Hey Richard-
First off, glad that you walked away from this!

I was in a similar situation a few years back. Luckily though, I was an
insurance agent at the time AND insured through my company, so I have a bit
of a different perspective on the process.
That said, I can help you.

First, always remember that your insurance company's fiduciary
responsibility requires it to pay out as little as possible, and as such
they represent neither you nor your best interests.
So go into this knowing that they're DEFINITELY - without question - going
to lowball you.
This is never a question of "if," but rather "how much."

They will cite the age of the vehicle and try to use that against you.
They will *not* (more than likely) use apples-to-apples comps to establish
a value.
Some adjusters interpret the word "similar" very loosely, and in my case,
didn't even use all Vanagons!
Of the three vehicles used (all of which were VWs, ergo the "similar"
designation) only one was a van, and it was nine years older and in MUCH
worse condition than mine.
The adjuster first, and without hesitation, came back with a verdict of
"totaled," based on market values of those "similar" vehicles.
I asked for the vehicles used to compare a value against, and sure enough,
this was the ticket. I was able to get the Van repaired and kept the title
clean.

So your order of operations right now is this:
-Research other vans to use as evidence of value, and find the highest
numbers possible. Get as many as you can.
-When the adjuster comes back with a number, ask them for the vehicles they
compared against. You *will* be able to use this information to build your
case.
-DO NOT TAKE THE FIRST OFFER! Your van may well be totaled (damage sounds
pretty extensive), but at the end of the day you want to get as much as
possible for it.

And feel free to reach out directly if I can help at all!

-Matt
'88 Westy "Ragnar LoafBrick"

On Wed, Apr 12, 2023 at 6:59 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:

> Saturday I was patiently waiting in left hand turn lane at light; I moved
> across the limit line, well into intersection.  Light changed from green to
> yellow, opposing traffic in slow lane stopped.  I continued on my left hand
> turn.  Out of nowhere, a black Tesla in fast lane raced to try to make the
> light....came out of nowhere (those Teslas are fast accelerating).  BAM!
> Hit passenger door.  My Vanagon spun around, and also got Passenger side
> rear quarter hit.  So, crumpled up Passenger door and stuff underneath,
> windshield broken too.  Tesla driver said to me, "I'm so sorry, it's all my
> fault, we were in a hurry, any neck or back pain?"  Cops came.  No police
> report, they just instructed us to exchange information.  Mine is a Tintop,
> super excellent condition, Subie 2.2 conversion, new tranny too.  I haven't
> taken to shop for estimate, but my guess is $9K+.  My insurance requested
> photos; exterior, interior, I also sent then $15K invoice for the total
> Subie conversion.  Not sure if stuff can be "pulled out".  I do know of a
> guy with a backyard of junk Vanagons....including door.  Maybe sawsall
> stuff from a junk Vanagon and weld into place.  And that's only the front
> end!  Rear damage included barely allowing Hatch to open.  It's a mess.
> Wish I could post photos.  Advice?
>