Crashed Vette...now what?????
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 157
From: Springfield MO
"20+ years" means nothing, to any insurer. Only the look-back period matters, typically three years.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,980
Likes: 3,826
From: Bainbridge Island WA
I got the bond.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 153
Likes: 18
From: Riggins Idaho
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 23
From: Waldorf, MD
I was a GEICO customer for over 30 years. Some years ago, when web based payments began and I used the feature, my payment was never posted for some reason. When I found out they had canceled my insurance I had already been driving uninsured for a month putting me at crisis risk. Over 30 years and you would think they'd check with me first! Not to mention the State of Maryland fined me for having no insurance. On their offer to re-insure at a higher rate I told them to p-off and will never insure with them again and recommend others don't either.
Last edited by Foxer55; Jun 30, 2016 at 09:34 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 8,243
Likes: 4,618
From: Southwest Florida
Really wish I had seen a doctor soon after the accident! Don't make the same mistake.
Last edited by Maxie2U; Jun 30, 2016 at 10:37 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,458
Likes: 155
From: Destrehan Louisiana
it depends on how much insurance the person at fault has
my daughter was in same situation but the car at fault hit 3 cars - but she carried the minimum insurance $25,000 and she totaled one and the other two had damage and not enough money to pay all three - so took a year and a lot of calls, etc. to finally get the $5,000 she needed to fix her car - they were going to give the entire $25,000 to the one person - and the other two - sorry no more money
the lizard is not worth a darn
my daughter was in same situation but the car at fault hit 3 cars - but she carried the minimum insurance $25,000 and she totaled one and the other two had damage and not enough money to pay all three - so took a year and a lot of calls, etc. to finally get the $5,000 she needed to fix her car - they were going to give the entire $25,000 to the one person - and the other two - sorry no more money
the lizard is not worth a darn
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 8,243
Likes: 4,618
From: Southwest Florida
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 153
Likes: 18
From: Riggins Idaho
OP, if you have not seen a doctor do it and have X-rays done looking for neck and back damage. I was rear-ended years ago felt fine after the accident but the damage wasn't revealed until years later. Now I live with the daily pain.
Really wish I had seen a doctor soon after the accident! Don't make the same mistake.
Really wish I had seen a doctor soon after the accident! Don't make the same mistake.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 109
Sorry about your accident. Glad you're apparently uninjured.
Somebody posted a while back (not sure who or when or what thread, apologies) that they managed to work a great deal and eliminate hassle by trading their wrecked car to their Corvette dealer. Something about the wreck being more valuable to the car dealer than it was to the insurance company, sorry memory is fuzzy on it, but they said that between the check they got from the insurance company and the credit they got for the wreck from the dealer that it was an easy path to a new Corvette. Sorry for the lack of precision but maybe this trade-in-the-wreck thought will be of use to you.
Somebody posted a while back (not sure who or when or what thread, apologies) that they managed to work a great deal and eliminate hassle by trading their wrecked car to their Corvette dealer. Something about the wreck being more valuable to the car dealer than it was to the insurance company, sorry memory is fuzzy on it, but they said that between the check they got from the insurance company and the credit they got for the wreck from the dealer that it was an easy path to a new Corvette. Sorry for the lack of precision but maybe this trade-in-the-wreck thought will be of use to you.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 22,598
Likes: 14,556
As per the usual, an insurance thread turns into a bitch-fest.
1. The policy maximums are not the carrier's fault. The insured pays for coverage up to a limit and after that the insurance company is done. The at-fault party is personally liable after that. State minimums are just minimums and not enough to cover a big accident or an expensive new car. That is not the fault of the insurance company.
2. If the OP trades the car, the insurance company is not required to foot the difference between market value and trade-in. Diminished value is the reduction in market value or the reduction in trade in value comparing pre-accident condition to after accident. If you just can't stomach owning a repaired car then you can trade it, but don't expect the insurance to cover the difference between retail and wholesale, just the reduction in either.
3. Medical - I 100% agree that you should go see a doctor. Soft tissue injuries can take time to manifest. Once you settle the claim and release them of liability you can't go back 6 months later when your neck is hurting and you learn you have a chipped vertebrae.
4. Be nice... only get nasty when you have to. When I was an adjuster we were lied to and yelled at daily. Everyone's neck hurt and everyone wanted something for nothing.
