I've been hit! And she looks bad

ckmaggie · ckmaggie's Garage

Long story short, I was rear ended and then pushed into another car. I will take pics tomorrow morning but from what I see and feel it is not good.

My A/C now sticks out of the trunk, my passanger door has virtually no seam where the door handle is and my driver door won't shut all the way. There is a large crease in the right side rear (my favorite line if the car).

Overall I am racked to the right and it drives that way.

Any pointers on how to deal w insurance? My father in law was in the business and says I should go after his insurance to see what I can get and if fails, go back to mine. I am curious about fighting for the "value" of the car and taking it only to porsche certified garage.

Either way I am confident it can't be fixed due to the body construct and the damage. Again. I will show pics tomrrow.

I am sad.
Chris

dd74 · 12-30-2003, 01:21 PM

Sorry to hear it, man. The only advice I can give right off the bat is take it to your mechanic and hope they don't total it out. I think fighting for the value is hopeless, though it's worth a try.

Also, try to stay just below the "totalled out" line, and investigate good used parts (i.e. bumpers, decklid, etc) so you can stretch your settlement as far as it can go.

Good luck!

jmarenas · jmarenas's Garage

Do you think it is totalled? If so I hope you have some recent NICE close up pictures to justify the "value" method. Other wise should be able to repair, since the shop will have all winter to ready you for spring.( I live in Michigan, understand the salt/snow factor) Good luck what a bummer!!!!!! John

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

with an 86 the blue book should give you a solid basis to start. then build your case with receipts, and if possible get your wrench to do an apraisal.

stomachmonkey · 12-30-2003, 01:26 PM

Dude,

That sucks.

Sorry for your loss.

Scott

dd74 · 12-30-2003, 01:28 PM

Interesting: how can a case be built with receipts? Does engine work, suspension and all add to the value of the car?

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

i would think that it would give you a leg to stand on when you are dealing with "replacement" cost. or dd you can wait for them to send you a check for what ever THEY feel its worth.

and oh yeah sorry to hear about the accident chris.

if they wont give you what its worth then try to buy it back and part it out. i know a couple of guys here on the board have done that.

v9ff · v9ff's Garage

Next to being stolen... accidents are probably your worse Porsche nightmare.

Sorry for your loss... but think on the bright side, this may mean a new (to you) 911 on the way in your near future.

Turn that frown upside down!!

dd74 · 12-30-2003, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k911sc
Or dd you can wait for them to send you a check for what ever THEY feel its worth.

Well, unfortunately, that's how it'll probably work.

Now one will see how poor an investment these cars really are.

Crachian · 01:52 PM

I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune. From your description, your car will almost certainly be totalled. But this may be a good thing for you in the long run.

Recent receipts will definitely aid in establishing a value for your car that exceeds the lowball number the adjuster will undoubtedly give you . . . initially.

Right now, I would obtain a PCA valuation. If you are not a member, this will be worth the price of admission alone. The valuation is very professional and thorough. The insurance company will have no choice but to consider it. Send copies of your photos and all of the information to the PCA with your request.

If you were not hurt, be prepared for a long painful fight with the insurance company. That is what they do for a living. In my opinion, a good approach is to be courteous while firm and be armed with good information. The adjuster will total your car out based upon a low value. If the cost to repair exceeds approximately 85% of what YOU think your car is worth on a good day, then focus on that battle - the total loss value of your car. Otherwise, you must decide if you want to repair it or total it. An adjuster who fixes a total loss is not a good adjuster, so you're doing them a favor explaining what you think the car is worth and why it should/should not be repaired, etc.

Post the numbers when they come in.

Oh, and don't be offended when fellow pelicans begin asking for bits of your car if/when you part it out.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

well said connor.

and chris now is a good time for a stiff martini.

mm86911 · mm86911's Garage

A good insurance company (the one covering the person that hit you) should give you market value for the arear you live. Make them do the research based on condition of your car.

ckmaggie · ckmaggie's Garage

Some responses to the recent posts:

- I am a PCA member and I will ask for an appraisal from them
- His insurance co is Prudential
- I have many pics and lots or receipts
- I live outside Phila and will tak car to Performance Auto in Pheonixville PA
- I am drinking good scotch

Thanks for all the kind words and I will show pics and let you know what the insurance guys say.

I am also thinking about what to get next... (scotch must be working)

Chris

tt_targa · 12-30-2003, 02:30 PM

This might make you feel better. It could have been worse.

North Coast Cab · North Coast Cab's Garage

Fight for as much as you can get.
Buy back if totaled. Part are probably worth more, plus youo can get out the stuff that's near and dear.
Sorry.

John

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

armed with information - don't wait for them to give you a valuation - and make sure you deal with an adjuster that is familiar with exotic cars - insist on it. Maintain at least weekly contact. When done my adjusted asked me if all Porsche owners are as anal as I am - I said no - I'm probably just average - there are many worse than me. We're counting on you to uphold the reputation!

Sorry man - I know exactly how you feel - unfortunately!

Adam · Adam's Garage

Oh Man,

I'm really sorry to hear that. I've been there, done that. Sounds like it was worse than my one if you're having issues with the doors closing...

I hope it all works out for you.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Have you seen a doctor? You should get checked out even if you feel OK.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Godo point Todd - get to a Dr - I started feeling stiff (in the neck you perv) about five days after getting smacked...

bell · bell's Garage

i found it important to not bug the adjuster too much when i got hit last may
well........what can i say.......she's dented pretty heavily....
weekly contact is very good advice.
if they total it, the more photos/records/etc you have then the better off you'll be.
keep your insurance company "involved". basically keep them up to date with what the other insurance company is saying, they will work with you and give you a second opinion, that's why you pay them.
and see your doctor, they may try to settle quick which would be their advantage should medical problems arise later.

sorry to hear it though, it sucks.
good luck