Any luck with upgrading truck after accident using insurance settlement?

[Tj900]

Unfortunately, someone backed into my 2018 off road while parked. Luckily she had farmers insurance. I'm confident that I can get the truck back to OEM, but I'm wondering if I could use this accident to get an offroad bumper I always wanted. I've uploaded pics of damage - bumper, headlight, fender, wheel - and waiting to here what they appraise the damage at. I was told by friends to expect it to be much less than what it would really take to fix the truck. I'm prepared for a long fight....

Regardless, I'm wondering if its feasible to take settlement check and just remove the bumper with aftermarket winch mount. Take a look, what do you you think?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[mrblah]

Unfortunately, someone backed into my 2018 off road while parked. Luckily she had farmers insurance. I'm confident that I can get the truck back to OEM, but I'm wondering if I could use this accident to get an offroad bumper I always wanted. I've uploaded pics of damage - bumper, headlight, fender, wheel - and waiting to here what they appraise the damage at. I was told by friends to expect it to be much less than what it would really take to fix the truck. I'm prepared for a long fight....

Regardless, I'm wondering if its feasible to take settlement check and just remove the bumper with aftermarket winch mount. Take a look, what do you you think?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

you have to work with the body shop. Thats what I did with my previous vehicle. Only thing is, that a lot of 4runner bumpers are fab to order = long lead times.

 

[flyrv9]

Ask your agent. I have Farmers and have gone the check route in the past. Depending on your policy, you should be able to get a check minus your deductible. You might also ask if a mod bumper will affect your coverage in the future.

 

[Tj900]

Yeah. I was told that because its 2018 (>1 yrs old) the insurance isnt obligated to replace with new. Haven't confirmed it, but will verify.

Fortunately, I dont have to deal with deductible since it was her fault and her insurance.

I'm going to get a few estimates from shops so I have something to counter an anticipated low payout amount from insurance.

Thanks guys!

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Thepsychogoalie]

I just went through something similar last month when a neighbor ran into our 2019 (he immediately took responsibility so there was no issue there). I spent a lot of time on the phone with adjusters, my agent, auto brokers, and body shops. I'm not sure if this differs by state but in CO the 1st adjuster will cut you a check for their estimate, you are free to do whatever you want with that check (depending on the damage amount and if you have a loan it may be made out to you and the lien holder which would complicate making aftermarket upgrades).

The adjuster can only give an estimate based on easily visible damage, our initial check was about $3200 but the total ended up closer to $5K (crazy since it was just some scratched molding and a wheel). If you take the 1st check and go the aftermarket route you'll probably have issues trying to claim supplemental (additional) damage but I was told I was free to use the initial check however I wanted (even if I decided not to have any work done). I was also told that they could care less about estimates from body shops, the initial adjuster's estimate was all that mattered until the work was actually being done. I was free to use any body shop I wanted and there was absolutely no issue getting the full payment as the work was done and they had supplemental claims from the dealer (replaced the wheel and verified there was no suspension/axel damage) and the body shop.

With a 2018 be sure and check into diminished value, I don't know what state you're in but this is a good place to start - https://www.mwl-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DIMINUTION-IN-VALUE-IN-ALL-50-STATES.pdf Once the carfax hits (funny no one will admit that they're the ones who send data to carfax) you'll probably take a 10-15% hit in resale value. I went to the auto broker we bought from and got a letter saying "here's what I would buy your vehicle for with no accident, and here's the offer with the details of the repair". Even if you plan on keeping it, that would be some additional $$$ for upgrades.

PM me if you have any specific questions.

 

[<<<<]

TJ900, do you own the rig or bank does (you still making payments)? If paid off you can do whatever you want with it because you'll get the check. If bank owns it, then the check will go to authorized repair shop (requires you to sign it off to repairs). That is grossly simplified way it works in most states. G.L.

 

[gakattack]

My experience with two vehicles has been what Thepsychogoalie said. Once you get an agreed value, you'll get a check to spend on how you see fit. Find a shop that's willing to work with you, order up the parts and install.

 

[Tj900]

I really appreciate all the help. I'm in CA and I'm making payments on it via a credit union.

I have a neighbor who's an adjuster look at the truck and he was saying that this damage can go high. Definitely a new fender. Paint blending, wheel, alignment, headlight, new front bumper.

Looking at the evenness of seams can really tell you a lot about damage that you've incurred.

Thanks! Tj

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[NB17Limited]

Hey, I feel bad for you, but unfortunately, most insurance companies available today will try everything to decrease the damage and offer you less money than expected. This is why in such situations, the best thing to do for you is to contact a St Louis car accident lawyer, who will find a way to help you for sure. I heard that a good lawyer can sue the insurance company that ensures your car and the person who cause you the prejudice. Take your chances and search for a lawyer. It is the best thing you can do right now.

Best he can do right now? [emoji23] I’d hope OP has his truck fixed already as it’s been a year and a half