm. If they would recover even some of it, that would be great. In the past 4-6 weeks, we've done:
- new thrust arms
- new cv axles (front)
- complete cooling system replacement, including radiator, water pump, thermos, all hoses and sensors
- oil filter housing gasket
- valve cover gasket
- alternator
- battery

Was planning on the car running for awhile.

All normal wear and tear maintenance items. None of those add to the value of the vehicle from an insurance perspective.

[crystalworks]

Unfortunately, the only way to come out "right" on this one would be to part it out I think.

As others said, insurance will not reimburse for maintenance, though you could mention it to them to speak to condition of the vehicle when negotiating settlement. As for mods, there are many, many, companies that will reimburse you for those as Josh mentioned.

[ylwjacket]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Unfortunately, the only way to come out "right" on this one would be to part it out I think.

As others said, insurance will not reimburse for maintenance, though you could mention it to them to speak to condition of the vehicle when negotiating settlement. As for mods, there are many, many, companies that will reimburse you for those as Josh mentioned.

I am thinking they will mark down for mileage, but I can make the case that it was in better condition than comparable cars, probably even with less mileage, because it was ready to go another 100k miles with all of that done.

If I buy a used one with 130k miles, I will be expecting to do all of that work all over again.

I think that would add value if I were reselling it.

[motordavid]

ylwjacket/M...
Wow. Glad your Daughter and her gang are all OK.

Those pics are ugly, but the structural strength of the waistline up, probably saved their fannies.

No clue or opin on your insurance situ, but I wish you well.
GL, mD

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by ylwjacket

I am thinking they will mark down for mileage, but I can make the case that it was in better condition than comparable cars, probably even with less mileage, because it was ready to go another 100k miles with all of that done.

If I buy a used one with 130k miles, I will be expecting to do all of that work all over again.

I think that would add value if I were reselling it.

I have had very good luck with State Farm on two previous occasions with similar circumstances involving claims on the collision portion of my policy. The important considerations were; 1) I was a long time State Farm policy holder, 2) I always maintained collision on my vehicles no matter what the mileage, and 3) I maintain my vehicles well enough to qualify as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle that could be placed on an extended warranty. I also let State Farm periodically inspect my vehicles so they can make a note of their general appearance and condition. With mildly persistent persuasion, I've never had a problem with them assigning the highest possible value towards any repair or replacement situation.

2002 X5 3.0 310,360 miles
2014 428i 21,500 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird - under restoration

[ylwjacket]

Originally Posted by motordavid

ylwjacket/M...
Wow. Glad your Daughter and her gang are all OK.

Those pics are ugly, but the structural strength of the waistline up, probably saved their fannies.

No clue or opin on your insurance situ, but I wish you well.
GL, mD

Thanks buddy. Hope you and the Mrs are loving living the carefree life.

[jsoto]

3) I maintain my vehicles well enough to qualify as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle that could be placed on an extended warranty. I also let State Farm periodically inspect my vehicles so they can make a note of their general appearance and condition. With mildly persistent persuasion, I've never had a problem with them assigning the highest possible value towards any repair or replacement situation.

[/QUOTE]

Just looking for clarity. You actually call SF and either you head down to their location or they come to you for a visual ~inspection~ of your car ?

That's a 1st I've ever heard of.

I can see if you want to add a rider *which does costs extra above the stated premium*, that covers add-ons, custom wheels, etc - in which they may want a inspection or just receipts. That I've done in the past.

[ylwjacket]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

I have had very good luck with State Farm on two previous occasions with similar circumstances involving claims on the collision portion of my policy. The important considerations were; 1) I was a long time State Farm policy holder, 2) I always maintained collision on my vehicles no matter what the mileage, and 3) I maintain my vehicles well enough to qualify as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle that could be placed on an extended warranty. I also let State Farm periodically inspect my vehicles so they can make a note of their general appearance and condition. With mildly persistent persuasion, I've never had a problem with them assigning the highest possible value towards any repair or replacement situation.

2002 X5 3.0 310,360 miles
2014 428i 21,500 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird - under restoration

Good to know, thanks. I have not done any inspections, but I hope to convince them that this car was better mechanically than most of similar vintage, because it was.

[srmmmm]

[/QUOTE]

Just looking for clarity. You actually call SF and either you head down to their location or they come to you for a visual ~inspection~ of your car ?

That's a 1st I've ever heard of.

I can see if you want to add a rider *which does costs extra above the stated premium*, that covers add-ons, custom wheels, etc - in which they may want a inspection or just receipts. That I've done in the past.[/QUOTE]

I take it to them every couple of years just to show them it's well maintained and in excellent condition. I've had the same agent now for 30 years, so the relationship is solid too.