New Guy Question
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
New Guy Question
Hey, new to the forums, and corvettes. Bought my '81 C3 in June and have been working on minor restores since then. Brakes, power steering, that sort of thing. I have been very careful to keep everything OEM(except a new CD player), since it still had all original body and paint.
However I just had a kid back into me in a parking lot recently. So to make a long story short(I know, too late!) I m currently in a fight with the kids Insurance. They want to put a patch in the fiberglass and paint over it. I admittedly don't know alot about fiberglass so I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me a bit about the effects of patching.
To be honest I am considering just cutting my losses and trying to start over with a new car. Thanks for the help, and also sorry if this is not the correct forum for this question.
However I just had a kid back into me in a parking lot recently. So to make a long story short(I know, too late!) I m currently in a fight with the kids Insurance. They want to put a patch in the fiberglass and paint over it. I admittedly don't know alot about fiberglass so I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me a bit about the effects of patching.
To be honest I am considering just cutting my losses and trying to start over with a new car. Thanks for the help, and also sorry if this is not the correct forum for this question.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
Hey, new to the forums, and corvettes. Bought my '81 C3 in June and have been working on minor restores since then. Brakes, power steering, that sort of thing. I have been very careful to keep everything OEM(except a new CD player), since it still had all original body and paint.
However I just had a kid back into me in a parking lot recently. So to make a long story short(I know, too late!) I m currently in a fight with the kids Insurance. They want to put a patch in the fiberglass and paint over it. I admittedly don't know alot about fiberglass so I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me a bit about the effects of patching.
To be honest I am considering just cutting my losses and trying to start over with a new car. Thanks for the help, and also sorry if this is not the correct forum for this question.
However I just had a kid back into me in a parking lot recently. So to make a long story short(I know, too late!) I m currently in a fight with the kids Insurance. They want to put a patch in the fiberglass and paint over it. I admittedly don't know alot about fiberglass so I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me a bit about the effects of patching.
To be honest I am considering just cutting my losses and trying to start over with a new car. Thanks for the help, and also sorry if this is not the correct forum for this question.
1. Did you have it appraised?
2. Do you have pictures of it before the accident?
3. What kind of insurance do you have?
If you have collectors or full coverage, I would look at what your insurance carrier would be doing if it were your fault. I was worried about this exact problem and bought collectors insurance and have a $10k coverage on the replacement value of the car. That said, along with full coverage, I would expect that the parts were fixed to what they were, or better.
Just because it is an old car, do not let the insurance company dictate what they will do for you. You tell them what you want them to do. If they will not. Go to your insurance company and demand they take care of it. From there, they will go after the other insurance company.
Again, this all depends on what you did coverage wise on your end.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
What he said! The insurance company will always tell you why they can't do this or that. 
The kid backed into you. Your car was damaged. They have to fix it to it's previous condition or compensate you to your satisfaction. If they are not speaking your language, call your insurance agent and get suggestions on how to proceed. If that doesn't work, hire a lawyer to get involved.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Here are some pics from before the accident.
As you can see, the paint wasn't perfect, but I fell in love with the two-tone. No rust, except a little at the edge of the driver's side front rail. I'm still cleaning up all the little things, it was supposed to be a long-term project. However when I moved out here to AZ my truck broke down and i becme a driving project.
The problem with that is I couldn't get collector insurance with it being a primary vehicle. My insurance is with Geico, but when I talked to my adjustor, he said since it was a no fault on my end, and they would only cover up to $4,000. I didn't exactly buy the highest coverage. Turns out it would have been better for me to run it into a tree or something.
The guy who did the estimate for Farmer's, who represents the kid who hit me, said if it came to replacing the fiberglass that the insurance would end up totalling it instead. I'll post some pics of the damage tomorrow. The fiberglass was cracked from the ede of the bumper, back to the wheel well on he driver's side. He hit me going about 10 straight back. Only a small stress crack on the passenger side opposite.
As you can see, the paint wasn't perfect, but I fell in love with the two-tone. No rust, except a little at the edge of the driver's side front rail. I'm still cleaning up all the little things, it was supposed to be a long-term project. However when I moved out here to AZ my truck broke down and i becme a driving project.
The problem with that is I couldn't get collector insurance with it being a primary vehicle. My insurance is with Geico, but when I talked to my adjustor, he said since it was a no fault on my end, and they would only cover up to $4,000. I didn't exactly buy the highest coverage. Turns out it would have been better for me to run it into a tree or something.
