Insurance is trying to screw me! HELP

rodent

rodent

Member
On Jan 10th my 95 Mitsubishi GSX was totaled in wreck and it was the other drivers fault. Since I have only liability on that car I'm going through her company USAA.

USAA is not even coming close to blue book value for the car and the way they got the prices is they looked up GS models (not GSX) selling for $1500-$3000 and added some value to make up the difference for the GSX. The total amount they're willing to give me is $3300. Blue book is around $4500.

I've already faxed them some other GSX cars locally selling for much more but it didn't help.

They're un-willing to go any higher and I'm not sure what options I have left. I keep telling I can't find a GSX for that much but they keep telling me they don't have to replace my car, they just have to give me its current cash value ($3300). I asked them to find me a 95 GSX selling for that much but they refuse to do that.

What are my options at this point?
 
Loeryder

Loeryder

New member
Re: Insurance is trying to screw me! HELP

Print out the KBB and NADA valuation of your vehicle and request a FAIR MARKET value assessment based on the fact they incorrectly classified your car as a GS.
Most reputable insurance companies (sounds like this place is not) will accept local ads for a similar vehicle as an assessment.

I would add to that phone call, "Next you will be hearing from my attorney for the cost of vehicle replacement, cost of a rental car for as long as you draw this out as well as any lost time from work."
And not that I would embellish but I would go ahead and see a Dr at least for a check out to get it in writing that you were seen by a medical professional after the accident.
You typically need to get to the doc within 48 hours of the accident though.

As much as I hate using them threatening them with a lawyer might get them to cooperate a tad bit more.

The BBB is also a decent avenue if they are obviously under valuing your property to work in their advantage.
My last BBB experience by filing online went smoothly and was resolved rather quickly.
I only spoke with someone on the phone one time to get my deposition and everything else was resolved in emails.
 
dgoodhue

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: Insurance is trying to screw me! HELP

Sucks to be you. I went throught the other insurance company (no collision), Saftey Insurance and it was a big time hassle. I had to write to the MA board of insurance to get a fair book value and bring them to small claim court to other 50% and remove the rediculous rust damage (a bubble of rust deduction of $600) I have read you should drop collision insurance on older cars, but your at the mercy of the other insurance company if they try to screw you over. Book value was almost $4k and the first check they wrote me was for $351 (50% value) and told me to bring my car to junkyard for the $50.
I would check on your state laws about insurance. In MA the book value needs to be derivative of the NADA (it aleast has to be averaged with)
 
AUSyTyIN

AUSyTyIN

Unbusted $#it box
Re: Insurance is trying to screw me! HELP

Damn, I had no idea this was still going on for you. Who are you talking to at USAA? It might even be my agent :lol:. I'd do what Loeryder said (except I wouldn't go to the doc, but that's up to you) and see what they say. What ever you do, don't cash any check they give you unless you are happy with the amount.
 
TYTILIDIE

TYTILIDIE

METH HEAD
Re: Insurance is trying to screw me! HELP

JS Manufacturing said:
Go see a Dr. about neck problems.
Click to expand...

X2....Theyld shit. Hey if you want you can buy our TSi for $3200 ;) My wife would die of a heart attack but she may end up losing it anyway.
 
James Thomas

James Thomas

"NO CLASS"
Re: Insurance is trying to screw me! HELP

If you can afford a rental car or at least make arrangements for a temporary ride (I once rented my dad's truck for a month, self made rental contract, receipt's and all just to be legal in court for expenses ya know) then file with the BBB AND FORMALY WITH YOUR STATE INSURANCE COMMISSION NOW. Then reject their offer in writting with attached NADA / Kelly & local values and give them 5 days to respond. No response or another silly settlment offer = a trip to an attorny for bad faith business practice and wrongfull / willfull damages. Also a very polite and to the point registerd letter to the driver / owner of the other car explaining the situation and the fact that you may have to also jointly sue them as well since THEIR insurance company is not willing to be honest. Pressure from policy holder / holders attorney side works too.

Good luck,

_________
James
 
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