Mom Hits a Tree... Think This is Bad, You Should See the Tree

[HubbaHubbaLife]

I think most of us are assuming the insurance company wants to total it?

How much did they offer you for, it in fact they did?

Or, are they Willing to fix it?

Kinda unsure at present.... I'm hovering waiting to hear back from Geico.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

It's a well written sheet actually, when I was in the body business I would have loved to get a sheet like that from the ins. company without having to be an asshole

Welcome to the thread.... good to have an expert on

 

[4Waters]

Welcome to the thread.... good to have an expert on

It's been 25yrs since I've been in that business

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

It's been 25yrs since I've been in that business

Im sure it was corrupt then as now.... your inputs valid.

 

[4Waters]

Im sure it was corrupt then as now.... your inputs valid.

I actually think it's worse now, I have a buddy that works for an ins company and he says the fraud on repairs is out of control compared to 25yrs ago.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Update..... I heard nothing from geico appraiser after emailing him and body shop contact. Been 2 full work days. So mom calls today saying she received a check from Geico in amt of some $1800. Here we go ... I'll go back on some of the posts on thread and see your feedbacks and advice but there was an option that Geico selects to decide the repairs are more than cars worth. Looks like Geico chose that option. Here we go.... this is when it becomes fun.... I say the vehicle is marketing a $3-5K right.

I'm partying tonight guys so I'll leave this here.... wake up at 10 for your informed comments/ opinions, etc....

 

[4Waters]

Update..... I heard nothing from geico appraiser after emailing him and body shop contact. Been 2 full work days. So mom calls today saying she received a check from Geico in amt of some $1800. Here we go ... I'll go back on some of the posts on thread and see your feedbacks and advice but there was an option that Geico selects to decide the repairs are more than cars worth. Looks like Geico chose that option. Here we go.... this is when it becomes fun.... I say the vehicle is marketing a $3-5K right.

I'm partying tonight guys so I'll leave this here.... wake up at 10 for your informed comments/ opinions, etc....

Tell your mom not to cash that check

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Tell your mom not to cash that check

Thanks... oh for sure I did that. From the info on this thread the game gets interesting right now.... chess is a great game

 

[Willie B]

Thanks... oh for sure I did that. From the info on this thread the game gets interesting right now.... chess is a great game

… yes for sure… This is where it gets to be fun… make sure your couple of comps are pretty up there pricewise… try and send all correspondence to the adjuster, her supervisor and both of theirs manager…

 

[havasu5150]

So the question is what coverage is on the vehicle; Replacement value or book value? Yes, to have a body shop do the work would total the car. Call a couple salvage yards and tell them the parts you need. Fender, inner fender, bumper/ with inner foam, and turn signal assembly. Possibly need a washer fluid reservoir. Give them the color code for the car (04M9 found on window sticker). They can round them up and you can throw them on fairly easily.

Re-looking at the picture, you also need a wheel and tire. Inner fender can be straightened. Hood might be tweaked just a bit (wouldn't worry about it), light for the bumper might have a cracked housing (epoxy it), fix it and sell it for $3-4K.

If you can find any reasonable comps, add the low mileage markup. Get the buy back price, the difference might pay for the parts. Then do the repairs and the sale money is money ahead. That color was very popular so there should not be a problem finding parts in the right color.

What the insurance pays out on a total is negotiable. Do not accept that offer. They are supposed to pay fair market value. not book. So as many have said do the research and find as many similar comps as you can. My 96 F350 crew cab 7.3 PSD 5 speed manual trans was side swiped. it was going to cost 8K to repair, Statefarm indicated it would be a total. I found a few comps that had similar mileage and condition. Both were going for over 20K. Told them I would settle for 16K. They fixed it. It wound up closer to 10K for the repairs. Still have the truck 60K miles since the repairs.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Very good feedback fellas.... hoping for some additional input over the weekend. Thanks all.

