Help, My insurance company is trying to screw me.

They aren't giving me anything for my upgrades which total 5,000 +
I'm really pissed about loosing that much. Any experiences out there?

-Scott

 

Im an insurance guy. What state do you live in?

 

I'm in Connecticut, any help would be greatlt appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

 

Might be a stupid question I am assuming your car is deemed totaled by the insurance company's stand point meaning damage/repairs exceeds the auto's "book value". The Insurance company will only reimburse you for the loss according to the book value. The only way you can recover the 5k USD in upgrades is if you put a "cusom equipment" rider on the policy before it got totaled informing them of the upgrades and values of upgrades itemized. Its too late now. Obviouly this rider cost more premium. Well if the case is deemed the other driver is at fault 100%. Your company paying you the claim (book value) will "subrogate" their cost to the other drivers insurance company who will reimburse your insurance compay for the book value. I suggest you get a letter from your ins company regarding your not at fault because this claim will follow you for the next couple of years on your DMV record. chargable on new insurance. With that letter it is not a chargeable claim or surcharge when you get new car insurance. I obtained one as you can read what happened to me below next paragraph. If the other guy was impared due to alcohol he's going to have problems, legal and monetary . I was thinking subrogation to the other ins company for the damages will be sent to his company and the drunks company will not pay your company, which is not your problem or anything to do with you, but if he was drunk his company will not pay ultimaely suit will proceed him for the claim for your vehicle or any medical bills incurred. Being drunk in NY in an event of an accident, it is not covered.... Your insurance company is to protect you and interest.

I had experienced the same problem back in '97. I was rear ended at a stoplight which totaled my '87 4000. The car was nice... I just got compensated by the measily book value. (peanuts) I had no collision. I was entitled to loss of my car because he was 100% at fault. It was the other operators fault 100%. They gave me book value. THe car was towed to my house and it took the adjuster 10 days to see the car. My friends looked at it for days asking for parts. I am not implying anything....hmmmm
Good luck tell me what you are looking to buy next.

 

I also work for a major carrier as an adjuster. It is very difficult to put a value to a vehicle with upgrades that were installed on behalf of the owner. You have to understand that when we put money into performance items to increase the pleasure of our cars it does not add value in the marketplace. The book is a guide and every vehicle has its own value. My suggestion to you would be to remove the items you feel important and replace them with the OEM parts if you still have them. I know it is hard to swallow the value of our cars in the market but it is the only way to compensate you for the claim. I hope this helps even though it will not make you feel any better.

I did see the photos of the car and it looked really nice. It is too bad there are so many idiots out there.
Kevin

 

Can't you pull your undamaged mods and sell them to make up some of the loss?

 

They are not in the mod business, and mods on a wreck that is going to be sold for parts rarely help it's value. I wrecked my '98.5 A4 last spring, and actually got most of the mods off the car and sold them to people on Audiworld. With the insurance company's settlement, I made out real well once I finally sold all the rims, ECUs, CD changer, and tons of other little stuff.

 

Cool! Are those mud-wrestling super models ;-)!

 

what about the rear head rests? are they the tan leather? the leather on mine have split apart at the seams. Could we swap them?

Also, my floor mats are my old Passat mats, so I'd liked to get a full set of the Audi ones. I'm sure the insurance company wouldn't miss those.

I'll send $$ your way for each.

If selling mods, what else can you sell/swap out?

Let me know...

Thanks!