johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,682
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Jan 14, 2019 2:27:28 GMT
with your own insurance? This has been the weekend from hell. Dh sliced his finger open and needed 6 stitches yesterday. Yds came down with a bizarre rash all over his body last night and still has it (except once the benadryl kicks in for a few hours), I assume it's a weird virus so he's staying home tomorrow. And the kicker, ds17 hit a deer on his way home tonight. Fortunately he's ok, the deer is certainly not! And the car is likely totaled. It's an 06 Hyundai so not worth much, bluebook puts it somewhere between $1k trade-in and $3500 private sale. We have full coverage on it, this is Michigan (where insurance is ridiculously expensive FTR). Is this a case where we can fight to get the higher amount or is it a 'get what you get and don't throw a fit' deal  ? Side question: what is this going to do to his/our insurance rates? It's not his fault the deer ran into the road but he's a teen boy and we all know what they do to insurance rates. While we were planning on car shopping in the next few months that was for a car for *me* which is way overdue; a car for him isn't really in the budget. Ugh. Is the weekend over yet? And to think our original plans were to go couch shopping this weekend, yesterday that got pushed to today, then to next weekend and now it's delayed indefinitely  |
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Post by mom on Jan 14, 2019 2:30:33 GMT
I dont know that you can really negotiate what you get, but if you've made improvements (new tires, radio, etc) you can show them and make sure you get credit for that.
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johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,682
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Jan 14, 2019 2:33:34 GMT
I dont know that you can really negotiate what you get, but if you've made improvements (new tires, radio, etc) you can show them and make sure you get credit for that. Oh that's good to know. I'll have to dig up the receipts because we've done new tires and brakes in the past 1.5 years plus a new door handle last month and possibly something else minor, not sure. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 4, 2024 19:40:42 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2019 2:40:17 GMT
You definitely can negotiate. We were able to get significantly more on an older car with a wide range. It was totaled and were given an offer on the lower end, but we were able to show through service records and photographs that it was in perfect running condition, well maintained, an in better than average condition. You don't have anything to lose. (We are in Michigan and have USAA)
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,078
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Jan 14, 2019 2:46:40 GMT
I am glad your son was not killed or injured. Your car is 13 years old. Repairs done more than a couple weeks ago may be unlikely to sway their number. It does not hurt to ask, though.
Your car is likely worth less than trade in. Insurance companies use something other than blue book. And your deductible has to be met. If your deductible is 1000, you may get nothing. I am afraid your likely amount will be in the 750 - 900 range minus your deductible. I hope not, but it seems that people I know in old car total situations always got too little. That’s why most people drop full coverage on old cars.
As for affecting insurance, only your agent knows. You may decide not to file if you get little or nothing compared to increased premiums.
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Post by anneinwa on Jan 14, 2019 2:49:41 GMT
I just went through this end of 2018. Things that ‘hurt’ my payoff was high mileage for that year. He was shocked that I wasn’t upset about it but as I told him we put the mileage on.
My understanding is the payoff should allow you to go buy the same vehicle that you had prior to it being totaled. In Washington state, the settlement also includes sales tax for settlement amount, as well as pro rated registration fees. While they did ask for receipts for ‘improvements’ we only received 25-30% for the transmission we just put in because they said the vehicle is appraised as a running vehicle.. I did not fight it further because the price was about where we though it would be.
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Jan 14, 2019 2:56:46 GMT
Research the selling price of a car within a 700 mile radius before you chat with the insurance company. We successfully negotiated a higher settlement by doing this. Also, find any receipts for new tires etc
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Post by katlaw on Jan 14, 2019 3:00:33 GMT
Yes. Our neighbour was an insurance adjuster and when our car was stolen and written off by the thief, he told us never to accept the first offer from the insurance company.
Find comparable cars for sale in the area on Kijiji, car lot ads, etc. Make a list of expenses such as new tires or repairs. They will offer you the lowest they can but you may get more if the car was low mileage, well maintained.
In our case they came up about $1400 from their first offer.
And sorry about your crappy weekend. Thankfully your DS is all right.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,408
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jan 14, 2019 3:20:06 GMT
I hit a deer last week in my 2012 Dodge Charger. The repair cost was $6800 and I just did in the front of it- hood, grill from the looks- turns out it was also radiator, horns, something with the AC. They're also replacing my headlights and some other stuff. $1000 deductible. I was afraid they were going to total it. VERY glad they didn't as I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Charger!
Good luck with the insurance!
