How to get maximum insurance appraisal?

[TERRYP]

Got my '66 panel sideswiped by an Allstate insured driver a couple of months ago. Damaged LF fender and L door bad enough to need replacement, and section behind door needs extensive work. Took to Allstate body shop, they could not find parts, I bought a used door, then Allstate sent out their appraiser and came back with $1300 offer.
How do I get maximum money from them?


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Everett, Washington
57 3/4 rat, 235, 3spd
66 C-10 Panel, SWB. 350 from '68, 200R4 tranny, 3.07 rear ratio, restoring
68 C10 LWB 350 4spd, 4.56 rear dump runner
82 Camaro, 305, THM-200-R4
84 Monte Carlo 305 TH350, land tuna
85 Tercel SW, snow runner

[da-burb]

Start by getting 3 bids for the repairs. Once you know what it would cost to have it repaired you have the information needed to bargain with them. It is up to you to prove to them that it will cost more than they estimated.

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1971 C-10 Suburban
1972 C-10 Suburban
1969 XL Galaxie Fastback
1968 Galaxie 500 Fastback
1974 SCOUT II

Montrose, Minnesota

[busterwivell]

State Farm did something similar to me with my old Dart. I got hit while stopped at a red light. Front end damage. The next day I went to the u-pull and got a bumper, fender, headlight bucket, etc. My State Farm agent sent me to claims center in case the other insurance wouldn't pay? They said, after I sat there for a couple of hours, "We can't locate any parts for your car, so we are going to total it. Bring us the title and keys and we'll give you a check for $500.00". This was MY INSURANCE COMPANY!?!? The engine was a fresh rebuil, d, you could still smell the paint baking! I told them, never mind, the parts are at the house, I got them off all the Dodge Darts sitting at the u-pull for under $100.00. The other company paid me $1400.00 and I kept the car, had it painted, drove it 150,000 miles, and sold it for 2900.00. State Farm is not my insurance company any longer.
My best advise is to get a professional appraisal on your vehicles before accidents happen. Insure them for the appraised amount and you won't have any problems.

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Bill - Tucson, AZ
56 Studebaker 2 dr Wagon
66 Chevelle 2 dr 4 speed
71 C30 Longhorn
86 Monte Carlo SS
96 Tahoe

[bobs409]

Prividing the damage is fixable, the insurance company "has" to fix it. Don't let them try anything funny. Just because it's an old truck doesn't mean squat! They must return your truck to the same condition it was in or better.

A lady hit/ran my truck and the local cop said they would probably just total my truck and give me a few hundred. Yeah right! He obviously knows nothing about old vehicles.

I got 2 estimates, one for $1500 and the other for $1100. I turned in the $1100 one and they paid without a hitch. This was Progressive which came right to my house and cut a check immediately! They are awesome. If you ever get wacked, make sure the person has them. LOL The claims adjuster guy even said he expected it to be higher so in the end, he was happy and I was happy.

I do regret not using the $1500 dollar estimate though. Doh!

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63 Impala*66 Chevelle SS*69 Chevelle*69 C10 Stepside*71 Cheyenne 20*72 Chevelle

Parts for sale:
http://www.angelfire.com/trek/mr409/items4sale.html