The accident just happened this morning, so insurance probably won't look at the car till later today or tomorrow, but I want to be ready when they do. Where are the best places I should be looking at for value on my car. I don't want to get lowballed by these fockers. I'm gonna look up the KBB, where else? Sorry, I would search and I DO know better, but I'm kinda in a hurry and desperate right now, so please bear with me! BTW, 97gxe no options, 74k miles. Thanks in advance...

 

Find ads for cars in your area that are as close to yours as possible. Don't accept their first offer.

IIRC there was a HUGE thread about this a while ago with some very good comments from a member who is a insurance adjuster. Take some time and do a search.

 

Make sure you find out the RETAIL value of you car. The insurance company is supposed to give you the amount it would cost you to buy a comparable car from a dealer. They will definitely try to low-ball you at first. Make sure you ask them how they came to decide on the number that they do. Also stress that the accident was NOT your fault and you still own 11K on the car.

BTW- From where I've been looking, you'll probably be able to get at least 10K from insurance...don't accept anything less than that.

 

Go and search the DEALERSHIPS and those free ads you see at the shopping stores. They usually have the highest retail values. Be carefull as the insurance companies might use nada for the value. Try to get kelly blue book values for your car in excellent condition. And don't accept the first offer. It's like a game to them.

 

So far...
KBB $11270
Edmunds $9112
NADA $9775

 

Jeff is right, those prices generally don't account for "fair market value." when i wrecked my first 95 GXE, they tried to low ball me and offered $7.5K because of some front end damaged that occured when my friend backed into me. i ended up with $8900 which was what my '95 SE with lower miles and leather cost.

 

If they try to lowball you, say, "well find me a maxima exactly like mine that's in the same or better condition and deliver it to me".

 

mtrai, I have state farm when my car was stolen they gave me blue book dealer high value and paid for the car's value in taxes and paid for my current registration (pro-rated for 10 months).

Basically they charged me exactly to the penny what it would cost to replace, they also paid me retail value for my mods.

If you need further advice or waht not send me an email.