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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Original Post - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:00pm PT
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Neither of us were hurt at all.
I'm totally not at fault. However, I just inspected my truck and I'm now concerned they might actually total the vehicle. It's shortened on the driver side.
The old gentleman has USAA and they have already told me they accept responsibility. however....
It was about $16K. $1.2K I put down. the rest was a loan that is 15 months paid off on 5 years.
If it does get totalled I'm wondering what I'm looking at in terms of compensation. I've put $1000 tires on it a week ago. Added air shock supports, a trailer hitch, and a stereo to ipod component. Does that stuff get taken into account when they kelley blue book it or whatever to figure out how much I get compensated?
Should I be talking about his stuff in public? I'll delete this ASAP if this isn't a good idea.
I was traveling at the speed limit when the man sort of rolled a stop sign and I hit him. I have two witnesses that both saw it clearly. He made the move. Both witnesses stated to me "This was not your fault".
USAA is sending someone out - will call me to schedule tuesday. But I'm thinking I want to have someone look at it before they do. I want to be sure I ask the right questions and don't say anything I shouldn't.
just trying to gather knowledge and cover my bases. So who has had a vehicle totaled (or not) that might offer advice?
BTW, he was an old man who served in WWII. his wife said he was a vet. The last thing I said to him as I shook his and and look him square in the eyes was, "Thank you for serving".
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
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You just stated that "I hit him"
I'd delete this faster than a rabbit gets... Well, you get the point.
edit;
Often times an insurance company will say "no prob" at first, then change thier opinion later. The person that rear ends the other is typically at fault no matter what, at least in Cali
edit edit:
I thought you described hitting the guy from behind. nevermind.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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OK, so you wanna be a good guy.
BOHICA
Insurance companies make lots of money.
Guess how.
As for the old guy; great that he served. Deserves respect, but that doesn't mean there isn't a time to stop driving.
Glad you are OK (this wasn't on a date was it?)
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:08pm PT
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I'm on record with USAA of stating I hit him. He blew a stop sign while I was traveling on road that was moving traffic with no stop lights/signs. of course I hit him. It's recorded by USAA already. that part isn't the problem. I was traveling at the speed limit perfectly legal. I'm not removing this post because of that statement. two witnesses and a cop already know I hit him. that's what happens when you blow a stop sign.
no, not on a date. And the dude had just gotten out of the hospital. they probably could have done toxicology tests on him and it wouldn't look good for him.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Could have been worse.
You could have gotten four in the head and one in the ass.
He wasn't wearing plaid was he?
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:10pm PT
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bwaahahahaha!
I didn't ask what he did in WWII. probably a sniper? in pajamas.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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And he is not one of the poopers, right?
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:13pm PT
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edit;
Often times an insurance company will say "no prob" at first, then change thier opinion later. The person that rear ends the other is typically at fault no matter what, at least in Cali
This isn't a rear ender.
He had a stop sign on a perpindicular road to the one I was traveling on. he was following his wife. She moved through the intersection and he just followed. He rolled the stop sign w/o looking. I was moving at the speed limit through said intersection that has no traffic lights/signs for me. Man... if dude doesn't roll the sign and stops and then moves I t-bone him and really bad things happen. He as a half a second away from getting hit in the drivers side door.
he's not a pooper so far as I could tell.
dammit people!
who's had a vehicle totalled by an insurance company? :)
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cintune
climber
Midvale School for the Gifted
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I did the same thing a few years back and got a call from the other guy's insurer. They claimed that I "could" have stopped sooner and not hit him, which was ridiculous, and the whole thing went into "conflict resolution" or some such until ultimately they agreed to pay up for the damages. My agent told me it's best to not talk to the other company at all, you're under no obligation to do so, just politely tell them to take it up with your agent. That's what they get paid for.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Why Cragman? Wanna know if he has pajamas like yours?
The geezer that fractured my spine ran a stop sign and I T boned him.
Totally his fault.
Did you get some cell phone video of his condition? (Leverage when you deal)
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:17pm PT
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thank you skip.
you're not exactly correct though.
I called my insurance company immediatetly. they told me to call his. Again - USAA - one of the best around (thank Shiva!).
The took my statement. They called him. He verified the scenario. They called me back and stated they will take responsibility. All within like... an hour. I was shocked in a great way!
That said, ok on the receipts, etc. That's what I'm wondering about.
Here's the other question. IF the vehicle is totaled let's say, if I wanted to buy it back... anyone with experience on that?
calling Joto now!
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Ricky D
Trad climber
Sierra Westside
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Doug -
What you might find is that his insurance company will NOT factor in your after market add-ons to any "total" value.
I can tell you with certainty that the 1K in tires won't matter for squat since KBB assumes that you have some on any vehicle.
Depending on the Adjuster, you can often arrange to "recover" the add-on pieces - lift kits, specialty hitches and the like. Otherwise plan on calling YOUR insurance company - better yet, go to a live local agent - and tell them about add-ons and upgrades you had on the truck so they can fight for their monetary value with USAA.
As for the old dude being a Vet - that's cool and your reply was noble.
But pulling the "I'm a vet" card is for old white guys what "cop tears" is to a teenage girl when stopped for speeding.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:19pm PT
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Was a police report taken?
It's f*#king Tucson. Without injury they don't do police reports.
they noted we exchanged information on record and that is all.
BS in my opinion
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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As someone who has recently been fuked over by lawyers---GET A LAWYER!!! Make sure all your expenses are covered. Insurance companies are scared shitless over geting sued and the resulting publicity. Maybe you hate lawyers as much as I do, but in our society they are sometimes a "necessary evil."
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:22pm PT
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He didn't pull the "vet card" for sympathy or anything. It was just a random, end of conversation/incident thing that came out.
They were genuine people. and I, as a yogi and also genuine, tried to make the best of it.
But I also did the best I could to CYA.
Maybe I should have told the cops he was just out of the hospital and likely on drugs that he shouldn't be driving on. Hate to think that.....
Anyone with experience on either side of USAA? I've heard they are the best around. Opinions?
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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If it means a salvage title for your vehicle, I would NOT accept that. You lose a lot of resell value with a salvage title.
If they wont pay you for your new tires, then take them off and put crap ones on from the junk yard. Then put the new tires on the new truck. Do the same with the other add ons. Check with your agent to see if that is legal, but I think it is.
Hopefully they will pay for the add ons. In which case they own them.
In one accident I was in, years ago, they wouldn't cover my new stereo. So I took it out and put the factory one back in. I didn't bother wiring it. I just put it in.
...
Edit: Please let me know how things work today, once you find out. I haven't had an accident in over 15 years.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:32pm PT
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If they wont pay you for your new tires, then take them off and put crap ones on from the junk yard. Then put the new tires on the new truck. Do the same with the other add ons. Check with your agent to see if that is legal, but I think it is.
that's sorta what I'm looking for.
First thing Tuesday morning I'm taking it to Dan's Toy shop to get their opinion. They are the best toyota mechanics in Tucson.
Thanks skip, thanks John... everyone. I'm keeping a positive vibe on all of this. It's just not what I want to be thinking about.
All input is helpful and much appreciated.
Now if only Joto would called me back!
Edit:
If it means a salvage title for your vehicle, I would NOT accept that. You lose a lot of resell value with a salvage title.
actually... what I'm wondering is if they do total it, they'd issue me a check for X amount based on some value they came up with. Seems like said value should approach what I paid, yeah? That'd let me pay off the truck, buy another AND purchase back this rig at some low price? I'm really trying to understand how that part of the "system" works so I can ask the right questions.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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I have had 2 cars totaled and bought both back and drove them into the ground. If you have saved your reciepts they will add the value of parts purchaced in the last 6 months but not labor. At least that is how it worked in VT.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:35pm PT
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^^^^---- kick ass response. That's what I wanna know!
I did most of the labor, minus tire install, myself.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:39pm PT
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ok... here's the post that I might want to delete sooner than later.
what if some of said parts were purchased over six months ago and I installed them. Should I remove them BEFORE I get the inspection from USAA? In a way it sorta doesn't matter as they are generally not obvious.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 09:44pm PT
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HELLO? ;)
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coastal_climber
Trad climber
British Columbia
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I just settled my car accident claim (Jan. 2011) (accident was in 2005)
A lawyer is definitely worth it. The amount you have to pay them is nothing compared to what they will get you. If you don't have one, you have to negotiate with the insurance company, and they WILL screw you. And yes we sue in Canada...
give me a shout (climbercam@gmail.com) if you want any info.
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coastal_climber
Trad climber
British Columbia
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Anyone else getting/seeing the reckless driving advertisement on supertopo?
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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If you are a Yogi then you better watch out for Cragman.
He already nailed Booboo, and I hear he hasn't gone to his therapy sessions yet.
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Tobia
Social climber
GA
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Hopefully it isn't totaled.
Straightening your frame is not that big of a deal. If you know of a reputable body shop have them look at it and ask them what they think.
If it is totaled (how old is it) see how much replacement is before you settle.
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llk
climber
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Too funny Ron!
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ME Climb
Trad climber
Behind the Orange Curtain
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Stating you hit him has nothing to do with fault. In accident reconstruction the striking vehicle ( bullet vehicle) is always party one no matter who is at fault. Determining if a vehicle will be totalled or not is based on repair cost to vehicle value. From the picture you posted I would doubt very seriously they will total it.
Good luck!
Eric
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Does this mean we're not hitting the Lemmon on Monday?
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Ironic, all this talk, yet little discussion as to the amount of body damage. It's difficult to assess from a single photo/one angle. From the looks of it, that's what I'd call a "light fixer." How fast do you think your truck was travelling at the moment of impact? I'm guessing that you scrubbed off some speed and collided at 10 - 20 mph. For the hood to take a hit, you were probably nosediving, hard on the brakes. Did the airbag(s) deploy?
It will need a new hood, bumper face and support brackets, maybe headlight assembly, plastic grill. Maybe some misc parts like hood latch and hinge. I don't even see a mark on the left fender. Is it dented or buckled? How is the gap between the fender and door (with door closed)? Does it match the gap on the right side?
Is the core support bent (thick sheet metal cross-brace behind the grill at the approx height of the top of the radiator)? Is the radiator bent/dented? Does it drive straight, or is it out of alignment? Did the camper move forward and cause damage to the roof or back of the cab?
This looks like mostly a bolt-on parts job. Press the insurance company for Toyota OEM parts. They might try to estimate it with Taiwan parts or used parts.
I'm not in the business but have fixed a few trucks over the years and had many estimates done. My wild guess is $4K to $5K at a dealer or top price body shop. $2500 if you shop around or have connections, or DIY except for the paint work. Paint work is expensive. Paint and materials have jumped in price many times in recent years and paint is complicated with multi-stages. Add to those numbers if airbag(s) deployed.
What year & mileage is your truck, and what is the current value? The insurance company won't want to total it unless the cost of repairs approaches the value. I don't think there is any way that you have over $12K damage here.
Contrary to what some have written, you can make a case for a vehicle being worth more than the book value. Especially if you have recent receipts for new tires, or major repair like a new transmission or engine.
Get an independent estimate from a high-end body shop or Toyota dealer. Compare that estimate with the one the insurance company provides. Never trust the insurance company without doing your homework.
Even though it doesn't look like a hard hit, I'll add that you should have the frame checked. You don't want to have a frame with a diamond shape, which can easily happen with a hard hit to one corner. That can be fixed on a frame rack, but at a price.
Good luck to you.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 3, 2011 - 11:01pm PT
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Less gap between door and front fender than on passenger side. Same with gap between bed and cab
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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Get a neck brace , hire a good jew-lawyer..That WWll vet served in a panzer division..
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Get into a crash and my first thought is always "I'm screwed". Doesn't matter if you are at fault, you are going to pay in terms of time, worry, fecking with insurance companies (I'd rather have my toes bled again than that) and other things. Sorry it happened. My wish is for minimal hassle to you.
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rockermike
Trad climber
Berkeley
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I haven't read the above, but I know that with state farm, my truck was totaled, and they gave me a low blue book offer (or something). I did my own research including the NCAA pricing guide, and a number of local adds, all of which put the value considerably higher. I sent it in and got maybe $2000 more then their first offer. Build a case. I suppose it then depends on the company. Maybe even "imply" that you are sure your whip-lashed neck will heal up just fine without 6 months of Chiro if they pay you more. lol
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Are you quite sure you don't have a sore neck or back? Whiplash would probably really interfere with yoga.
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mojede
Trad climber
Butte, America
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Don't wanna sound like a jerk, but doin' the WWII math puts him at least 80 years of age--glad that he was well insured, for YOUR sake, but realistically he is a vet that has served us proud and shouldn't endanger people on the roadway anymore.
Wrecked lots of rigs, and the insurance/total game seems to come down to knowing the ins and outs of wrecking yards, state laws regarding totalled vehices "bought back", etc...
Good luck, sorry 'bout the truck--it looked like a good rig
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WBraun
climber
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Totaled?
Does it run still?
Then it's bomber.
If the frame ain't damaged then it's bomber.
Bomber .....
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WBraun
climber
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When I was Columbia South America most of the cars I rode in looked 10 times worst than Doug's truck in this thread.
They were bomber
Enough ......
By the way Juan Maderita always has the best answers for these things .....
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mojede
Trad climber
Butte, America
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I agree with Werner, fwiw, and would take the cash and keep the truck--either have it aligned or if not possible, drive those new tires off and see how it handles.
