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Car was rear ended today

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In stop and go traffic, I was rear ended by a full size 1986 Chevy truck loaded with furniture. Nio injuries. I was driving my 1994 Plymouth Colt with 242,000 miles on it. The damage to the rear end, with no doubt, will total the vehicle. When Insurance values a car for repair or payout, what value do they use?

On Kelly Blue Book my car is valued between $275 (trade in value if it was in fair condition) to $1990 in retail value (excellent condition). Car has a lot of rust on roof, a few dents in the hood, air doesn't work and passenger window doesn't roll down- this was before today's accident. This probably puts it in the poor category for condition. Any ideal what I can expect?

I bought this car for $750 about 150K miles and 4 years ago and it has never stranded me. No car payment. Change the oil every May. New tires every 1.5 years. Add 1 quart of oil the day after the oil light comes on, usually once very 2 weeks or 15oo miles. It's a piece of shit car, but has gotten me to and from work faithfully everyday for 4 years (125 miles round trip). This is my smoking lounge. Will sentimental value play in the picture anywhere?
 
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I'm sure they will probably use KBB values or their own depending on your insurance carrier. I'd be surprised if you get $500.

Based on your maintenance history, I'm very surprised the car lasted this long.

Glad to hear that nobody was hurt.
 

ATCDub

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Sorry to hear this, but I'm glad you're okay. The only way you'll get any kind of decent compensation is if this was a commercial vehicle. Those policies usually pay out at a more pleasing value in hopes that you won't sue. Good luck in your new search for "Man cave on wheels".
 

Ratbert

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Glad no one was hurt!

Different insurance companies will use different methods to determine the actual cash value of a vehicle. Kelly Blue Book is a good source, but just use the "private party value" and not "dealer retail" for a more accurate evaluation.

You'll take a hit because of the mileage on your car and the roof rust...the appraiser won't know that the air doesn't work and the windows don't roll down.

Some companies won't offer less than $500 when totaling a basic transportation vehicle, which is what you have.

Good luck!
 
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There was one casualty... I was smoking a CAO Brazilia Samba. The wrapper suffered extreme cracking, probably when I gripped the steering wheel with it in my hand. I managed to nurse it along for the remaining 50 miles of trip home, removing the wrapper with about 2 inches left.
 
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Thanks for the input guys. I would love to recoup my $750 that I paid for it...oh...I think I recouped that about 31/2 years ago :nodlaugh:
Damn I'm cheap.
 

caudio51

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Very sorry for your loss and glad to hear there were no injuries.

My best wishes in your search for a new smoking lounge.
 

tobby4

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Glad to hear you are alright.. as many have said before me they will total it out somewhere in the middle.. and as Ratbert said not many companies will settle for under 500.. I would say you are looking at b/t 500 and a grand...
 

Boppa-Wasch

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Was the other driver issued a ticket? When the adjuster calls, mention the soreness in your shoulders and upper back area.:dunno:
 

Electric Sheep

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Glad to hear you're not hurt...even minor rear end collisions can sometimes be a real pain-in-the-neck (literally).

I bet you get a fair deal on the car; $500 would be great, considering what it's cost you to operate over it's lifetime! LOL
 
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Most states require that the insurance co. pay you the amount that similar cars have been selling for in your area. This is usually determined by services such as Carfax or AutoTrak. With an older car this could be a difficult determination as not too many were recently sold. Also, most states require that you be paid the amount that a dealer would charge you for taxes and registration on the car.
 

earnold25

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glad you're ok. sorry about the cigar :)

and the insurance company i worked for would look at KBB and NADA, but we didn't use those for valuations. We used a company that found comparable sales in your general locale. So you can check KBB for a general idea, but don't get excited by that number.

and if you get a stiff neck and shoulders, don't be afraid to go see a doctor. its worth a few thousand dollars easily to you.
 
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