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johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,682
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Jan 14, 2019 3:47:08 GMT
I hit a deer last week in my 2012 Dodge Charger. The repair cost was $6800 and I just did in the front of it- hood, grill from the looks- turns out it was also radiator, horns, something with the AC. They're also replacing my headlights and some other stuff. $1000 deductible. I was afraid they were going to total it. VERY glad they didn't as I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Charger! Good luck with the insurance! It’s amazing how much damage a deer can do, they don’t look that big but they hit hard! He messed up his entire right corner panel, the headlight is out (part of the deers tail is stuck in it 😢), the hood is jacked up, the passenger door doesn’t open, bumper is trashed and dh said it was leaking something, maybe coolant. And that’s just what we can see with the naked eye, in the dark. Fortunately our deductible is only $500 but still it’s wasnt money we were planning to spend. |
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IAmUnoriginal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,894
Jun 25, 2014 23:27:45 GMT
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Post by IAmUnoriginal on Jan 14, 2019 4:09:44 GMT
Talk to your agent, but hitting a deer shouldn’t impact your rates. It’s covered under your comprehensive coverage, not your collision coverage. Comp claims are non-chargeable. The advice to research the sale price for similar vehicles in your area is solid. It’s your best tool in negotiating a settlement amount.
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Gennifer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,991 
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Post by Gennifer on Jan 14, 2019 5:00:33 GMT
My 17yo daughter rolled our truck this week, so we are in the same boat.
I spoke with my brother a couple of days ago, who was successful in getting an insurance payoff raised from $1200 to $4000 a few months ago. It did take time, about a month, because it had to go to the corporate level, and he had to have lots of documentation to prove it, but it can definitely be done.
I’m a bit nervous, because our truck is more in the $25K range. The insurance company has told us to start looking, but it’s hard when we don’t know what we will have to work with.
I’m glad your son is okay... that’s what’s really important!
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,151
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Jan 14, 2019 11:21:41 GMT
So glad that your ds is ok! Your rates shouldn't go up, they don't in our state because just as you said, you can't control a deer running out in front of you! That is the good news.
The bad news is be prepared to be annoyed! You can fight it. Someone hit ds' parked car last year and they totaled it. The vehicle was older but in excellent condition. The offer was low and they placed it on him to find vehicles that were similar for sale in the area. While we could find vehicles in the state, as I said his was an older model. We were finding ones with less options, damage etc., but still more than they were offering. Then they'd tell us the ones we were finding weren't in the "area" they needed etc. It was completely irritating to deal with them.
Finally he'd had enough and asked for the guys supervisor and everything changed. Supervisor quickly reviewed with him while they were on the phone and they arrived at what was a fair for the vehicle (he got top end of the value.) So don't take the first offer, do some homework and go above to a supervisor if you aren't getting what you need.
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Post by littlemama on Jan 14, 2019 11:28:23 GMT
Talk to your agent, but hitting a deer shouldn’t impact your rates. It’s covered under your comprehensive coverage, not your collision coverage. Comp claims are non-chargeable. The advice to research the sale price for similar vehicles in your area is solid. It’s your best tool in negotiating a settlement amount. Most people in MI can't afford to carry comprehensive coverage. Dh, Ds, and I all have completely clean driving records and have never made a car ins claim. Our insurance cost is $4600 per year. |
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johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,682
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Jan 14, 2019 11:35:58 GMT
Talk to your agent, but hitting a deer shouldn’t impact your rates. It’s covered under your comprehensive coverage, not your collision coverage. Comp claims are non-chargeable. The advice to research the sale price for similar vehicles in your area is solid. It’s your best tool in negotiating a settlement amount. Most people in MI can't afford to carry comprehensive coverage. Dh, Ds, and I all have completely clean driving records and have never made a car ins claim. Our insurance cost is $4600 per year. Fortunately we do have comprehensive coverage. But yes insurance is ridiculously expensive in Michigan. 3 cars (2 are over 10yrs old) and 3 drivers with clean records and we pay $4000/yr. stupid Michigan no fault insurance. |
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Post by Patter on Jan 14, 2019 11:36:17 GMT
Not sure about negotiating as when my daughter was hit (not her fault), the car was totaled, and we were happy with what they gave us. They gave us much more than we expected (like $3K more) and more than what blue book, etc., said. We have USAA, and they tend to be amazing at stuff like that. The accident did not do anything to our insurance rates as it was not her fault. Glad you son is okay. Deer are truly not anything you want to hit for sure. Praying your day is better!
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Post by littlemama on Jan 14, 2019 13:10:26 GMT
Most people in MI can't afford to carry comprehensive coverage. Dh, Ds, and I all have completely clean driving records and have never made a car ins claim. Our insurance cost is $4600 per year. Fortunately we do have comprehensive coverage. But yes insurance is ridiculously expensive in Michigan. 3 cars (2 are over 10yrs old) and 3 drivers with clean records and we pay $4000/yr. stupid Michigan no fault insurance. It's not the no-fault that makes it so expensive. We are the only state that mandated unlimited medical. Most states cap it around a million dollars.
