Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 3/4/2009

Question
I have a 2005 Chevy Uplander with around 65,000 miles on it.  In a recent ice storm, the van received some minor damage - a few dinks to the top, a dent on the tailgate and bumper and damage to the side paneling.  No more than $5,000 worth damage, but of course the adjuster is jacking up to right at 75% of the pay off cost at $7,500. The book price is around 10,000.  The insurance wants to call this vehicle a toal loss and not even give me a salvage title.  This is still a very good vehicle and has many years of use still left in it.  It runs great and still looks good even with a few dinks from the ice storm.  I will end up with a $4-$5,000 bill and no vehicle when all I wanted was the back dent pulled out and painted and the side panel replaced. Help  me with advice on what I can do or if the insurance is treating me fairly.

Answer
Hi Kassi,

First, you need to argue the value of the vehicle. Go to www.autotrader.com to search for vehicles like yours currently for sale in your area. Locate 5 to 10 vehicles like yours with similay options and mileage. Print them out and avaerage the values. This will give you a reasonable average value of your vehicle. Then you can send this information to the adjuster to try to get then to see the value is greater that they determined.

That having been said, the decision to repair or total the vehicle is totally up to the insurance company. The vehicle owner has no say in the matter. They could totaL your vehicle with $1.00 in damage if they wanted to. So you just have to argue the value. They will usually total a vehicle if the repair cost is 75% of the retail value of the vehicle. So you just have to get them to agree that the value is such that 75% of the value is more than the repair cost.

If it becomes necessary, you can hire an independent vehicle appraiser to assist you in determining. This may cost you around $300.00 but may be worth it in the end.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh