Dealing With Insurance Company On Totaled 4runner

[vincer77]

So my son totaled his 4runner.

What has been your experience with insurance companies regarding the value of your modifications to your trucks? Also, the truck is estimated with over $9 k in repairs, but I would guess that less than $1500 of used parts and some work would fix it if anyone's interested.

 

[SR5Runner97]

So my son totaled his 4runner.

What has been your experience with insurance companies regarding the value of your modifications to your trucks? Also, the truck is estimated with over $9 k in repairs, but I would guess that less than $1500 of used parts and some work would fix it if anyone's interested.

Don't take the first offer. Call and bug them daily. Do you have receipts for the mods? What all has been done? from here it just looks like a suspension lift. I'm not finding anything else.

 

[jgue467]

When my buddy wrecked my porsche, Liberty Mutual would only add $ for safety enhancement (brakes, lites, etc.) and even then only those done in the last 6 months (had to have receipts).

On the flipside they are required by law to allow you to buy what's left for 15% of value, in case you think you can fix it or want the parts.

You can argue your case, never know, asking and asking over and over nicely may lead to something. Luck!

 

[vincer77]

Don't take the first offer. Call and bug them daily. Do you have receipts for the mods? What all has been done? from here it just looks like a suspension lift. I'm not finding anything else.

Lift, Tundra brake mod and stereo.

 

[mountain mike]

I was able to get dollar for dollar for my mods when I rolled my FJ, well most of them. A few things like oversized tires, and I believe the stereo were just line item adjustments from KBB. Other things like skid plates, custom bumper, winch, lift, etc were given value at what I paid for them new. However, I had a stated insurance policy for a specific value and told my agent about the modifications before I rolled it. I didn't need receipts they just took my word for it, but I did have them in case they asked. If I were you I would try to get the receipts for the modifications your son did and use those when trying to negotiate a value.

Best of luck, and I hope everyone was okay.

 

[bubbaleenc]

Sorry for your wreck and I hope everyone is still doing okay!!!

I had a near-miss of a total loss determination on my T4R a couple weeks ago. A friendly body shop here who does great work kept costs down to keep the numbers happy for NC's laws.

Here, a repair in excess of 75% of vehicle value makes the rig a total loss. There is wiggle in both repair cost and vehicle value and that helped me (although it doesn't look like it'll help you sadly). As to total loss valuation, GEICO (the other driver's insurance - thankfully I was not at fault!) told me they look at comparable vehicle sales to come up with number. I looked at AutoTrader and a handful of other sites so I could get an idea of potential offers. The adjuster thought the comps of $8k to $9k sounded about right and he was apparently using that range himself to determine my rig wasn't totaled (I had around $3k of damage by my body shop's estimate - probably closer to $5k at most places looking at what parts were replaced).

So, check out AutoTrader, Craig's List and a few other private- and dealer-seller prices to get a good idea of pre-wreck comps, adjusting for vehicle differences at wholesale prices (not retail). For example, retail for a lift may be $2k, but wholesale closer to $750. Give the insurance a high-end but reasonable price and they will likely work with you. Good luck!!!

 

[vincer77]

Forgot to mention that my son made out of it fine. A bit scared - which is good - but only a few bruises.

They are giving us a value of $7,600 for 2002 with 169k on the clock. From what I am seeing available on the market, it will not be possible to replace it with the mods for that money. His car was real clean underneath, and the ones I have seen so far have a fair amount of rust with asking prices around $ 8,500 (a few less miles).

 

[So Many Roads]

Looks like lower ball joint failure? Were there any other cars involved?

 

[MStudt]

Lift, Tundra brake mod and stereo.

Doesn't look like there's even a lower control arm to mount the lift on.

OP. You're probably looking at an entire new front end from the body to the suspension. I'd bet you're going to spend a little more than $1500 to get everything fixed and painted. Might be a good time for a Tacoma front clip if you like the way it looks.

 

[MStudt]

Forgot to mention that my son made out of it fine. A bit scared - which is good - but only a few bruises.

They are giving us a value of $7,600 for 2002 with 169k on the clock. From what I am seeing available on the market, it will not be possible to replace it with the mods for that money. His car was real clean underneath, and the ones I have seen so far have a fair amount of rust with asking prices around $ 8,500 (a few less miles).

Take the money, buy it back, and fix it. Tacoma front clip, SAS, and you'll still have cash left over.

 

[bubbaleenc]

Forgot to mention that my son made out of it fine. A bit scared - which is good - but only a few bruises.

They are giving us a value of $7,600 for 2002 with 169k on the clock. From what I am seeing available on the market, it will not be possible to replace it with the mods for that money. His car was real clean underneath, and the ones I have seen so far have a fair amount of rust with asking prices around $ 8,500 (a few less miles).

Print off those comps, and then ask for a reasonable increase over these to account for your lack of rust. Explain how you came to the number and go from there...

 

[fblainen11]

Typically the won't pay too much for maintenance work. Replaced timing belt, spark plugs, etc.

I recently had someone rear end me and "total" my 4runner. I gave receipts of rebuilt transmission, $800 in new tires, and a couple other things. I also made sure the increased the base amount for haVing aftermarket radio. Be sure to not take the first offer and state your case as to why your vehicle is worth more than what they offer. Don't be stubborn, some things don't increase the value of your vehicle. Some things will. Bring it all to the table and find a number you are good with. The initial offer I was given for my 97 with 185k was $3700. I ended up getting $4700 for it and I kept the vehicle. Minor body damage totals vehicles not worth much.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Always keep possession so you are just talking money.

You can buy it back for $1500 but I imagine you will spend another $1000-1500 paying a cheap shop to fix the front suspension. Also that doesn't include body damage or paint.

You mentioned one of us buying it.... Sure list it for $1500!