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LuckyPink
climber
the last bivy
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right now, swap out your add ons with standard, clean up the inside of your vehicle .. detail it.. change all the fluids so they're all clean and new. Wash it. do your online research at Kbb and Edmunds for value. Meet the adjuster on tues with a clean cared for car and you'll get the best dollar. He'll look at those fluids.
usually you see so much twist on frame it's not worth keeping. Most companies take the title on the vehicle when they pay off, and do not offer a buy back for anything reasonable. Salvage title is bad news. You can follow it to the graveyard and buy back the engine or tranny if you want but none of it makes you any money. You'll get the pay off on your loan most likely.
Unfortunately , cars are not an investment, I'm the first one to cry about that. Best of Luck!
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Thanks Werner. I try to share my wealth of hard knocks and having learned the hard way.
-John
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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USAA is my insurance company and they are great. Just call the team handling your claim and ask them about the after market stuff and they'll tell you exactly what they do about them.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 4, 2011 - 04:23am PT
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great advice all the way around.
I get that it's a Toyota and a bomber truck. I never looked at it as an investment and planned to drive it into the ground. But I figured the ground is 12 years away. If the frame is straight then I should be fine. It's just the gaps between the door and the fender, and the cab and the bed make me wonder.
I actually don't need to do much with cleaning it up. It's already clean. Not even sure how they assessor would know if the frame is bent.
What crimpie said is what bugs me the most. No matter what it will cost me in time and a bit of worry.
But I did the right thing tonight. I started drinking early and got rides to and from the party. Still drinking Maynard's wine.
my neck has been bothering me and it does seem a little worse today than usual. And of this I'm not kidding.
hoping for the best....
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 4, 2011 - 05:00am PT
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glad you are laughing brother!
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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If you didn't get the message loud and clear the first time, just 3 little words: GET. A. LAWYER.
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Don't mean to be a downer about it. :( But it is really true. The actions of others can really jerk us around. :(
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James Wilcox
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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General rule of thumb is that a vehicle with a salvage title is worth about 50% as compared to an identical vehicle with a clean title. Some people do buy their vehicle back and repair them; but frame damage is a nightmare.
Any recent expenditures (Tires, very recent service or repair bills, registration costs with DMV) are taken into account. The $1,000 for new tires should not be pro-rated if it was just a few weeks before the accident. Get them copies of receipts right away.
You don't have to accept their initial offer, look it over and make sure all the equipment is listed and accounted for. Wouldn't hurt to go to KBB.com (kelly bluebook) and see what your truck is going for).
Be nice to the USAA agent, even when you disagree. Most people treat them poorly, so being even remotely civil will make them want to help you.
Good luck
Jim
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
SoCal
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I've been through this a few times. Here is what I've learned:
Forget any advantage to be gained from being a victim. Usually this does not pay. If you get paid big for being a victim -- you become a professional victim.
Your rig will get fixed but never the same again. Get rid of it as fast as possible and create a new rig. A better one. It will most likely have to come from your own hard work and creative energy.
Hey, you asked for advice on the internet. There it is.
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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A wreck title is a kiss of death financially. I lost nearly $10K on a wrecked Dodge pickup several years ago because of the wreck title. The insurance company had paid out over $15K fixing the truck but the frame was screwed up, too. I lost a complete set of brand new tires on a trip from Wyoming out to Kali back in 2001. The truck should have been totalled but the repair shop gave the insurance company a low-ball offer the first time and then kept finding more "concealed damage" to run up the bill. I was screwed and the wrecked title reduced the value down to $20K from $30K when I finally sold the SOB.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 4, 2011 - 12:00pm PT
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come and get it!
just spoke to Joto....
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WBraun
climber
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Be nice to the USAA agent, even when you disagree.
Yes !!!! 100%
When my car got totaled once, the agent only wanted to give me $500 for my 20 year old pile.
By the time I walked out of the agents office I had a check for $2500.00 ......
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phylp
Trad climber
Millbrae, CA
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Nature, I'm glad you were not injured more severely. The most important thing is that you take the time to assess how your body feels and to get any evaluation and PT that you need. I was in a fairly severe crash once and was told by my back doc that whiplash injuries often feel the most severe 1-2 months after an accident. That is in fact what happened. I think that in my case once the body's protective mechanisms started to relax, the soft tissue damage started to be more noticeable.
As fault has already been determined, you already know that the other party's insurance will cover your medical expenses. The lawyer issue is up to you - do you plan to sue for pain and suffering beyond actual medical bills? That is typically their incentive for getting involved.
In the crash mentioned above, my Toyota truck with camper shell was totalled. The first "offer" from the insurance co was definately low. I argued back about the condition being "excellent" not average, with documentation of service records, date of tires replaced etc.. The offer was increased by a significant amount which I took. But I think the reality is, even when they make you a fair offer, you always end up loosing monetarily. You never seem to be able to replace with something just as good with the amount of money you get. That's just life.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Hey Cragman, now that you have traded your Beretta for a Mark I could you try out a round on Kiddie?