 

[SnoC653]

Make sure you call the body shop right away and tell them not to release the vehicle to Geico as your mother has not given them the vehicle. I would then tell the Geico adjuster, thank you for sending the money for the repairs, but the estimate was only $1853 and our deductible is $200. But, we are glad you figured out the car was worth way more than the cost of the repairs and decided to have the car fixed.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Make sure you call the body shop right away and tell them not to release the vehicle to Geico as your mother has not given them the vehicle. I would then tell the Geico adjuster, thank you for sending the money for the repairs, but the estimate was only $1853 and our deductible is $200. But, we are glad you figured out the car was worth way more than the cost of the repairs and decided to have the car fixed.

Excellente' .... such a useful response my friend.

Thinking you may well get the Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Award for post of the day!

Lets see what Sunday brings on input....

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Bump.... for those following the sweet old lady Camry saga.... I pulled some 'Comps"..... take a gander

1995 Toyota Camry DX for sale in Chicago, IL - CARFAX

Make a more informed buying decision at CARFAX by first viewing vehicle history on this 1995 Toyota Camry DX.

www.carfax.com

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Update:

Todays response from Geico adjuster who provided the supplement adjustment.....I basically sent her an email Saturday stating we would like Geico to have the car repaired and will not be cashing their check. Interested to hear you guys thoughts and reactions:

Good afternoon,

The vehicle is deemed a total loss I cannot change that nor can I pay the shop to repair the vehicle when the vehicle is deemed a total loss however if your mother chooses to retain the vehicle she has the option of retaining the vehicle as is and she can do whatever she wants with the car

We would deduct the salvage amount of $641.63 this is the amount we would get from the salvage yard from her valuation amount of 4,179.76 and then she can do whatever she wants with her car

If she chooses to have it repaired that is up to her but if the repairs cost more she would have to pay that out of pocket we cannot pay more then the value of the vehicle

Please advise how she would like to proceed

Also the check she has been sent already has been stopped so please tell her not to attempt to cash or deposit as that check was before the car was deemed a total loss

Please let me know if you have any other questions

Also the shop where the car is at is charging storage everyday so you will need to decide what you are doing as we can only pay for storage until Thursday

Sincerely

Ann Marie

 

[4Waters]

Update:

Todays response from Geico adjuster who provided the supplement adjustment.....I basically sent her an email Saturday stating we would like Geico to have the car repaired and will not be cashing their check. Interested to hear you guys thoughts and reactions:

Good afternoon,

The vehicle is deemed a total loss I cannot change that nor can I pay the shop to repair the vehicle when the vehicle is deemed a total loss however if your mother chooses to retain the vehicle she has the option of retaining the vehicle as is and she can do whatever she wants with the car

We would deduct the salvage amount of $641.63 this is the amount we would get from the salvage yard from her valuation amount of 4,179.76 and then she can do whatever she wants with her car

If she chooses to have it repaired that is up to her but if the repairs cost more she would have to pay that out of pocket we cannot pay more then the value of the vehicle

Please advise how she would like to proceed

Also the check she has been sent already has been stopped so please tell her not to attempt to cash or deposit as that check was before the car was deemed a total loss

Please let me know if you have any other questions

Also the shop where the car is at is charging storage everyday so you will need to decide what you are doing as we can only pay for storage until Thursday

Sincerely

Ann Marie

So they value the car at 4100 dollars?

 

[ChumpChange]

We would deduct the salvage amount of $641.63 this is the amount we would get from the salvage yard from her valuation amount of 4,179.76 and then she can do whatever she wants with her car

Sounds like they agreed with your valuation. Nice job. Now it’s all up to you on whether or not she wants to keep driving that car.

 

[Shlbyntro]

I'll bet you could get Mr service guy to give you $1500 for it as is. I'd take the $600 hit to keep the car. if you feel like doing the little bit of extra leg work for a few more bucks. but $4200 sounds pretty fair to me.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Update:

Todays response from Geico adjuster who provided the supplement adjustment.....I basically sent her an email Saturday stating we would like Geico to have the car repaired and will not be cashing their check. Interested to hear you guys thoughts and reactions:

Good afternoon,

The vehicle is deemed a total loss I cannot change that nor can I pay the shop to repair the vehicle when the vehicle is deemed a total loss however if your mother chooses to retain the vehicle she has the option of retaining the vehicle as is and she can do whatever she wants with the car

