Re: [bmw] E34 Post-Accident advice

[Robert Chase <beostar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Matt,

Keep in mind that the insurance company is legally obligated to "make 
you whole" in the event of a loss on behaf of their client.  The 2k 
worth of work that you put in your car could be to your advantage if you 
can show the insurance company that your BMW is an enthusiast car and 
not just transportation.  If you have done a lot of "upgrades" and 
preventative maint you can claim them in the value of the car.  The 
simple fact of the matter is the average run of the mill car on the used 
car market will not have these items taken care of which you are out of 
pocket for.  The insurance company may use delay tactics to make you 
settle.  If you can borrow a car for a few weeks I would suggest it.  
Also being aggressive and serving their insured with papers (especially 
at work) usually results in a screaming phone call to the insurance 
company.  It costs as little as $55 in some areas to start a lawsuit.  
It may send the message to the insurance company that you dont want to 
"fuck around" (pardon my french).  Additionally an insured that gets 
served with a lawsuit because of his insurance companies inability to 
settle a simple property damage claim is likely to switch carriers.  
Don't threaten to sue.  Just go down and serve the paperwork.  You would 
be suprised how flexible people become when the sherriff comes a knockin.

Robert Chase


Matt Brannock wrote:


> mkohlbrenner@domain.elided wrote:
>
> > And BTW, don't let the other person's insurance low-ball you
> > on their payout!  This is definitely negotiable.  Even the
> > salvage value might be negotiable, although I didn't bother
> > trying in my case.  Good luck.
> >
> >  
> Yes, I'm hoping they my father's negotiation skills from being an 
> attorney will help out there.
>
> Since I just bought the car and put about $2000 of maintenance and 
> parts into the car, could
> I use any of that (I have all the paperwork) to try to get a slightly 
> higher compensation? This is my
> first accident involving another car, and my first interaction with 
> another insurance, and, obviously,
> I'd like to get as much out of it as I can, especially since right now 
> I'm still making credit card payments
> on the stuff I bought for the car, like 4 brand new tires, timing belt 
> and main seal work, and stuff like that.
>
> I don't know if insurance compensates for anything like that. Any 
> experience out there?
> Like I said, my insurance was liability only, but the other driver's 
> insurance will be making the payout.
>
> Also, the car is black with grey leather interior. Was in fantastic 
> shape. Anything rear of the firewall should
> still be in great condition. Forward of the firewall, however, is most 
> likely useless. The rims may be okay, but the tires
> are definitely shot from rolling forward with fender attached. The 
> front end front of the firewall was reduced
> by about a foot and a half, my guess is the engine and everything 
> around it is shot. If I buy-back the car,
> I'll let you guys know and have first dibs on parts.
>
> Thanks,
> Matt
>
> P.S. I've got a stiff neck from the entire experience, anyone think I 
> can use that?
> P.P.S. I can vouch for the E34 durability. It definitely took a lot of 
> force, since
>           I hit someone on the side at 45 miles an hour. I wish I had 
> pictures...
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