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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Kiddie...this thread is about car wrecks , not train wrecks..
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James Wilcox
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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I'd highly recommend stipulating only OEM parts be used when they prepare the estimate. It will increase the chance of being totalled because of the higher price, but will fit better, resist rust infinitely better, and have the same quality as the other parts of the truck if they proceed with the repair. Imitation parts just suck, imho
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 4, 2011 - 10:59pm PT
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Certainly will ask for OEM parts.
I'll probably know Tuesday first thing AM if the frame is bent. I'm wondering if it's just possible the cab or bed shift on the frame. I've done more of an inspection. Hood will get replaced and all lights in front. There is the smallest dent in the radiator. The plastic stuff in front of the bumper is toast. There is the smallest crease in the drivers side fender. Actually, it's a little bend where the headlight is. I pulled my trailer on the highway today and it handled like it always did.
And my body seems just fine. I've had a pinched nerve in my next for months now and it is a little worse today than it has been.
At what speed should my airbag have deployed? It didn't.
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Front airbags are generally designed to deploy at speeds above 14 mph. Engineers test collisions into concrete barriers. In reality, most objects aren't as solid as a concrete wall. So there is some gray area. My guess still stands that you were traveling between 10 and 20 mph at the moment of impact.
Notice how little the front bumper did to protect your truck? That's because the Federal Bumper Standard only applies to passenger cars. OEM truck bumpers are lightweight crap.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 9, 2011 - 04:48pm PT
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assessor was just out and got my estimate back.
$4200 in repairs.
the good news is USAA will pay the body shop directly.
I'm taking it down today so they can order the parts.
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Norwegian
Trad climber
Placerville, California
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my pink slip says salvaged,
not worth a dime, this fella.
my wife has me under motto:
'you done better by me, than i done by you.."
but i keep dieseling though,
my timing is all off, the nerves connected
my movers to my thinker have long ago gave up.
my brain's been head on'ed in the dark and in the light.
i smoke all over an never pass a drug test.
my wife knows though that know won will ever steel me,
though i've already stold my face right off my head,
cushions are ripped. dog pissed on me in my sleep night last,
im not for sale though. not even cheap.
sorry you wrecked your truck nature.
i hope that you weren't heart.
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tolman_paul
Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
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Sorry about the wreck, glad nobody was hurt. USAA is a great insurance company, I've used them for over 20 years and they are straight forward and quick to settle, I doubt you'll be screwed over. I did have accident almost identical to yours where somebody pulled out in front of me and I T boned them. I fealt that their adjuster undervalued my car and I got screwed, but some $ was better than no $, and it just wasn't worth suing them over $500-1000 difference.
My personaly opinion is that whenever a vehicle is in a wreck that is more serious than a fender bender, it really is in your best interest to get it totaled. The only time I've been in a wreck and the vehicle wasn't totalled, I regretted it. The repairs just don't put everything back, in that case the hood no longer matched the quarter panel, shortly after getting it back from the shop I had a coolant leak as the fan cut a groove into the radiator, and when I took it back to the shop to "fix" it, they result was the fan no longer cut into the radiator, but it did cut a coolant hose resulting in another leak. So my advice, if at all possible get the rig totalled, take the insurance money, get another rig that hasn't been in a wreck.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 9, 2011 - 05:31pm PT
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Well... I get what you are saying.
But I do think this is in the fender bender category.
Our two fenders collided as he was moving past me. He hardly slowed me down and didn't divert my path at all.
Are they going to total a $16K vehicle for a $4K repair job?
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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You get a wreck title if the damage exceeds a certain amount, and that seriously affects the price or trade in allowed when you resell the car. In Wyoming, the dollar limit that triggers a wreck title is $3000.00 of repairs due to a single collision. I don't know about other states, but CHECK IT OUT FIRST before the repairs start!!
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tolman_paul
Trad climber
Anchorage, AK
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All I can say is in the case of the car I had that should of been totalled, and this was back in ~'92 the estimated value of the car was $10k, repair estimate was $7500, actual repairs came to $8500.
The estimate sounds low, but hard to tell from the pics the extent of the damage from the pics.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 9, 2011 - 07:34pm PT
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I went through the estimate with the assessor as well as the guys at the body repair shop and it all seems in order.
Their is an aluminum "bumper" in the front and it's not damage at all. So most of the damage is superficial it seems. Lots of plastic parts and some brackets. Lights, etc. A new hood and they might end up just repairing the fender as it's got the smallest little bend in it.
and then it all gets painted.
I did state that I wanted OEM parts - they had me down for after market so thanks for the tip on that!