We would deduct the salvage amount of $641.63 this is the amount we would get from the salvage yard from her valuation amount of 4,179.76 and then she can do whatever she wants with her car

If she chooses to have it repaired that is up to her but if the repairs cost more she would have to pay that out of pocket we cannot pay more then the value of the vehicle

Please advise how she would like to proceed

Also the check she has been sent already has been stopped so please tell her not to attempt to cash or deposit as that check was before the car was deemed a total loss

Please let me know if you have any other questions

Also the shop where the car is at is charging storage everyday so you will need to decide what you are doing as we can only pay for storage until Thursday

Sincerely

Ann Marie

I'd say take the valuation amount minus the salvage fee and deductible, talk to the body shop guy and see what you can REALLY get it fixed for. I'd imagine that repair number will be MUCH lower than what he quoted the insurance people and at that price point for that car, you really wont see much, if any, hit to resale value due to a salvage title. I do know there are ways to clean titles in certain states that are legit to do if ever needed.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

I'd say take the valuation amount minus the salvage fee and deductible, talk to the body shop guy and see what you can REALLY get it fixed for. I'd imagine that repair number will be MUCH lower than what he quoted the insurance people and at that price point for that car, you really wont see much, if any, hit to resale value due to a salvage title. I do know there are ways to clean titles in certain states that are legit to do if ever needed.

That version went right over my head.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

So they value the car at 4100 dollars?

Trying to figure that out myself... hoping some more knowledgible types will chime in.... as yet I'm a bit lost on what Geico gal was proposing in basic terminology.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Sounds like they agreed with your valuation. Nice job. Now it’s all up to you on whether or not she wants to keep driving that car.

I'm uncertain yet... hoping for more clarity from inmate feedback.... and regardless my mom is done driving. She got a bit shook up. So in a nutshell we are done needing the car. Also; the Toyota Service Tech who for years told mom he wanted to buy it has not responded to my email sent Saturday.

 

[ChumpChange]

I'm uncertain yet... hoping for more clarity from inmate feedback.... and regardless my mom is done driving. She got a bit shook up. So in a nutshell we are done needing the car. Also; the Toyota Service Tech who for years told mom he wanted to buy it has not responded to my email sent Saturday.

Well if you could sell it for more than $641 as is or more than $2,441 as repaired, buy it off the insurance company and go for it. Not something I’d wanna break even on because it’s gonna take some time to do that and then sell. Your time is worth money.

And if you want no hassle, take the full amount of the check and get this off your mind sooner than later. Your peace is worth something so sometimes it’s better to just take the loss of not putting it back together and move on.

At this point, going back to the insurance company you’ll be spending time arguing over a couple hundred bucks if that.

 

[4Waters]

Trying to figure that out myself... hoping some more knowledgible types will chime in.... as yet I'm a bit lost on what Geico gal was proposing in basic terminology.

Well, if that's what they are will to pay out on it then it's no longer totalled, totalled would be about 3k in damage.

 

[TimeBandit]

The email says "please advise"? so you need to ask where the bigger check is.

They stopped payment on the current check.

Storage will accumulate...

It sounds like you need to ask if a LARGER check is coming based on the HIGHER value of $4,179.76 ??

 

[ChumpChange]

The email says "please advise"? so you need to ask where the bigger check is.

They stopped payment on the current check.

Storage will accumulate...

It sounds like you need to ask if a LARGER check is coming based on the HIGHER value of $4,179.76 ??

That’s what it says. If he responds “accept” then he just advised them he approves their offer and they’ll send the check. Why would they waste their time sending a check for that amount if he doesn’t accept. So they can pay for another stop payment?

 

[Shlbyntro]

That’s what it says. If he responds “accept” then he just advised them he approves their offer and they’ll send the check. Why would they waste their time sending a check for that amount if he doesn’t accept. So they can pay for another stop payment?

why would they send the first check if they were going to total it??

I think our buddy hubba hubba caught them with their pants down

 

[ChumpChange]

why would they send the first check if they were going to total it??

I think our buddy hubba hubba caught them with their pants down

Because that’s what they were trying to do for that amount instead of the $4,200. That was their quick data analytics offer they were hoping she would accept. You’d have to read the letter that went along with the check.

 

[Shlbyntro]

Because that’s what they were trying to do for that amount instead of the $4,200. That was their quick data analytics offer they were hoping she would accept. You’d have to read the letter that went along with the check.

hubba said the agent stated that was for the repair in the last email and then they cancelled it when they decided to total the car. sounds like they're feeding him a line of shit right now while they're backpeddling.

but 4200 is a fair offer I would not feel bad about taking that and letting the car go.

however I think it would be easy sell the car as is for $1500 if they just slap a wheel on it. easy $1,000 bump almost for not much work. or fix it. and turn around and sell it for $4-5k which would be at least another $3k bump after paying for the repair.

 

[OC Mike]

Getting interesting...
Subscribed......

 

[WYRD]

Iv already wasted more than 4k of my time reading this... take the deal, sell the car and move on with your life already. It's not a life-changing decision.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Iv already wasted more than 4k of my time reading this... take the deal, sell the car and move on with your life already. It's not a life-changing decision.

All we need now is for someone to clutch their hat.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

I would use the insurance and keep it forever. Don't sell it. It's always good to have a third car. Otherwise, I'll take it!

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Well if you could sell it for more than $641 as is or more than $2,441 as repaired, buy it off the insurance company and go for it. Not something I’d wanna break even on because it’s gonna take some time to do that and then sell. Your time is worth money.

And if you want no hassle, take the full amount of the check and get this off your mind sooner than later. Your peace is worth something so sometimes it’s better to just take the loss of not putting it back together and move on.

At this point, going back to the insurance company you’ll be spending time arguing over a couple hundred bucks if that.

Appreciated of course....See below for more data

 

[4Waters]

If they are offering you 4k I would take it

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Good data fella.... uppdating

I went back at Geico countering after their " offer" assuming this is a negotiation.... asking $5500

They responded countered holding with this:

Which makes the final amount that would be sent to your mom is 4179.76

I will need a picture of her title so I can process paperwork for her to sign electronically

I will also email a ups label for you to send us the actual title

Once we have all that and the car to our salvage yard I can issue the payment

So far so good.... Feedback?

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Well if you could sell it for more than $641 as is or more than $2,441 as repaired, buy it off the insurance company and go for it. Not something I’d wanna break even on because it’s gonna take some time to do that and then sell. Your time is worth money.

And if you want no hassle, take the full amount of the check and get this off your mind sooner than later. Your peace is worth something so sometimes it’s better to just take the loss of not putting it back together and move on.

At this point, going back to the insurance company you’ll be spending time arguing over a couple hundred bucks if that.

No offense in the least intended.... I have nothing to do with my time in this scenario.... I wake up, go to my desk and check emails from property managers.....I respect the concept of why bother.... I've got nother to do each day but wake up; open my eyes in bed and wonder what I'll do for fun today...Then coffee and what music to listen to.... Just gonna mess with Geico and show my sweet old mom I continued to earn her some $.... all of us guys who grew our families wealth can feel proud even if only a little of bit of money.... its the principal as I bet you understand.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

I would use the insurance and keep it forever. Don't sell it. It's always good to have a third car. Otherwise, I'll take it!

Fair point.... no interest in keeping vehicle in this scenario.... moms done driving.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

I'll bet you could get Mr service guy to give you $1500 for it as is. I'd take the $600 hit to keep the car. if you feel like doing the little bit of extra leg work for a few more bucks. but $4200 sounds pretty fair to me.

FYI....Mr service guy never responded. Onward.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

I'd say take the valuation amount minus the salvage fee and deductible, talk to the body shop guy and see what you can REALLY get it fixed for. I'd imagine that repair number will be MUCH lower than what he quoted the insurance people and at that price point for that car, you really wont see much, if any, hit to resale value due to a salvage title. I do know there are ways to clean titles in certain states that are legit to do if ever needed.

Good assessment it seems.... still in play w/ Geico hustle... see below

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Well, if that's what they are will to pay out on it then it's no longer totalled, totalled would be about 3k in damage.

Follow below.....

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

The email says "please advise"? so you need to ask where the bigger check is.

They stopped payment on the current check.