The guy who did the estimate for Farmer's, who represents the kid who hit me, said if it came to replacing the fiberglass that the insurance would end up totalling it instead. I'll post some pics of the damage tomorrow. The fiberglass was cracked from the ede of the bumper, back to the wheel well on he driver's side. He hit me going about 10 straight back. Only a small stress crack on the passenger side opposite.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
You can take the insurance companies check and purchase a repair panel (I couldn't see photos) and have a body shop repair it. Somtimes the insurance companies call it imbetterment if they think it was not in good condition to start with. Or, you can just offer to pay the differance between the patch job and a new panel. In most cares that is acceptable to insurance just aslong as they are not paying more than exspected.
Not knowing how bad it is, it may just need a good patch that will look just as good as it was.
Not knowing how bad it is, it may just need a good patch that will look just as good as it was.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 0
From: staten island new york
St. Jude Donor '10
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Also with MIA and 7T1vette...
If you are not getting any where with their insurance let your insurance handle it. Just know that it should be repaired to the same condition as it was and not better.
For an example: My daughter's BMW had some road chips on the hood causing the clear coat to peal some. When she rear ended another the insurance company had a standard of 10% for the imbetterment.
with MIA and 7T1vette...If you are not getting any where with their insurance let your insurance handle it. Just know that it should be repaired to the same condition as it was and not better.
For an example: My daughter's BMW had some road chips on the hood causing the clear coat to peal some. When she rear ended another the insurance company had a standard of 10% for the imbetterment.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
Here are some pics from before the accident.
As you can see, the paint wasn't perfect, but I fell in love with the two-tone. No rust, except a little at the edge of the driver's side front rail. I'm still cleaning up all the little things, it was supposed to be a long-term project. However when I moved out here to AZ my truck broke down and i becme a driving project.
The problem with that is I couldn't get collector insurance with it being a primary vehicle. My insurance is with Geico, but when I talked to my adjustor, he said since it was a no fault on my end, and they would only cover up to $4,000. I didn't exactly buy the highest coverage. Turns out it would have been better for me to run it into a tree or something.
The guy who did the estimate for Farmer's, who represents the kid who hit me, said if it came to replacing the fiberglass that the insurance would end up totalling it instead. I'll post some pics of the damage tomorrow. The fiberglass was cracked from the ede of the bumper, back to the wheel well on he driver's side. He hit me going about 10 straight back. Only a small stress crack on the passenger side opposite.
As you can see, the paint wasn't perfect, but I fell in love with the two-tone. No rust, except a little at the edge of the driver's side front rail. I'm still cleaning up all the little things, it was supposed to be a long-term project. However when I moved out here to AZ my truck broke down and i becme a driving project.
The problem with that is I couldn't get collector insurance with it being a primary vehicle. My insurance is with Geico, but when I talked to my adjustor, he said since it was a no fault on my end, and they would only cover up to $4,000. I didn't exactly buy the highest coverage. Turns out it would have been better for me to run it into a tree or something.
The guy who did the estimate for Farmer's, who represents the kid who hit me, said if it came to replacing the fiberglass that the insurance would end up totalling it instead. I'll post some pics of the damage tomorrow. The fiberglass was cracked from the ede of the bumper, back to the wheel well on he driver's side. He hit me going about 10 straight back. Only a small stress crack on the passenger side opposite.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
I wonder if you need a certain amount of posts to post images.. Oh well, here goes.
Strange.. I see them in your message when I quote it, and I copy/pasted them and they still do not work. I can however view them manually..
Oh, I see.. You posted the URL to the site/page they are hosted at, not the actual image url.
For example:
NICE looking Vette btw.. Do you have any pics of the damage?
Also, VERY IMPORTANT.. PLEASE TELL ME YOU GAVE GEICO THE BEFORE PICS!!!! WHEN YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE POLICY!!!
Strange.. I see them in your message when I quote it, and I copy/pasted them and they still do not work. I can however view them manually..
Oh, I see.. You posted the URL to the site/page they are hosted at, not the actual image url.
For example:
NICE looking Vette btw.. Do you have any pics of the damage?
Also, VERY IMPORTANT.. PLEASE TELL ME YOU GAVE GEICO THE BEFORE PICS!!!! WHEN YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE POLICY!!!
Last edited by Mia; Jan 16, 2008 at 12:24 AM.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info about the insurance. I just went and saw their mechanic today, he said 1300 to patch it and paint that portion. My main concern was just the fiberglass. I have seen some cars that have been patched and they start cracking and peeling after a few years. This was going to be my toy, so I wanted it to stay nice. That and I was hoping to keep it all original. It took me some searching to find a nice two-tone that wasn't torn up. Anyways tomorrow after I get off work I will post some pictures of the damage. And get on the phone with my Geico guy. He has been pretty helpful so far, helping to get the claim filed through Farmer's and gettng my claim with them turned into a notice instead so it won't affect my insurance. Thanks for the advice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 114
From: St. Louis Mo
Also with MIA and 7T1vette...
If you are not getting any where with their insurance let your insurance handle it. Just know that it should be repaired to the same condition as it was and not better.
For an example: My daughter's BMW had some road chips on the hood causing the clear coat to peal some. When she rear ended another the insurance company had a standard of 10% for the imbetterment.
with MIA and 7T1vette...If you are not getting any where with their insurance let your insurance handle it. Just know that it should be repaired to the same condition as it was and not better.
For an example: My daughter's BMW had some road chips on the hood causing the clear coat to peal some. When she rear ended another the insurance company had a standard of 10% for the imbetterment.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
Thanks for the info about the insurance. I just went and saw their mechanic today, he said 1300 to patch it and paint that portion. My main concern was just the fiberglass. I have seen some cars that have been patched and they start cracking and peeling after a few years. This was going to be my toy, so I wanted it to stay nice. That and I was hoping to keep it all original. It took me some searching to find a nice two-tone that wasn't torn up. Anyways tomorrow after I get off work I will post some pictures of the damage. And get on the phone with my Geico guy. He has been pretty helpful so far, helping to get the claim filed through Farmer's and gettng my claim with them turned into a notice instead so it won't affect my insurance. Thanks for the advice.
Also, why are you talking to a mechanic about paint and body work? And, why are you talking to their guy? You decide where to go, not the insurance company. Get three estimates at reputable shops and give those to the insurance company. You should expect a check in less than a week if Farmers is doing their job.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Didn't you say something about GEICO giving out $4k? If it is $1300 to patch and paint, I'd go the $4k route and get the part replaced and repainted.
Also, why are you talking to a mechanic about paint and body work? And, why are you talking to their guy? You decide where to go, not the insurance company. Get three estimates at reputable shops and give those to the insurance company. You should expect a check in less than a week if Farmers is doing their job.
Also, why are you talking to a mechanic about paint and body work? And, why are you talking to their guy? You decide where to go, not the insurance company. Get three estimates at reputable shops and give those to the insurance company. You should expect a check in less than a week if Farmers is doing their job.
Let the insurance Co's talk it out. When the insurred gets too involved things get a little more difficult. Some want the three estimates. I'm with American Family and they accept one estimate and the adjuster cuts a check minus the deductable on the spot. You should also have the option to take the check and repair the car yourself.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 13
From: Kingman AZ
I would go somewhere in your neighborhood that repairs vettes properly. You dont have to go to a place the insurance sends you. Talk around and get referred to a quality repair shop. Get it fixed right. They owe that to you. All insurance companies will try to get the lowest offer available to them and send you on your way. Check some other posts doing a search and see some of the things people have done to "get it right". Hold firm. Like the above post stated, Let the insurance companies battle with the cost, just get it to a GOOD SHOP
Last edited by rayluka; Jan 16, 2008 at 10:00 AM. Reason: sp
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
I think what his Geico agent is saying is that, if he makes a big enough stink over replaicing a quarter panel, Farmers is likely do assess that the repair cost is over 75% of the total market value of the car and will total it. They only have the requirement to make you whole again in dollars. If the market value of the car doesn't warrant the expensive repair, they'll cut you a check and scrap the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Right. They give $4K and total it out. Then they part your "totaled" car out for about $10K in parts. That sure makes sense to me.? 
Tell them "it's a deal", if YOU get the salvage title on the car "free and clear", after they total it. Then just take the car to get it fixed and put the car back in operation.
Tell them "it's a deal", if YOU get the salvage title on the car "free and clear", after they total it. Then just take the car to get it fixed and put the car back in operation.