BDC - I'll ask about if there is a status change in the title. I can see why that would be bad.
Silver - I'll PM my address. Thanks!
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Prod
Trad climber
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I'm not sure if this was said or not. I'm not going to read the entire thread.
The insurance adjustor is not your friend! THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! These guys are ass holes. their job is to keep money for their company. They will play nice guy when the do the initial inspection. They will ask leading questions trying to get you to devalue your property. They will piump out their mom if it earns them more money.
I'd get an independant adjustor to do a estimate for you. It will be way higher than their adjustors amount and you will most likely get the higher amount.
THE ADJUSTOR IS NOT YOUR FRIEND!!!!
Prod.
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Prod
Trad climber
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they might end up just repairing the fender as it's got the smallest little bend in it.
That is what I am talking about. They should pay you for a new perfect one, then you can make the decision to repair the existion one. When you go to sell the car, a pro will be able to identify the repair and call you on it.
Prod.
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James Wilcox
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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I wish insurance co.s and body shops were required to disclose the use of imitation parts, but they're not. They lobbied years ago, on a state by state basis, getting that exemption. Jerks. Good catch on your part.
$4,200 is pretty light these days, so the damage, at least structurally, isn't all that bad.
Heads up, though, silver is a tough color to match. Not impossible-just tough.
Did they give you a car?
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Couple points.
Sounds like you got it covered. Go to the best possible body shop, get the OEM parts and let them milk the ins company for it. The adjuster is mostly out of the loop at that point. Deal directly with the shop and make sure they are getting what they need. They deal with adjusters and ins companies for a living, and their gain is yours too.
Make darn sure your frame is still straight. Sounds like it is if the bumper isn't damaged.
If you ever get a car totaled - strip it clean!! Are you f'n kidding?? Junkyard wheels, no stereo, etc - just a hulk of metal with a legal VIN attached. Book value has NOTHING to do with stereos, tires, etc - just year, miles, general overall condition (ie WRECKED!).
Good luck,
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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Listen to Prod and remember: THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR IS NOT YOUR FRIEND!!!!
Those bastards are there to do one thing, and that's save money for the insurance company.
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Yeah, nailed the estimate when I wrote: My wild guess is $4K to $5K at a dealer or top price body shop. $2500 if you shop around or have connections,
Nature, you are correct when you said, "But I do think this is in the fender bender category."
Don't let these guys scare you about getting it repaired. They are comparing their apples to your orange. It's just sheetmetal and misc. bolt-on parts.
And, I wouldn't be concerned with "repairing the fender as it's got the smallest little bend in it." Another way of looking at it: Your repaired fender will have the factory primer and double the paint!
I'm assuming they penciled the job for a new hood? Insist on a new hood (OEM of course), and don't let them fix your hood. It's buckled/tweaked, in addition to the dent. No way to make that perfect.
Since your insurance company is paying the body shop directly, you can insist that everything is done correctly. The adjuster seems to be playing fair with you. Make sure that any cost overruns will be paid by USAA. The job can't be 100% accurately estimated until disassembly.
Don't sign off on the completed job until you have inspected and are satisfied. Inspect the paint work closely. The hood should be flawless, since you will be looking at it for some time to come. The gaps between sheetmetal should be even, and within factory tolerances.
If there is any doubt in your mind about the completed job, or if you don't feel qualified to inspect, then you could find someone to do an independent inspection of the work. Check the parts order against the estimate. I doubt that USAA would pick up the tab for that, but $50 out-of-pocket might buy peace of mind before signing off on the job.
When paying for repairs, I like to drop by the shop and have wee the work in progress. A good time would be upon disassembly. Again after the sheetmetal is painted and before the plastic parts are bolted on. That way you can see what is going on underneath. You can also look for Toyota OEM stickers on the parts or parts bags. Then, if you were to reject their paint work, the shop would appreciate that final assembly labor only has to be done one time.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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@ Nature - "It was about $16K. $1.2K I put down. the rest was a loan that is 15 months paid off on 5 years."
 When my little yellow car was totaled I don't remember how far off from paid off I was, my insurance paid off the car and I still had a little to put down on my current car, so…
"If it does get totalled I'm wondering what I'm looking at in terms of compensation. I've put $1000 tires on it a week ago. Added air shock supports, a trailer hitch, and a stereo to ipod component. Does that stuff get taken into account when they kelley blue book it or whatever to figure out how much I get compensated?"
When my car was totaled I had a decent stereo system in it, deck, amp, sub. I pulled everything at the advice of my insurer. I also had a set of rims that I could not pull due to the way the car was taco'd, it torqued the rear right rim as well. I had to mention that to the insurer in order for it to be counted.