Storage will accumulate...

It sounds like you need to ask if a LARGER check is coming based on the HIGHER value of $4,179.76 ??

Thats the negotiation it appears.... see below

 

[Willie B]

… Now is when you raise your $5500 counter to $6200 and this is the reason that all correspondence and voicemails go to the adjuster, the supervisor and their manager… Because it’s almost time to scream in the phone on the voicemails about the stress that there is putting on your dear elderly mother and you’re not sure she’s going to make it through all this… they will pay you quickly

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Getting interesting...
Subscribed......

Yup.... fellas.... this is a fascinating study on the hustle of Vehicle insurance we all participate in...

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

… Now is when you raise your $5500 counter to $6200 and this is the reason that all correspondence and voicemails go to the adjuster, the supervisor and their manager… Because it’s almost time to scream in the phone on the voicemails about the stress that there is putting on your dear elderly mother and you’re not sure she’s going to make it through all this… they will pay you quickly

Like your style always.... I had a buddy suggesting a $7K counter and I selected the $5500 thinking too greedy ... Geico held at earlier amount.... just holding a bit now .... seeing what the morning brings.

Ha... perhaps I counter at $6200 tonight just to make us feel sexy... I like it.... afterall I paid insurance with Geico over 35 years for the vehicle and her never having an incident ha

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

… Now is when you raise your $5500 counter to $6200 and this is the reason that all correspondence and voicemails go to the adjuster, the supervisor and their manager… Because it’s almost time to scream in the phone on the voicemails about the stress that there is putting on your dear elderly mother and you’re not sure she’s going to make it through all this… they will pay you quickly

Stay along for ride.... more coming

 

[SnoC653]

Sorry I missed the last couple of days. To sum up what Geico is doing is they don't want to insure your mom, probably due to her age. They try to low ball her on the car's value, and then do the bait and switch and try to rush you into a quick bad decision. What they did is insurance fraud. Keep the first check and their letter that came with it. Have your mom get a good lawyer and sue them. It could turn into a class action very quickly as you can bet this is a standard practice based on how fast they switched gears.

What I would do is call the body shop. Have the car repaired and then sell it if you so desire after it is repaired. You might have to pay for the repairs out of pocket if you wind up suing Geico. But, this has shown Geico to be a discriminating crooked company that discriminants against the elderly, as well as a company that lies to it's customers.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

^^

This guy just took this from a $5k Camry to a class action lawsuit. WTF is going on in this world!?

 

[SnoC653]

^^

This guy just took this from a $5k Camry to a class action lawsuit. WTF is going on in this world!?

Big business insurance taking people's money for 35 years without a claim, and once they are deemed a liability, the company lies, cheats, and then kicks them to the curb. I interestingly enough bought a totaled Camry about 10 years ago for the engine. It was totaled by a little old school teacher. The damage was almost identical and the OP car except it was a 97. It was so easily repaired, I fixed it and it is still driving to this day. Guess who the insurance company was that totaled that car. The little old lady that owned it, was super sweet and sent me all the dealership maintenance records as the car was meticulously maintained. It was far from totaled, so I wound up making a great buy. Same story 10 years apart. Coincidence or pattern of taking advantage of people? And if it's a company pattern, how many people have they taken advantage of? So yes, possibly a class action. But, the fear of that should get Geico to do the right thing for this person.

 

[rivermobster]

Big business insurance taking people's money for 35 years without a claim, and once they are deemed a liability, the company lies, cheats, and then kicks them to the curb. I interestingly enough bought a totaled Camry about 10 years ago for the engine. It was totaled by a little old school teacher. The damage was almost identical and the OP car except it was a 97. It was so easily repaired, I fixed it and it is still driving to this day. Guess who the insurance company was that totaled that car. The little old lady that owned it, was super sweet and sent me all the dealership maintenance records as the car was meticulously maintained. It was far from totaled, so I wound up making a great buy. Same story 10 years apart. Coincidence or pattern of taking advantage of people? And if it's a company pattern, how many people have they taken advantage of? So yes, possibly a class action. But, the fear of that should get Geico to do the right thing for this person.

I'm curious what you think a 1995 Camery is actually worth?