small dent, car is totaled
01-12-12, 08:07 PM
#17
It's sad that even on a 2000 SC300 this much damage will total the car. Considering what it cost in 2000 anyway.
As others have said, it's not exactly a cheap fix but it's minor enough as far as body repairs go. Buy it back from the insurance company and keep driving it or get it fixed. Your car is otherwise in good condition, right?
Another thing you should do is have copies of ALL your receipts for permanent modifications/improvements you've done to your car in case something like this happens. This includes any bank receipts for cash you used to buy used parts (I haven't tried producing those to an agent yet but what can it hurt if it is documented?) You have to prove to the adjuster that the car has been invested in beyond what is considered normal wear and tear. This is what I did with my last car. You can't include things like brake pad changes, clutches or other wear items but anything that permanently gets added to the car is valid, especially if the parts or electronics are new. Paint jobs as well. Adjusted valuation is ultimately up to them but proving that you've put money back into the car helps your claim.
As others have said, it's not exactly a cheap fix but it's minor enough as far as body repairs go. Buy it back from the insurance company and keep driving it or get it fixed. Your car is otherwise in good condition, right?
Another thing you should do is have copies of ALL your receipts for permanent modifications/improvements you've done to your car in case something like this happens. This includes any bank receipts for cash you used to buy used parts (I haven't tried producing those to an agent yet but what can it hurt if it is documented?) You have to prove to the adjuster that the car has been invested in beyond what is considered normal wear and tear. This is what I did with my last car. You can't include things like brake pad changes, clutches or other wear items but anything that permanently gets added to the car is valid, especially if the parts or electronics are new. Paint jobs as well. Adjusted valuation is ultimately up to them but proving that you've put money back into the car helps your claim.
Last edited by KahnBB6; 01-12-12 at 08:16 PM.
01-18-12, 08:52 AM
#18
I worked for an insurance company for about two years as an adjuster. From their standpoint, it's not worth messing with it at this point - especially since they have to guarantee the work for the life of the car (or as long as you own it).
Used to get in trouble with the bosses, though- as a gearhead myself, I consider it terrible karma to total someone's baby. My rule of thumb- if it's still driveable, there's still life; if there's still life, then all hope is not lost.
Sorry folks, that's what you can really do with a degree in literature. Write, Teach English (and who wants to do that?), work for a dead end insurance company or entertain people on message forums.
Just remembered something for all of you custom SC owners out there- by custom, I mean restored to original, rims, turbo set up, whatever. If you have this stuff listed on your policy as an additional rider or the car qualifies as a show/classic/antique/kit car, then the insurance company has to deal with you. I would highly reccommend an appraisal or keeping all records, just in case. I had a claim that I wanted to pay out the full amount on and the boss went through the roof- 1995 300ZX the guy claimed was worth $30k- and we wanted to give him 3500. Beslatches....
Used to get in trouble with the bosses, though- as a gearhead myself, I consider it terrible karma to total someone's baby. My rule of thumb- if it's still driveable, there's still life; if there's still life, then all hope is not lost.
Sorry folks, that's what you can really do with a degree in literature. Write, Teach English (and who wants to do that?), work for a dead end insurance company or entertain people on message forums.
Just remembered something for all of you custom SC owners out there- by custom, I mean restored to original, rims, turbo set up, whatever. If you have this stuff listed on your policy as an additional rider or the car qualifies as a show/classic/antique/kit car, then the insurance company has to deal with you. I would highly reccommend an appraisal or keeping all records, just in case. I had a claim that I wanted to pay out the full amount on and the boss went through the roof- 1995 300ZX the guy claimed was worth $30k- and we wanted to give him 3500. Beslatches....
Last edited by brerrabbit; 01-18-12 at 08:56 AM. Reason: ...
01-18-12, 10:13 AM
#21
Keeper of the light
iTrader: (17)
You can get inside that panel from the rear seat area by removing the interior armrest panel and kick it as hard as you can, will pop back out just fine. Then have PDR smooth it and shoot it on site (a GOOD PDR can color match panels in the parking lot).
01-18-12, 10:18 AM
#22
1JZ Single SC400
iTrader: (59)
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Alabama, Roll Tide!
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Thats insane, if the insurance would always be getting rob in other ways, we all would would benefit. Everyone including companies are all out for the all mighty dollar. Buy it back and fix it, it appears to be in good shape.
01-18-12, 10:39 AM
#24
people please dont give the guy advise if you dont know what you talking about, this wont just pop out from the back its hit on the body line you can weld studs on qtr panel and pull it then you have to reshape the whole thing. Theres a reason why insurance totaled it, this isnt a cheap job either way you look at it, if you want it done right that is.
01-18-12, 10:51 AM
#25
01-18-12, 11:06 AM
#26
eating breakfast and someone backed into my car.
got the guys insurance.
adjuster inspected the car today and claimed it to be totaled.
any idea what i'm looking at receiving from the insurance company?
2000 SC300
silver with black leather.
150,000 miles
more than likely, i'll buy the car back from the insurance company and keep it for a few more months.
got the guys insurance.
adjuster inspected the car today and claimed it to be totaled.
any idea what i'm looking at receiving from the insurance company?
2000 SC300
silver with black leather.
150,000 miles
more than likely, i'll buy the car back from the insurance company and keep it for a few more months.
01-18-12, 11:09 AM
#27
dude look at the spot where it was actually hit its not only dented, scratched to the metal also the spot where the metal is creased and shifted. I do body work and i can gurantee you i know more about body work and paint then you do end of story kthanx, a good PDR can make it look alot better but they cant fix this.
