I am sorry to hear about your accident, and I dont know how to advise
you (I'm sure others will chime in) but I wanted to mention that when
I was on the phone the other day with my insurance agent, I asked
about getting my diesel westy properly insured since it's worth so
much more today than just a few years ago. She told me that the
insurers go my blue book value, period. Even if I could get say
gowesty prices for it, it did not matter to them.

Jim

On Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 12:38 PM, Mike Miller <mwmiller@cwnet.com> wrote:
> You start by looking yourself for comparables. Make sure the van's for sale
> are what yours was as far as equipment and extras. Don't bother with regular
> wear items like brakes unless you've upgraded them.
>
> I got mine up from $1600 to $4500. Just took time. They use a comp service
> that doesn't do vans much so don't know how to rate them and don't care
> either.
>
> Mike
>
>
> On 10/31/08 10:23 AM, "Matt Drew" <t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
>> Adjuster just came.
>>
>> This sucks. Based in part on the prices of similar vehicles for sale in the
>> area (and this is Vegas, so good luck with that) the value of Blackbeard is
>> $2,649.
>> Cost to repair (minus the radiator, because he couldn't actually get to the
>> radiator to look at it) is $4,500.
>>
>> Total labor per his report is over 22 hours.
>>
>> Even with the additional value given the new (<75,000 mi.) engine, the
>> massive number of hours PLUS parts is just too much.
>>
>> Alright.
>> Never been through this before.
>> Aside from the new damage, Blackbeard is in FANTASTIC condition.
>> Interior is very clean. Cruise works great. Power mirrors, windows, door
>> locks, AC (needs to be replaced though), and the OEM carpet covers are even
>> in good shape.
>> No rips/tears. . .
>>
>> Do I take the total and have 'em haul it off?
>> Do I have it towed to a recommended shop for an estimate?
>> Anyone else dealt with this before?
>>
>> HELP ! ! ! !
>>
>> -Drew
>> '90 GL "Blackbeard" (Life Support)
>