Source
r/Autos•
logdog

My car was just declared totalled, but they want to give me way less than bluebook. How do I not get ripped off?

It's a 2006 subie legacy, and it was a minor front end accident. I drove it 20 miles to the auto shop after so I know it can't be that bad. However the adjuster says there was frame damage etc totalling more than 10k of work and they want to total it.. Then they offer me like 2k below bluebook . Can i actually get what the car is worth? Can I argue the amount that is offered?

Update edit: Hey guys, sorry for the late reply, here are some shitty cell phone pics of the damage. Basically the airbags didn't deploy because the bumper went under the 92 honda accord that I hit, somehow lol. Most of the damage was to the bumper and hood, and I know the power steering is messed because it was leaking fluid. Also KBB for this car is like 12300 for excellent condition, they offered me 10.5. I'm going to try and get at least 11.8 or so, with a 500 deductible. I also just put brand new continental all weather tires on it seriously 5 days ago, which sucks. Here are the pics :http://imgur.com/a/L45Ma

Posted Sep 8, 2012, 1:17 AM UTC · edited

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logdogOP•

I have a 500 deductible, just put brand new tires all around for like 500 dollars last week. Car is in perfect working condition.

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Barely_stupid•

I had a car stolen and State Farm offered me exactly what KBB retail (DEALER RETAIL) was on the KBB.com website. I wouldn't expect a dime less.

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BeHard'01 Subaru Forester / '03 Protege5•

No personal experience; but I understand if you prove to them through KBB and/or similar examples, such as nearby for sale ads, they may increase the offer.

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reddit-mg•

My experience has been that it's a great idea to get your own insurance adjuster to step in and act on your behalf. They'll argue with the insurance company and get the highest amount you're entitled to. You can work out what payments they'll get. My dad did this once with his auto and another after his house caught fire. In both cases insurance tried to low ball him on their offer. He hired an adjuster and it came in high enough for replacing everything lost in both cases.

Bottom Line - Don't accept their first offer. Either you have to fight for more, or get someone who can!

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purplesafruit•

Its called actual cash value. Very frustrating situation. It might be worth it to you to get a second opinion on the damage.

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