"Should I be talking about his stuff in public? I'll delete this ASAP if this isn't a good idea."
I don't see why not, but then again I'm only a lawyer in 13 states.. just not yours.
"USAA is sending someone out - will call me to schedule tuesday. But I'm thinking I want to have someone look at it before they do. I want to be sure I ask the right questions and don't say anything I shouldn't."
My understanding (limited as it is) is that their insurer will lowball, yours will highball, but that's all in their hands. That's one of the reasons they pay those lawyers for.
My experience was a little different than most in that I Have a pretty good insurer, at least my incident changed my attitude of my insurance company right quick. It seemed like everything was taken care of by my insurer. And I was back up and running again within a week.
hope this helps in some small way, and I hope you're back on the road quickly
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 9, 2011 - 10:48pm PT
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Did they give you a car?
Yes, monday of this week I was contacted by enterprise asking when they can pick me up.
I get what you are saying prod. But USAA will pay the body shop directly and in full. And when the guy that is doing the work and ordering the parts finds other things needing fixing they will adjust it and bill back to USAA.
They are not even going to try and fix my hood. The fender I can see why they would fix. there's an area an inch long the is bent about 1/8".
As far as the silver goes I'm not worried about that. This is a standard Toyota silver.
I spoke with the body shop guys and he told me about all the computers and lazer systems they use to determine if the frame is OK. He also pointed out the two best insurance companies out there are USAA and State Farm. I have State Farm and I can attest they are good.
I'm reading all this info and taking it in. The one thing I'm mostly worried about at this point is if they change the title status. That is info I would not have considered.
Also, this is going to one of the USAA qualified body shops. USAA warranties all work so if in six months something isn't right I can take it back in, have it fixed, and USAA will get billed directly from the body shop. If I take it to a body shop not on their list I'm on my own after I walk out the door.
I don't want to be involved in the finances. Let them deal with it.
I'll get a "free" AC recharge and a couple minor paint flaws fixed.
I'm assuming they penciled the job for a new hood? Insist on a new hood (OEM of course), and don't let them fix your hood. It's buckled/tweaked, in addition to the dent. No way to make that perfect.
Well, apparently the deal is, and I'll double check, is they will get me a hood from a '06 or newer that has less miles than my rig. Which means it is OEM but not new. I'm going to speak with the guy at the body shop again and triple check on this stuff.
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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One thing that everyone forgets on these "fender benders" is: INSIST ON A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AS PART OF THE DEAL! You'll lose your tires if this isn't done!
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 9, 2011 - 10:51pm PT
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BDC - that's on the estimate. After what I just dropped it was like the second thing I asked about.
That said, the truck tracks perfectly straight like it always did.
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Nature,
Sounds like all good news. You know what to look for now. You are asking the right questions and asserting yourself. Probability for a positive outcome >85%. ST came to the rescue once again.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 9, 2011 - 10:56pm PT
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Make sure that any cost overruns will be paid by USAA. The job can't be 100% accurately estimated until disassembly.
Already sure of that!
And thanks for that advice.
ST came to the rescue once again.
It did. It almost always does! It's why I keep feeding these hungry monkeys raw fish!
You can also look for Toyota OEM stickers on the parts or parts bags.
oooh! an other awesome tid-bit.
The body shop folks seem pretty good. When I stated I wanted OEM they went over my list and said, this isn't OEM, that isn't OEM, and then we went over my options. So it's noted.
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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A used OEM hood is fine. Again, it will have factory primer and double the paint. Make sure they spray the underside thoroughly, so that no old color is showing (hurts resale value). If they can't find a used hood, then you will get a new OEM hood.
Keep some photos of the damage and the invoice for when it comes time to sell your truck. A potential buyer should not be scared off by the minimal damage, properly repaired.
In some states, you have the right to demand OEM parts. Don't know about AZ.
nature, what do you mean the shop said, "...this isn't OEM, that isn't OEM, and then we went over my options." ??
All of the parts should be available from Toyota.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 9, 2011 - 11:05pm PT
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Yup! Will do.
but honesty, by the time I imagine I'd sell this truck it'll be 3/4's of the way into the ground. It's what I've done to my last two trucks and I expect 10+ good years out of this one. By then all this stuff will be meaningless in terms of resale.
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Juan Maderita
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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In 5 years, your hood and fender paint will likely fade at a different rate than the factory paint. Not much can be done to prevent that. The good news is that a running Toyota truck still has some resale value.
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Sep 10, 2011 - 02:15am PT
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As I said, USAA is upfront in their dealings - they'll do right by you. Just went through it all with them a couple of weeks ago and it was the same experience you're having.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
or some such
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Sep 10, 2011 - 02:17am PT
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Dude, you KNOW yer gonna die.
