----- Original Message -----
From: "LOREN BUSCH" <labusch@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 11:28 PM
Subject: Re: Westfalia prices

Lauren Wrote:

>Don't be in a rush to settle. If your insurance provides a rental (usually
>for up to 30 days) take it even if you don't need it.  This puts a little
>more pressure on the insurance company to settle.

This is very true.  The insurance company wants to clear this case and get
the paperwork off their desk.  The longer you can hold out for an acceptable
offer, the more inclined they will be to come up with an acceptable offer.

If after a period of time the insurance company does not come up with an
acceptable offer, you can offer to file a complaint with your state
insurance regulatory board.  Insurance companies hate dealing with
complaints to the regulators. ( A trick I learned from my wife when she
needed to collect receivables from slow paying health insurance companies.)

> I asked to see the 'comparable sales' that the adjuster was using to  come
up with his figures.

When my Honda was totaled I looked at their comparables and they had used
the lowest comparables they could find.  I had no trouble increasing the
settlement value by simply presenting them with higher value comparables.

> The adjusters job is to 'make you whole', that is, restore you to what you
had (minus your deductible!)

I disagree with Lauren on this point.  In my view, the adjuster's job is to
get you to settle for the least amount that you will accept and thereby
reduce the insurance company's settlement expenses.

One point I would like to add is it makes a big difference if you are
negotiating with your own insurance company or the "other guy's" insurance
company.  If it is your insurance company, a hard-nosed negotiation could
cost you more in the long run through higher premiums.

Good luck.

Mike