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Post by Really Red on Jan 14, 2019 13:13:56 GMT
Just FYI, you can ALWAYS negotiate the amount of money the insurance will pay you for a totalled car. I have had 5 or 6 totalled cars over the years (deer, Stinking Best Buy tire in the road, and others have hit my car or my kids' car) and I have negotiated every single one of them. Make sure they check carefully. My first car was totalled by someone running a red light and it was in bad shape - the only one I was injured in - and they didn't say it had automatic everything. You have to look at every detail.
Also, consider buying back the car and fixing it. With my last one, I did that and came out WAY ahead. The accident was so small, but the car was so old. Worth every penny. I think I ended up about $600 ahead with that way. That's only if the car is worth the fix and mine was cosmetic so it was.
The key is to hear the amount, read the paperwork and then do your research. Take your time to figure out a number you think is fair and be able to back that number up. The insurance company looks at similar cars in your area so do the same.
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used2scrap
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,034
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Post by used2scrap on Jan 14, 2019 13:33:01 GMT
We were able to by showing comparable used cars with the same low mileage for the vehicle year, as well as maintenance records.
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tduby1
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,979
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Post by tduby1 on Jan 14, 2019 13:37:47 GMT
Fortunately we do have comprehensive coverage. But yes insurance is ridiculously expensive in Michigan. 3 cars (2 are over 10yrs old) and 3 drivers with clean records and we pay $4000/yr. stupid Michigan no fault insurance. It's not the no-fault that makes it so expensive. We are the only state that mandated unlimited medical. Most states cap it around a million dollars.
This is true. We pay $3200 year, 4 drivers, 2 youthful, 4 cars, 2 full, 2 plpd. I used to complain about our insurance rates too but I know three people benefitting from the unlimited medical and will for the rest of their lives - for necessary care (life saving even) that they would NEVER be able to afford otherwise. One person would have hit the million dollar cap before even being able to leave the hospital. I actually appreciate the unlimited medical because even if I personally haven’t benefited from it yet I may one day and it is a relief to know. I’m willing to pay for that peace of mind after witnessing what I have. |
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Post by Merge on Jan 14, 2019 14:54:16 GMT
Our insurance cut a check for what it would cost us to replace with a comparable car (not a whole lot, as it was an older car with high mileage). There was no negotiating.
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Jan 14, 2019 15:04:02 GMT
Yes you can. My husband's truck years ago caught fire. They found the cheapest one in the doggiest part of town and offered him $6k, but after researching like vehicles in the area and submitting it to his insurance company, they then gave him $10k if I remember right.
It SHOULD be considered comprehensive, the deer hit him, he didn't hit the deer. Having said that, he's a teen and insurance companies are pita.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,701
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 14, 2019 15:04:45 GMT
I was able to negotiate the settlement on mine. I researched and found comparable cars in my area that were more than what they offered, so they came back with an additional amount.
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Post by mikklynn on Jan 14, 2019 15:13:38 GMT
Yes, we did on DDIL's car. Research comparable cars in your area.
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Post by elaine on Jan 14, 2019 15:25:53 GMT
Just FYI, you can ALWAYS negotiate the amount of money the insurance will pay you for a totalled car. I have had 5 or 6 totalled cars over the years (deer, Stinking Best Buy tire in the road, and others have hit my car or my kids' car) and I have negotiated every single one of them. Make sure they check carefully. My first car was totalled by someone running a red light and it was in bad shape - the only one I was injured in - and they didn't say it had automatic everything. You have to look at every detail. Also, consider buying back the car and fixing it. With my last one, I did that and came out WAY ahead. The accident was so small, but the car was so old. Worth every penny. I think I ended up about $600 ahead with that way. That's only if the car is worth the fix and mine was cosmetic so it was. The key is to hear the amount, read the paperwork and then do your research. Take your time to figure out a number you think is fair and be able to back that number up. The insurance company looks at similar cars in your area so do the same. With a small accident, this might work out fine. But with something that causes frame damage - which it sounds like the deer strike did - the car will never be the same again, even if it looks cosmetically okay. And with a repaired frame, it may not be as safe in future crashes. Which is the bottom line for me - I’d rather get another used car with an undamaged frame, simply from a safety standpoint. |
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? Side question: what is this going to do to his/our insurance rates? It's not his fault the deer ran into the road but he's a teen boy and we all know what they do to insurance rates.