Go big.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Sep 10, 2011 - 04:44am PT
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hey there nature, say, i saw this at the faceboook, so i didn't drop in here yet...
just saw this:
And my body seems just fine. I've had a pinched nerve in my next for months now and it is a little worse today than it has been
that is what i was worried about, if you had any aches that showed up later...
glad to see you are doing okay...
god blesss...
:)
*okay, you all can get back to the complex technical stuff... :))
night, all...
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P.Rob
Social climber
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Sep 10, 2011 - 01:36pm PT
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Nature
I am a 2nd generation USAA member due to my Father being a military officer. They will blow you away at how they will deal with you. 28 years ago I totaled my car in the Valley – got more back than I paid for it & I was able to start my climbing rack. Flash forward 27 years and my car was totaled as it sat parked in front of my house. Again all got paid off plus they paid an additional $1500 for “grief”. Long story short if you have to be in a MVA of any kind you are sitting well dealing with USAA. PM if you have any questions
The following is unsolicited testimony and the author received no compensation from USAA
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James Doty
Trad climber
Phoenix, Az.
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Sep 10, 2011 - 05:44pm PT
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Some good posts from Brokedown and Juan M. I learned some things which I try to do every day.
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James Wilcox
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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Sep 10, 2011 - 07:21pm PT
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They will not rebrand your title.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 4, 2011 - 07:51pm PT
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Got it back today. As suspect almost all the damage was cosmetic. I barely caught the end of the front aluminum bumper which is under a lot of plastic.
All OEM parts. some of them are all bright and shiny and new
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kennyt
climber
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you shoud buy a real truck. But then you wouldn't have anything to talk about here with all of these brain surgeons. HAh
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Gene
climber
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I have USAA on my cars and house. Did they make you whole? Quality of repairs and service? Hope they done good. I'd appreciate feedback.
USAA has been stellar to me.
g
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 4, 2011 - 11:03pm PT
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She's BEAUTIFUL!
I know and I agree. And the truck looks pretty good too, eh?
yeah, I had a team of three lawyers ensuring that everything was taken care of. $4K of lawyer fees ensured I didn't have to cover the $4700 of repairs.
Did they make you whole? Quality of repairs and service? Hope they done good. I'd appreciate feedback.
USAA has been stellar to me.
Yeah, vehicle is whole. new hood, new headlights. Service was really good. It's got a "as long as I own the vehicle" warrantee.
USAA is considered one of the best and I see why.
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nature
climber
back in Tuscon Aridzona....
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 4, 2011 - 11:45pm PT
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eKat....
TFPU! ;-)
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thirsty
climber
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At this point it doesn't matter much, but posting anything on line pertaining to potential legal issues is a mistake. Even it you take it down a few minutes later, you can end up being obligated to disclose what you posted either under your real name or an on-line identity if litigation ensues. Anything you fail to mention in a post that you later insist is important, can be used against you.
Of course, the most important thing is your integrity, both physical and personal. Using these situations to get more compensation than you really need to make yourself whole is obviously wrong and it sounds like you wouldn't do that. Some crap has been posted here. Insurance people and their attorneys can be jerks, but they are all human beings, and almost all of them are likely to respect and work cooperatively with people who are acting with integrity. (This doesn't mean you should talk to them about substantive matters, but only that its a mistake to treat them like they are scumbags before you have had any dealings with them.)
The value of a vehicle is nothing when one party is obviously at fault. An offer to pay the full salvage value is just a reasonable and cheap way to put to rest a serious claim while incurring minimal cost. $15K for a vehicle can be a lot less than either fighting or settling an injury claim. Its also much better for the one who was not at fault to just take that money than it is to get into some hazy area of distortion and spin of possible injury scenarios in the hopes of getting more than the salvage value of the vehicle if there was no actual bodily harm.
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cragnshag
Social climber
san joser
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I have USAA auto insurance. They are not a for-profit company. If they have a good year claims-wise, then they send you a rebate check. And their rates are as low as I've seen for the coverage.
In the early '90s my 65 bug was stolen. Blue book was probably $800, but I told them that had about $3,000 in the drivetrain (1641 w/110 cam, dual Weber crabs and a freeway flyer tranny- all with less than 10k miles). I kept my receipts for all the components, but they took my word and cut me a check for $3,000.
Can't beat that. I'm still with USAA and use them for renters insurance as well.
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Had all my gear jacked out of my car even though nothing was visible in the car itself. Called USAA under my renters insurance and they said send a list of everything that was taken and what it would cost to replace it. I sort it all out, sent them the list, and they sent me a check for that amount right back - no questions asked. Hard to beat.
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