5. The tub... just because the dub is damaged doesn't mean the car is totalled. The tub is bonded to the frame and has section points to where you can do partial replacement. Yes panel alignment is dependent on the tub, but a good body shop does this type of work all the time.
1. The policy maximums are not the carrier's fault. The insured pays for coverage up to a limit and after that the insurance company is done. The at-fault party is personally liable after that. State minimums are just minimums and not enough to cover a big accident or an expensive new car. That is not the fault of the insurance company.
2. If the OP trades the car, the insurance company is not required to foot the difference between market value and trade-in. Diminished value is the reduction in market value or the reduction in trade in value comparing pre-accident condition to after accident. If you just can't stomach owning a repaired car then you can trade it, but don't expect the insurance to cover the difference between retail and wholesale, just the reduction in either.
3. Medical - I 100% agree that you should go see a doctor. Soft tissue injuries can take time to manifest. Once you settle the claim and release them of liability you can't go back 6 months later when your neck is hurting and you learn you have a chipped vertebrae.
4. Be nice... only get nasty when you have to. When I was an adjuster we were lied to and yelled at daily. Everyone's neck hurt and everyone wanted something for nothing.
5. The tub... just because the dub is damaged doesn't mean the car is totalled. The tub is bonded to the frame and has section points to where you can do partial replacement. Yes panel alignment is dependent on the tub, but a good body shop does this type of work all the time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 194
From: So Cal
I got rear ended in my c/6 it didn't look bad, but it turned out to be expensive. Whole trunk tub had to be replaced. Repair shop did an outstanding job and could not tell it had been wrecked. I was surprised at the amount of glue used to make a corvette. The tub has a lot of glue instead of screws. But it all worked out ok. From you pics I don't see the same kind of damage as mine ,just be diligent as the repairs go forward.
Visit the repair shop often, have the body shop explain the repairs as they go forward.
Visit the repair shop often, have the body shop explain the repairs as they go forward.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 97
From: Palm Coast, FL
SO IF THE Z06 COST $90,000, THEN THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO EQUAL OR EXCEED $72,000.
$90,000 X 80% = $72,000.
SO IF IT'S $30,000 DAMAGE, THEN IT'S NOWHERE NEAR $72,000 TOTAL LOSS AMOUNT NEEDED TO TOTAL THE CAR OUT IF HE PAID MORE THAN $90,000 AND HE MIGHT HAVE WITH THAT CAR, THE TOTAL LOSS AMOUNT WOULD BE EVEN HIGHER THAN $72,000!
AS FOR THE MEDICAL, UNLESS YOU ARE A GOOD ACTOR, DOCTORS WILL SEE THRU YOU. ALSO, THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE YOU ENDED UP WITH WHIPLASH FROM BEING REAR-ENDED. I WAS YEARS AGO IN "92 AND IT TOOK 8 DAYS FOR ME TO FINALLY FEEL THE PAIN IN MY NECK. STILL HAVE THE DAMN PAIN TODAY, NOT ALLTHE TIME BUT IT WILL ALWAYS BE THERE AND NEVER GO AWAY. YOU DON'T WANT WHIPLASH ANY SMALL AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY'LL SETTLE WITH YOU FOR. TRUST ME!!!
PS. SORRY FOR THE CAPITAL LETTERS, I DIDN'T REALIZE IT TILL I WAS HALF WAY THRU TYPING....DUH!!!
Last edited by purple heart; Jul 1, 2016 at 10:49 AM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 362
Likes: 6
From: Vero Beach FL
I've been in the insurance business 30 years and can tell you from the pictures submitted this car is in no way a total loss. With regard to the front frame rails I can say there is probably no damage as it was a higher up hit and the bags didn't blow. The rear bumper cover will need removed to assess that damage.
The adjuster will write his estimate for damages that can be seen at the time of inspection. When the car gets to a repair shop they'll do a full and complete tear down and additional damages will be found. How much, don't know until all the parts are removed.
Since this is a current model year car, the insurance company should write the estimate with all OEM parts. If they do want to put reconditioned bumper covers on fight that and you'll get what you want.
As for the repair shop, they'll offer you to take the car to one of their guaranteed repairs shops...you do not have to do that. If that was my car, and my 16 Z06 looks exactly like yours BTW, I would take is to a high end hot rod shop if you have one in your area.
