My new GTO - wrecked already
08-23-2007, 07:23 PM
#14
Well I talked to the guy at the body shop. He said based on his first look that he would guess 15k to 17k damage. He said insurance won't total a car until it hits 75-80% of replacement value, which typically includes tax, title, and license. In my case, it would have to hit somewhere around 23k-24k damage to total out.
Other things to note that aren't visible....
1. The windshield wipers and sprayer come on any time the key is inserted, so there are obviously electrical problems up front.
2. The parking brake will not engage. I'm hoping this means there is damage to the rear suspension.
3. The steering column is probably cracked
4. The glove box fell off
5. The cover on the back of the driver's seat came off also
I'm going to go in to the body shop tomorrow and talk to them and make it clear that I don't want any recycled or aftermarket parts, and that I want them to claim every little thing they possibly cam to jack the repair bill up.
Other things to note that aren't visible....
1. The windshield wipers and sprayer come on any time the key is inserted, so there are obviously electrical problems up front.
2. The parking brake will not engage. I'm hoping this means there is damage to the rear suspension.
3. The steering column is probably cracked
4. The glove box fell off
5. The cover on the back of the driver's seat came off also
I'm going to go in to the body shop tomorrow and talk to them and make it clear that I don't want any recycled or aftermarket parts, and that I want them to claim every little thing they possibly cam to jack the repair bill up.
08-23-2007, 07:45 PM
#15
Tax, title, and license should NOT be included in there evaluation of worth. If that where the case then your car would be worth more in AZ then in OR where there is no sales tax and it only cost $60 every 2 years to licence a car. Also, make SURE to point out to them that I would almost be positive that the rear uni-body is bent down and buckled and should not be a cheap fix, as just straiting it on a car that new would weaken it and be a HUGE devaluation. I'd push HARD for it to be totaled. There is just way to much damage to a car that new to fix it and have a car that's worth anything. Yes its fixable I'm sure, but wouldn't do it unless its a salvage title and it would be worth quite a bit less. It's gona be in paint jail for a LONG time it they fix it
08-23-2007, 08:08 PM
#20
Apparently you can force the insurance company to pay for devaluation of the car too, just found that out from an attorney I know who was involved in a bad accident a few years ago. I think that devaluation alone would add a significant amount to the bill.