Thanks all. Just got off the phone with USAA, and it's been escalated to a personal injury claim (since we felt something and went to urgent care) so it's been passed onto a more experienced claims agent. He told us based on the age and mileage of the vehicle (it's an '03 with 173k miles) it may be totaled, but we shall see.

As for repair shops, the claims agent mentioned the BMW certified collision facility at the dealer, and frankly, I expect nothing less. So far so good, just waiting to hear from the other agent.

Also, I got a voicemail from Traveller's insurance with a claim #, so it appears that at least the vehicle had insurance and it was still current. whew.

It's kinda bizarre...right after we got hit the other driver came over, kept on asking if we were ok, then told us to call the cops, while he was on the phone with someone else. Then he asked if we had insurance...and then proceeded to look at our car and said "that doesn't look too bad"...

looks worse in the morning
http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMAG0604.jpg

Sorry to see that, and glad to hear everyone is ok. I've had USAA for many years, and had a few claims over the last several years (1 for me, 1 for the new teenage driver in the family, 1 for a bozo that hit-and-ran my wife in her 6 month old new car...when it rains it pours I guess). They are absolutely top notch in my opinion. They will work extremely hard to ensure you get your money / deductable. Be glad you are with them.

Dave nailed that one..USAA is tops. Buddy Roger K. had a beautiful '98 C2S flooded during a Florida hurricane...a low mileage beauty. Not so beautiful after having sat in 3' of salt water for a few days. They agreed with regards to value, cut a check. You military guys are lucky to have a company like that...

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I've been with USAA for 13 years, and this is the first claim ever. I've always read/heard about how great they were, but never had the "opportunity" to experience it until now. So far so good though...

Well folks, the "not too bad" damage was estimated by the USAA adjuster at $6300 by just what he can see, and not including any possible damage that may have happened to the suspension, axle, differential, etc. Apparently the amount has been "approved", and the car will be towed soon to a BMW dealer/certified collision center for repair. If there is damage to anything else, I think they may total the car as it's an '03 with 173k miles, but if not and the repair commences do I ask Traveller's directly for diminished value, and how does one determine how much that is?

Thanks in advance!

Go to a dealer, and show him pics and asked what $ difference they would give you with and without the accident. My guess is 25%.

I bet that is way more than $6300 damage when they take it apart.

You don't want to sign off on the personal injury stuff at all until after the property is resolved. Do not even speak to a representative of the other person's insurance, no, not at all.

It was a bit more than luck, Paul.

USAA was founded in 1922 by a group of U.S. Army officers to self-insure each other when they were unable to secure auto insurance due to the perception that they were a high-risk group.[6] USAA has since expanded to serve all members of the Armed Forces and all who served honorably in the US Armed Forces, as well as their immediate families, with property & casualty insurance, banking, life insurance, investment and financial planning products and services.

Holy crap! Just now saw this thread. Glad you guys are OK. Sending you an email now...

Hmm...the Traveller's insurance rep is scheduled to meet up with us this coming Wed. Should I cancel that? My USAA claims adjuster said it's ok to meet up, just make sure the story does not change, which it has no reason to.

Thanks all...as much as I love this car I would really rather it get totaled so we don't have to worry about the aftermath dealing with a car with a blemished carfax...

Love those M-parallels. Those are still the best looking 5 series to my eye.

There is nothing positive that can come from you talking to their people. They want to find anything at all that can shift liability and are well trained. You may say something in an off hand way that you don't feel is particularly important that could be used to this end. What good does it do you to meet with them?

They want a statement from you, that is in the police report. You may feel like you are doing well and say so, that can eliminate something you can use for leverage if it comes to that. It is an adversarial relationship. If it is good for you, it is bad for them and visa versa.

Keep in mind that the property damage is limited, personal injury is not.

thanks for the advice, i'll cancel the meeting with them. I was hesitant on meeting them but my claims rep said it's ok, and I accidentally picked up the phone cuz I thought the phone number looked familiar. Makes sense that they should have everything they need from the police report.

The story could change, in their eyes, even though you were not aware of something they now think they heard.

Tobra has it right (again)! Cancel the appointment with Traveler's and do only what the USAA person tells you to do. USAA is perhaps not allowed to tell you to not talk to Traveller's. Traveller's is not your friend, USAA is.

thanks Tom!

Damn Jeff. Glad there was not serious injury. Good luck with this buddy

Just saw this thread. Sorry to see this but at least you guys are ok...

Any news on the car? I hear that they have a few replacements over at Russo or Barrett? :)

No ins co is your friend. AFA companies go, Travelers is good.

Personal experience causes me to respectfully disagree with you, Milt, but I believe I understand where you are coming from.

Glad everyone is gonna be OK the pains will; linger.
If it was me i would be shopping for a new car,
or atleast a newer model, the car will never be nice and tight.

I will bet there is floor damage as well as possibly diff damage and damaged wheel bearing, you should get a new door.
anyhow good luck with the outcome