ONE LAST THING....do not mention DV up front. After your car is repaired and your happy with the way it looks and handles, then you make the DV claim.
Oh, demand that the adjuster writes his estimate to measure the frame just to make damn sure there are no tweeks.
Hope this helps you. You can PM me anytime with questions throughout the claims process.
The adjuster will write his estimate for damages that can be seen at the time of inspection. When the car gets to a repair shop they'll do a full and complete tear down and additional damages will be found. How much, don't know until all the parts are removed.
Since this is a current model year car, the insurance company should write the estimate with all OEM parts. If they do want to put reconditioned bumper covers on fight that and you'll get what you want.
As for the repair shop, they'll offer you to take the car to one of their guaranteed repairs shops...you do not have to do that. If that was my car, and my 16 Z06 looks exactly like yours BTW, I would take is to a high end hot rod shop if you have one in your area.
ONE LAST THING....do not mention DV up front. After your car is repaired and your happy with the way it looks and handles, then you make the DV claim.
Oh, demand that the adjuster writes his estimate to measure the frame just to make damn sure there are no tweeks.
Hope this helps you. You can PM me anytime with questions throughout the claims process.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 59
Likes: 4
Well, unless things have changed. You'll be at fault for rear ending the guy in front of you and the guy behind you will be at fault for hitting you.
The damage overall does not look bad though. Have it repaired and move passed it.
These days I give the car in front of me a full car length of clearance even at stop lights. South Carolina is in the top 10 list for car accidents in the nation. (#6 I believe) But then again half the people here are either on drugs (legal or otherwise) or drive drunk on a regular basis. Yesterday morning I passed a Fiesta that was involved in a hit and run, the offender ran a red light and totaled the Fiesta, took off half of the engine compartment on the car and ran. I've also had people run red lights on me, so I check both ways even when the light is green nowadays. I was a defensive driver before, now I'm a hyper defensive driver since moving here. Amazing how many people I see driving under the influence, just floating into oncoming traffic, cutting corners, and generally not paying attention.
The next 100 days of summer is top time for teen driver accidents in the state. 60% of them are due to driver inattentiveness (texting or talking on the phone). I just confirmed I still have New Car Replacement on my Ins. in case someone totals my car.
The damage overall does not look bad though. Have it repaired and move passed it.
These days I give the car in front of me a full car length of clearance even at stop lights. South Carolina is in the top 10 list for car accidents in the nation. (#6 I believe) But then again half the people here are either on drugs (legal or otherwise) or drive drunk on a regular basis. Yesterday morning I passed a Fiesta that was involved in a hit and run, the offender ran a red light and totaled the Fiesta, took off half of the engine compartment on the car and ran. I've also had people run red lights on me, so I check both ways even when the light is green nowadays. I was a defensive driver before, now I'm a hyper defensive driver since moving here. Amazing how many people I see driving under the influence, just floating into oncoming traffic, cutting corners, and generally not paying attention.
The next 100 days of summer is top time for teen driver accidents in the state. 60% of them are due to driver inattentiveness (texting or talking on the phone). I just confirmed I still have New Car Replacement on my Ins. in case someone totals my car.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 59
Likes: 4
I've been in the insurance business 30 years and can tell you from the pictures submitted this car is in no way a total loss. With regard to the front frame rails I can say there is probably no damage as it was a higher up hit and the bags didn't blow. The rear bumper cover will need removed to assess that damage.
The adjuster will write his estimate for damages that can be seen at the time of inspection. When the car gets to a repair shop they'll do a full and complete tear down and additional damages will be found. How much, don't know until all the parts are removed.
Since this is a current model year car, the insurance company should write the estimate with all OEM parts. If they do want to put reconditioned bumper covers on fight that and you'll get what you want.
As for the repair shop, they'll offer you to take the car to one of their guaranteed repairs shops...you do not have to do that. If that was my car, and my 16 Z06 looks exactly like yours BTW, I would take is to a high end hot rod shop if you have one in your area.
ONE LAST THING....do not mention DV up front. After your car is repaired and your happy with the way it looks and handles, then you make the DV claim.
Oh, demand that the adjuster writes his estimate to measure the frame just to make damn sure there are no tweeks.
Hope this helps you. You can PM me anytime with questions throughout the claims process.
