Thanks. Just got back from Oahu last week.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what happened? Curious to hear your story and be prepared for them to come look at my car.

 

Sorry about the luck, I hope everything works out for ya!

 

Sorry to hear brother. Good luck with the insurance settlement.

 

Good luck!

This is a minor point but could be worth another $30-$50. If you get the car totaled. Be sure they compensate you for the gas you have in the tank; especially if you just filled it up.

Also, if in the last 30 days you've replaced, tires, brakes, battery, windshield, etc. Besides their settlement offer, add any of those recent replacements (if you have receipts).

Let us know how this comes out.

From one view point (insurance company's) you probably aren't covered by "Acts of God." But from your point of view, if the storm drains were designed better then the 'act of god' wouldn't have flooded your car.

Therefore you might get to make the claim based on bad engineering by the city or state...just a thought.

Good luck!
..rickko..

 

I am wondering if I should say something to the Borough (I definitely will if GEICO gives me any problems - wondering if a lawyer might be in order - any lawyers out there that could give me advice?) I spoke to the tow truck driver that grabbed my dad's car and he said that they themselves picked up 6 other Mercedes Benzs on the island. There has been at least 7 other cars towed on my street that I have seen.

 

Again I'm a GEICO auto damage adjuster... that car is totalled for sure. When hurrican Isabel came through our area we had tons of flood claims. We'd simply write "flood to dash, total loss" on the estimate and be gone. Problem w/ a car like that is that we're on the hook for all the electrical gremlins that come up down the road, and there'd be no way to deny a claim b/c it always "could" be related to the flood damage.

We run vehicle valuations in "dealer ready" condition so things considered general maintenace i.e. oil changes, service, and new tires don't add value to a car, the the is expected to have those things. I've never ever added for someones gas.... because the new car you buy will come with gas in it... If you want to get an idea of what your car is worth look on nada.com and kbb private party value, kbb retail is usually inflated and you'll be disapointed when you don't get that much (they have a huge disclaimer b/c they add back for all kinds of dealer fees). We owe you fair market value for the car so if you don't agree w/ the ajusters valuation you'll need to proove why the car is worth more... that means comprable cars in your area. Good luck with everything, feel free to PM me if you have questions. BTW you can pull all your mods and keep them.

 

You may want to mention that the floorboards are made out of (balsa) wood, and the water may have damaged them, making the car unsafe to drive. The floorboards are bonded it, and are virtually impossible to remove without a LOT of labor.

 

GEICO came today and said that because the water reached the dash they are totalling it. Said that they would give me retail value plus tax. Hopefully then I'll be okay. Find out later this week. I'll keep you posted. Cross your fingers for me as I'd like to step back in another used C5! Already called some dealers to keep on the look out.

 

Cool! Good luck! I found a used C5 ('97) in perfect condition last month for $15K. Hopefully you'll get more out of it than that!

Shayne

 

Thats great! You should be able to get 22-23k then I imagine. Hopefully your negative equity isnt much and you'll have enough to get back into one!

 

If water somehow got into the motor and you tryed to start it ,it will hydro lock . can you say TOTALLED.

 

Good luck on your search!

 

Looks like things are going to work out for you. But looking at how the houses are built in your neighborhood, the high foundation is a result of living in a flood prone area. So contacting your local government won't help.

I used to live in Jersey and worked in Atlantic City. The new houses are built slightly higher. At anyrate, I'd move inland. But then, insurance is high in Jersey anyway, so no matter where you go, you'll be paying high rates.

At any rate, I hope you do get another C5. There isn't a car out there that can match the Vette for the cost and performance. Just please park on higher ground.

 

Shayne,

If you don't mind me asking what were they asking price wise? (You can PM me if you like.) I Just curious to see what the market is like since I am hoping to pick up a new (to me) Vette when I get my claim settled. Thanks...

Charlie

 

Yes Avalon is another barrier island about 25 miles south of AC. Construction here has strict requirements about what elevation living space can start. Most new houses have nothing more than a garage and foyer at ground level. Apparenty 100's of people were affected (they towed ten cars on my block alone) and there is a borough meeting this Wed. to discuss. Everyone knows that you can't beat mother nature but people are questioning how there was no warning system in place. In the summer there is alot of police on island with all the tourists here (alot of under-drinking being combatted) and everyone is wondering why they didn't at least parade the streets with sirens or bullhorns.

Already searching for another C5. Went and looked at a black coupe at Kerbeck after work today. I'll park on higher ground when we get the usual warning next time. Sad part is that I have owned that car for a year and that was the 3rd time I ever parked it in the street. Its usually in the garage everynight about 3 feet higher which would have been the diff. in wet and dry. Guess I have no luck so no trips to AC for me.

 

I don't even know what to say .. except ouch ...

And Here's to a speedy repair/replacement

 

Thanks Dave.

 

It finally hit the Philly news. I was expecting to see your Vette, but didn't.

 

I had a Acura Integra, son drove it in a freak flood, hydrolocked engine. GEICO totaled it, it had low milege, they paid a fair price and included tax. Very quickly, I was very satisfied.