Got rear ended in my 4runner :(

[Jrblanke]

2 nights ago I got hit while on my way home from work. I am concerned that my vehicle is going to be totaled. I guess there is nothing I can do about it, but thought I would post on here to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation.

The rear hatch is dented al the way across in several places, the bumper and I’m assuming bumper brackets are toast. The mud flaps were pushed into the tires. And both tail lights are cracked. Oh, and I was hit hard enough that the front seat pulled out of the floor pan on the front mounts (Bolts, nuts/washers).

In the event that it is totaled out, I think I’m going to buy it back and have a shop fix it.

I am concerned the insurance company is going to view my car as a 20 year old SUV vs a hard to find 5 speed manual 4runner with man 1999+ upgrades.

I guess I’m just posting because I know you guys will feel my pain as far as being bummed about the thing being hit.

I'm thankful it wasn't worse!!!

 

[T4R2014]

High chance it is, but that isn't horrible at all. Always fight with insurance for more money. 99+ upgrades won't help value if it isn't a 99+ but I guess you can try. Your arguing point is manual. Use some BringATrailer ads to convince them.

 

[Hepar]

Sorry to hear about the accident. Agree with [MENTION=71030]T4R2014[/MENTION] on fighting the value. Try to find as many similar vehicles and what they're going for. I'm sure the insurance company will counter with comparisons too, but be diligent and specific about the options you think stand out over others (ie the 5spd.).

Also agree with them that you're not going to see any additional value for the 99+ upgrades.

 

[BrianSD_42]

You’re going to want to get it looked at to make sure the frame or axel isn’t bent.

Don’t turn possesion over to the insurance company. I have read too many stories about guys who had their truck taken out of their possession after releasing it.

 

[MSRP.]

Got any pictures of the other car that hit you?

 

[96RedRunner]

If I was in your shoes I would try to work it out not involving insurance company.
If after inspecting it there is no frame or axle damage. I don't think there will be because the bumper didn't make contact to body under tail lights, body gaps look good around hatch. Your damage in my eyes will be to floor where bumper mounts to body which can be hammered out and hidden. The hatch can be repaired by a good body man without filler.

Reread OP caught the seat thing this time, do a good inspection of it.

 

[Wedgy]

If they start hassling you over the price tell them your neck hurts and you might get an attorney....that will change their tune. Or just collect on the medical to pay the damage ion the truck. You have to deal with insurance companies on their level or you will come out on the losing end of it.

 

[dogtail]

Armor up for those dumbasses playing on their phones.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[Jrblanke]

Thanks for the replies.

Is it common for the front seat to pull out of the floor pan? Will the body shop have trouble repairing this or is it a straight forward repair. I was really surprised the seat came loose.

Also, I will need to check where the bumper attaches to the body, I didn't think to look at that.

I will also be looking at bringatrailer to see if I can find any similar that have sold recently. Great idea!


The vehicle that hit me was a 1990 F150. Ironicly enough, my rental car is now an F150 haha.

 

[rlabar1288]

Pretty common type of accident. Any reputable/quality body shop could repair that and have it back on the road for you.

 

[tvpierce]

Don’t turn possesion over to the insurance company. I have read too many stories about guys who had their truck taken out of their possession after releasing it.

+1

If it's at a body/repair shop for an estimate, be sure communicate to the shop that under no circumstances is the insurance company to take possession of the vehicle until somebody from their shop speaks directly to you.
If the shop is done with the estimate, and you're still haggling with the insurance company over a payout figure, go to the shop, pick up your truck and bring it home.

When my wife's car was rear-ended and totaled, the insurance company kept calling me to set up a time when a tow truck could come to my home and pick up the car. I told them I wasn't comfortable handing over the vehicle until we settled on a figure. They came back with, "It's customary for the vehicle to be picked up before a settlement is made."

I told them no way. It's my car, and it will remain in my posession until I have a check in my hand.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Guarantee the frame is bent. Hitting the towbar pushes the 2 frame rails downward. Looking at the damaged on the Ford, that's what caused most of the damage to it so it took most of the force. You'll probably see some ripples in the frame somewhere. If that's the case they WILL total it. Mine was worse because my frame was compromised because of rust. Not saying it can't be fixed frame straightening can be expensive. The seat coming out was probably a preexisting weakness, maybe cause by rust around the bolt hole.
What you need to do is find at least 3 comparable listings somewhere near you. The closer the better. This is what the insurance company is going to base your truck value on. They will find "cheaper" comparables. They will provide you with these comparables. Maybe with more miles. You need to "sell" your truck to the adjuster. Hopefully you'll find a comparable of a 5-speed and show him/her that they are more valuable. If you can't find one that that might work in you're favor too as it proves the "rarity" of the 5-speed in our rigs. Don't know your mileage, but obviously that's a big factor in their total.
As other's have said, don't let them get that truck. You should be able to buy it back for less than $900 (which was my buy back for a Limited). You would definitely get your money back double if you parted it out.