The adjuster will write his estimate for damages that can be seen at the time of inspection. When the car gets to a repair shop they'll do a full and complete tear down and additional damages will be found. How much, don't know until all the parts are removed.
Since this is a current model year car, the insurance company should write the estimate with all OEM parts. If they do want to put reconditioned bumper covers on fight that and you'll get what you want.
As for the repair shop, they'll offer you to take the car to one of their guaranteed repairs shops...you do not have to do that. If that was my car, and my 16 Z06 looks exactly like yours BTW, I would take is to a high end hot rod shop if you have one in your area.
ONE LAST THING....do not mention DV up front. After your car is repaired and your happy with the way it looks and handles, then you make the DV claim.
Oh, demand that the adjuster writes his estimate to measure the frame just to make damn sure there are no tweeks.
Hope this helps you. You can PM me anytime with questions throughout the claims process.
With regard to the shop. The car was brought to the dealer from which it was bought. Their body shop is divided up so this type of car is handled by ONE Body Shop guy. Also, I have documented all calls, emails, and the like to show my interest in handling this car correctly. Any mistakes have been documented for future reference. DV hasn't come into play, my concern is on the re-sale of this vehicle. Does anyone know how to know what will be applied to the Carfax? As in Florida we have 3 years to contest and get a judgement on DV. Again Thank You.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 59
Likes: 4
I've been in the insurance business 30 years and can tell you from the pictures submitted this car is in no way a total loss. With regard to the front frame rails I can say there is probably no damage as it was a higher up hit and the bags didn't blow. The rear bumper cover will need removed to assess that damage.
The adjuster will write his estimate for damages that can be seen at the time of inspection. When the car gets to a repair shop they'll do a full and complete tear down and additional damages will be found. How much, don't know until all the parts are removed.
Since this is a current model year car, the insurance company should write the estimate with all OEM parts. If they do want to put reconditioned bumper covers on fight that and you'll get what you want.
As for the repair shop, they'll offer you to take the car to one of their guaranteed repairs shops...you do not have to do that. If that was my car, and my 16 Z06 looks exactly like yours BTW, I would take is to a high end hot rod shop if you have one in your area.
ONE LAST THING....do not mention DV up front. After your car is repaired and your happy with the way it looks and handles, then you make the DV claim.
Oh, demand that the adjuster writes his estimate to measure the frame just to make damn sure there are no tweeks.
Hope this helps you. You can PM me anytime with questions throughout the claims process.
The adjuster will write his estimate for damages that can be seen at the time of inspection. When the car gets to a repair shop they'll do a full and complete tear down and additional damages will be found. How much, don't know until all the parts are removed.
Since this is a current model year car, the insurance company should write the estimate with all OEM parts. If they do want to put reconditioned bumper covers on fight that and you'll get what you want.
As for the repair shop, they'll offer you to take the car to one of their guaranteed repairs shops...you do not have to do that. If that was my car, and my 16 Z06 looks exactly like yours BTW, I would take is to a high end hot rod shop if you have one in your area.
ONE LAST THING....do not mention DV up front. After your car is repaired and your happy with the way it looks and handles, then you make the DV claim.
Oh, demand that the adjuster writes his estimate to measure the frame just to make damn sure there are no tweeks.
Hope this helps you. You can PM me anytime with questions throughout the claims process.
I seem to remember reading a post on here that said if the rear tub was severely damaged, the cost to repair would be almost enough to total the car, due to it being the reference point for many of the panels. I believe that it said the tub is glued to the frame and took a lot of labor to replace and the chance of getting it right was questionable. The frame may be right but the tub may be compromised enough to make panel alignment difficult. Maybe it's worth spending quite a bit of time searching for damage in this area that cannot be brought back to original.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 539
Likes: 138
From: Littleton Colorado
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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It's been my experience to leave this out of the conversation until after the car has been repaired and returned to the owner.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 59
Likes: 4
Well that's good. I have no problem being wrong, and am glad I am. In California in the 80's, they determined fault the way I stated, I'm glad that's no longer the case.
I'll still give plenty of room though to the person in front of me though. I've got so much invested in my car that replacing everything would be a nightmare even with the Ins. coverage for it all, and most of it is under the hood.
I'll still give plenty of room though to the person in front of me though. I've got so much invested in my car that replacing everything would be a nightmare even with the Ins. coverage for it all, and most of it is under the hood.