stanc6

I had a bad day last Friday .... my 2008 LT1 had a Far worse day..
(I'm fine, lucky, still vertical !! )

Some 17 year old driving a Ford Explorer tried to cheat a left-hand turn against a red light. All of a sudden, he cut across right in front of me ... BLAM ! ! - a nearly 50 mph head-on collision ! It happened so fast I didn't even have enough time to say (fill-in the blank). You've heard all about time slowing down before impact? It's true. All that I could think of in that last 1/4 sec, was, WTF, where did that car come from?, and, this is going to hurt ! I could see the air bag blowing up in slow motion as a braced my arms for impact as I took a bite out of the front seat with my butt!

The sudden noise of a wreck is deafening. Within 1 second the air bag deflated, but rather than seeing a crumpled wreck in front me, the car disappeared !

Witness's say the SUV went flying over the top of my car, did a half-gainer, and landed up-side down, just like some movie action scene. The force of the impact drove-in one of my fiberglass fenders right through one of his tires and tore out the drive train of the SUV. ! One of the police had an interesting observation - The height of the SUV's front bumper was just high enough to clear the lower and downward slope of my car, causing the SUV to jump over the top of my car, dissipating much of the energy into vertical, rather than crushing energy. Also, I think my air bag combined with crumple zone engineering, (and a guardian angel) saved my life ! The only injuries I got were 3 cuts and bruising on my right arm from the steering wheel air bag, and a sore chest from the seat belt. The other driver was taken to the hospital.

Here’s where I need some real-world advice. I’m insured through Allstate, (the at fault driver is GIECO), and Allstate’s going to total my car…Duh. I haven’t received any numbers on the value of my 2008 LT1 yet, but part of a brain says that I’m going to get low-balled. Oh ye of little faith …! I’ve Googled all the values of cars for sale within 75 miles of my zip code to use as comparisons for a total right-off figure, and for SoCal it’s between $30,970 - $34,700. I’m open for suggestions! Thanks!

RicK T

Very sorry to hear about that. Glad you're okay.

Are you going to get another Vette? Or just cash out and do something else?

dvilin

I think you got the figures right about the value of your Vette. I guess you will have to wait and see what the insurance company has to say.
Fortunately you were not seriously injured, now it will be a bit of a waiting game.

mksz51

You might be surprised on what you are offered. Every time I hear of something like this and then hear the final settlement offer it is realistic. Not usually "generous" but realistic. Remember - we all tend to "over value" our own possessions. If they give you a realistic settlement it's really all you can expect.

MikeyTX

If you have a lien holder, they will be paid off first. After that, you get what's left. If it were me, I'd wait for the C7 if you're going to get another Corvette.

Ozzy12

Glad you are okay...

Best piece of advice I can give is find a dealer you are comfortable with and they can give you an estimate of what the car was worth. Explain what happened and they can put it in writing and you can send it to the insurance company. I know the company I work for has done this before for a totaled sales car.

BSE1956

Happy to hear that you are OK.
DO NOT accept any first offer.
All insurance companies low ball. That's their job.
I have unfortunately had very recent experience with GEICO and their sleazy tactics when one of their insureds ran a stop sign and totaled my son's Volvo.
Be firm and polite. Get to a supervisor or director. Don't accept any nonsense from a pimply faced kid on the other end of the phone. Good luck and hope you find another Vette!

VCUFAN

Wow, sounds bad and glad to hear everyone was ok.

category4

Both of those insurance companies are going to try and screw you. Both are rated at or near the bottom when it comes to getting a fair settlement. My wife negotiates with them every day.

Allstate has a computer program and whatever it spits out is the max they will settle for, only a jury can make the number bigger!!!

EDinPA

You could consider a public adjuster. The 34K number you found is likely all you will see.

Red12

Sorry about your car. Glad you are ok.

Joni Lynn

I'm glad to hear you're okay. Best wishes on the car side of things.

Jimmy C-6

Neil Baker

category4

here's an article on dealing with insurance companies that use Colossus. to help settle claims.

http://www.michiganautolaw.com/auto-...e-in-michigan/

Not specific to your state but it might help.

BackInBlack05

The couple cars I've had totaled, the insurance was quite fair.

You didn't say how many miles, but you're in the 'hood with your estimates. Insurance will also add in the fees (tax, lic, etc).

Glad you didn't get hurt bad. Cars are replaceable.

TJay74

Firs off glad you made it out alright, secondly I would not file with my own insurance until I run into a no go with the at fault drivers first. Your will low ball you right out of the gates and you will be stuck, with the other drivers insurance you can get tough with them and or pull in a attorney if you had to in order to get a fair price.

wolfdogs

glad your ok......but. hey..."your not"... get it? lets be injured....get the 34k for the car and more....

AtHomeSoda

It's not your fault.... you lived, but it hurt, and you WILL feel it later...

Do not be real quick to settle... get a rental car till they settle...hold out till you get what you think is fair... Gald the car saved your life.

NofakeJake

Thanks for raising our rates..... get it!