Originally Posted by inscarguy

This is what i did for 16 years. Hope this helps.

The insurance co will not pay for extras you install especially if they are wear items and are over a few months old. Pull all non original parts off if you have the original parts to replace them. If there are new parts have receipts ready.

Most insurance companies use NADA. Do not go by market value as there are plenty of lower priced 4runners skewing values. Make sure you have all numbers ready with options and mileage additions and or subtractions.

If there was any old damage prior to the loss the insurance WILL deduct for the damage so be prepared for that. I mean ANY damage.

Do not release the vehicle to the insurance co until you get what you want or what is fair.

My suggestion is to go 3rd party which is go through the other insurance co. It actually works better for you in most instances. You get to keep the vehicle, there is no salvage value that is deducted for the settlement. It may take a little longer to get paid but it usually works out to about 300-700.00 more in your pocket. You can even strip the vehicle and make more money that way or take what you want and take it to a salvage auction, pay a small fee and make even more. 4th gen 4runners are flooding the salvage market now so you have a 50/50 chance of doing well at an auction.

Basically its up to you to do all your homework with figures, receipts, anything that can benefit you. The insurance company will do anything to pay as little as possible. The less they pay out the more they make at the salvage auction if you go through your own insurance.