M3nv

So I got rear ended this afternoon waiting at a stop light. The problem Im having now is that im expecting their insurance to low ball me and just totalling the car. My car is a 1998 E430 with full Lorinser kit/suspension/wheels. The car only has 107K miles for a 1998 and ive owned it for 10 years with pretty much no problems. I know KBB values the car private party at about 8k~9k, and trade in probably about 6k~7k but with the market the way it is now, its probably less.

The damage isnt bad, but im sure its going to be expensive. Rear bumper (Lorinser) is crushed, trunk is crushed, and both sides of the rear quarter panels are bent with a crease all the way where the gas tank is.

The problem is, if it ends up costing more to fix it then the car, insurance is going to just give me the value of the car (i.e. 6k) and im out a good reliable car that has about 15k worth of parts on it.

Any suggestions?

fosmith

If you have receipts for aftermarket parts you put on the car, I would certainly submit that to the insurance company to document that your loss is more than the KBB value for a stock Mercedes. Or, sometimes they can let you keep the car after they pay you off and you can sell the parts. Good luck!
Fred

Figuero

I'm no lawyer....but.... if they truely do low-ball you I would talk to one that specializes in this area of law. I'm assumuing you were not at fault and the other guy's insurance is who you are going to be dealing with.

Gather all your upgrade receipts, price out the asking prices for 1998 E430 low mileage pristine condition, add the upgrade investment, add $X to cover your fees and other out of pocket costs.

Don't cash any settlement checks or sign anything without talking to your lawyer if you are going to pursue damages.

M3nv

Already got a call from the insurance company stating that they are going to come out tomorrow and check out the car. Very quick! I have my receipt from Butler Tire totaling close to 18k, but that was obviously a while back. I will most likely speak with an attorney after I find out what they offer me. Thanks guys, I'll keep you posted.

SLOPESTAR

how about some pics of the damage?

LeeRod80

This has been one of my biggest fears ever since I purchased my E-Class last month. Some idiot rear ending me...since it has happened to me 3 times in the past...in THREE different cars!!!

Sorry to hear that you are going through this. I hope it all goes well for you. You should be able to buy it back if they total it. Just use the money to find another E-class, and hook it up again. I know it's easy said than done....

Also, if their insurance company are being jerks...SUE THEIR ASSES.. Suddenly your neck and back hurt! That should get you some more money for your new MB. IMO...

Good luck!

deadernie

Speaking from experience. . . I got rear ended while sitting at a light also. The insurance company offered me less than $3000 for a car that had a blue book value between 7000 to 11,000. I submitted a counter offer for what I thought the car was worth of 10,000 which they promptly declined and then my lawyer recommended an appraiser. He came out took several photos checked out all the aftermarket add ons and gave me a appraisal which included prices of what comparable vehicles had sold for. His appraisal came in only 400 dollars less than my original counter offer. Submitted another counter offer with the appraisal and they paid that amount. My lesson learned is never settle for a vehicle value that the insurance company wants to pay you. The appraisal cost just a little over 100.

deadernie

by the way if you're anywhere in the MD/DC/VA area I can give you the appraisers info. And if they do fix your car don't forget to get your diminished value claim also. They will not tell you about that one.

LeeRod80

I still say you should sue the jerks. You must have some neck and back pain...

Quadcammer

great, suggest not once, but twice, that this guy engage in insurance fraud.

brilliant

purplegrog

I agree that the suggestions of insurance fraud are contemptible, but a the same time, make sure that you don't actually have neck and back pain. It's not something that will be immediately apparent after your wreck. I'd suggest finding a good orthopedist and get checked out (the costs should bill to the other party's insurance). Stay away from a chiropractor and go to a real doctor. Make sure you don't have a herniated disc or something equally problematic.

1ohknats

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. My 1994 Lexsus LS400 with 200K miles was T-Boned two days before Thanksgiving. It was a 4 car accident my car was totaled and the girl I hit was totaled.

They called me and said they found 3 comparables in my area and one car had 60,000 more miles than my car. They were asking $4K. The insurance company told me they would offer me $4300 because I had some extra options.

From July to November, I spend $3300 on that car doing the 200K miles check up like you do when you have your 100K service. Not to mention I had GS430 wheels that were over 1K.

I submitted all my paperwork and they only offered me 1K more for my car and I spent over a month and many hours on the phone dealing with these people. I finally threw in the towel because I didnt want to waste any more of my personal time. So I settled for $5300.00, insurance companies are a joke. I would not hire an attorney because they just take your profits you dont need them unless you went to the hospital and racked up many doctor bills.

sosh

Actually for a 94 car with 200000 miles you did exceptionally well. Even if it was pristine I do not think you could have sold it for anywhere near that figure

ohlord

representative price quotes for a 98 in top condition from local dealers.Don't let them control you,you control them.From the get go.If they call and ask you for a report of what happened you don't discuss it with them.You tell them it is your desire to settle this without a lawyer,but they need to be reasonable also.
Add ons,options,etc and your time and trouble are all considered if you bring them up.The guy that hit you insurance adjuster will not mention that.
You make the proposal
$750 for your being shaken up and very upset
$9000 for the car
$200 for rental car use as you see fit while you look for the (newer face lift model)
and they give the salvage car to you for free.Make sure they sign it over to you.
you part out the salvage to members on the forum
and keep what you want for yourself.I.E. the rims,tires,anything usable from the L kit.
Even a rookie insurance adjuster will take that deal,to avoid the possible involvement of your attorney.The downside is much greater for them than it is for you.Be pleasant,but be firm.No raised voices,that gets peoples backs up.You just want to be a reasonable car owner that wants to avoid a long ritual.
You could have the check in hand before weeks end.
Happy shopping,glad you are okay.

example 80 k miles 1998 Mercedes-Benz E430 sport/premium pack - $8895

1ohknats

Yea I was happy in the end because I only paid $4,000 for the car 6 years ago.