Wasn't sure which forum to post this in, but I figure if you have to use your insurance, then you probably have to use a shop.

Anyway, our 96 SE got nailed hard from the side on the right rear quarterpanel (not my wife's fault). Car slid sideways, airbags exploded (not sure why, since it wasn't even close to a frontal collision), and I think the frame is bent since the rear drivers' side tire now sticks out about an inch or so. Given the age of the car, the deployment of the airbags, and the mileage (around 120k), and the possiblilty of a bent frame, my opinion is that they're going to total out our poor boy.

It was running just about perfectly at the time and absolutely everything on it worked as it should. The car has been garaged for all but the last 3 months (home remodeling has eaten up the garage space). It was never crashed before, but of course there were the usual door dings and stone chips - certainly nothing that needed repair. I'd say that the car was pretty close to 'like new', given the age and mileage.

I have had some upgrades done on the car: 17" Mille Miglia Spider wheels (two of which were destroyed), Stillen brakes, Centerforce Stage 2 clutch, lighter flywheel, and UD pulley.

So here are my questions: how in the world do we avoid getting screwed on the value of the car? What can we do to get reimbursed for the added value of the upgrades that were done? What is considered an accurate source for appraisal of the car's value before the crash? Also, if the frame is bent forward enough that it's affecting the suspension mounting points, what can I do to make sure that it DOES get totalled?

I'd appreciate your input on this. We've never had to total a car before and I've heard some horror stories about getting screwed on the value. We're fully expecting some ridiculous lowball value of maybe $4500, when Edmunds.com has it around $8000 before upgrades (that was average between trade-in, private-party, and dealer purchase).

 

i think you should post this in the regionals of the Gen forums no one is here... my opinion is the insurance is going to do everthing posible not to total your car is not worth to them pay you the whole car so they are going to fix all the damage now the part is if you tell them the frame is bend and blah blah blah they might do it but i doubt that they dont care about the frame being hit they just going to fix it...sorry if i didnt help...

 

i got about 9K for my 95 with 55K miles on it(frame damage.......automatically totaled). my provider is geico