 

[spartacus]

that really sucks but now you need to be firm with insurance company. make sure you have evaluations of the truck with the upgrades they will try to give as little as they can get away with. paper work is what ups your game receipts for upgrades plus rarity and popularity of the vehicle is the thing that will make for a better payout. goodluck
ps Don't let them take your vehicle until you have come to an agreement.

 

[Scramble]

Thanks for the replies.

Is it common for the front seat to pull out of the floor pan? Will the body shop have trouble repairing this or is it a straight forward repair. I was really surprised the seat came loose.

Also, I will need to check where the bumper attaches to the body, I didn't think to look at that.

I will also be looking at bringatrailer to see if I can find any similar that have sold recently. Great idea!


The vehicle that hit me was a 1990 F150. Ironicly enough, my rental car is now an F150 haha.

See people, leave that trailer hitch on. It saved the 4runner.

I would fix that myself, bumper brackets & bumpers are cheap on E-Bay.

Or get them from someone who upgraded to an aftermarket bumper.

If you have rust on your seat bolts yes they can rip out.
Good luck.

 

[SaulG]

If you were hit from behind was the other driver cited?
Is it not the other drivers insurance being held accountable for your vehicle? You may want
to talk to your insurance company for help..as in an attorney !!

X 40 with keeping vehicle in your possesion..( mine sat at bodyshop for weeks and items came up "missing" )

 

[wreckedrex]

Had the exact same thing happen to my truck. Adjuster totalled it because of the damage to the floor pan caused by the seat ripping out. Your truck looks a helluva lot nicer than mine though, so ymmv. They wrote me a check for a couple grand more than I paid for it, and I bought it back for a few hundred bucks. I grabbed a used seat and bolted it thru the floor with a huge thick washer in the torn out spot, pounded/bent some stuff more or less into shape then called it good. Been using it as a <$0 beater since.

 

[olhobbler]

that is a beautiful example..i like the idea of settling with insurance, buy back and making it whole again.

 

[Jrblanke]

Just as a follow up. The insurance company said it has $3000 worth of damage and the vehicle is "valued" at $3200, or I could buy it back for 600 and they would cut me a check for $2600 w/ the salvage title. I'm really disappointed as I paid $5400 for it just 8 months ago. They don't understand the collector value, and I haven't been able to find other 5 speeds for sale to compare it to.

I may just buy it back, buy another 4runner, swap any parts I want to keep, and then part it out or sell it.

I also might try to get to get an adjusted rate on my next 4runner to keep myself from getting hosed incase this happens again.

Crazy.

 

[wreckedrex]

I've never had to do it, but that's an offer and you can negotiate. provide reciepts for any upgrades or major maintenance. Check book value for your truck in your area, 3200 sounds crazy low for a 3rd gen. Maybe for a beat stripper 2x4 with a 4 banger. Provide autotrader/cl/whatever links for comparable trucks at higher prices.

 

[Nate_GB]

Just as a follow up. The insurance company said it has $3000 worth of damage and the vehicle is "valued" at $3200, or I could buy it back for 600 and they would cut me a check for $2600 w/ the salvage title. I'm really disappointed as I paid $5400 for it just 8 months ago. They don't understand the collector value, and I haven't been able to find other 5 speeds for sale to compare it to.

I may just buy it back, buy another 4runner, swap any parts I want to keep, and then part it out or sell it.

I also might try to get to get an adjusted rate on my next 4runner to keep myself from getting hosed incase this happens again.

Crazy.

Did the insurance company provide you with 4runners currently available for sale that they are using to determine the value of yours? Not sure on the laws where you are (most states are very similar) but in California, you have the option to "enact the appraisal clause." This is a portion of your policy that allows you to hire an appraiser to prepare a value on your car. Your insurance company is then required to hire a 3rd party appraiser as well. Your appraiser and the insurance company's appraiser then agree on a settlement amount. If they can't agree, an "umpire" is then brought in who makes the final determination. As an adjuster for a large insurance company, I can tell you that insurance company's never win when the customer enacts the appraisal clause.

The insurance company has to pay you enough to go out and buy the same truck, in the same condition, with the same mileage. So if their settlement isn't enough for you to be able to do that, let them know and let them know how much the settlement needs to be for you to buy the same truck.