Kenyon--

When dealing with insurance companies, it has been my experience that
you must be firm, persistent and say the word "lawyer" often.  They will
almost NEVER give you blue book.  They claim that that is a 'national
average' and they only offer 'local value' which they themselves compute
(convenient, huh).  A few years back, a guy crossed the median and
totalled my car.  I had boughten it used for $6500 6 months before the
accident.  Insurance company started off offering $3500 and 'maxed out'
(after 2 weeks of argueing) at $4200 at which point I flat out refused
and told them that they would be hearing from my attorney.  About 30
minutes later, I received a phone call from them offering $5500 (blue
book at the time--regional edition--had it at $6200).  Considering that
I had put 25K miles on it in the 6 months that I had had it, I was
satisfied with this offer and settled.

Have you considered buying it back from the insurance company after you
settle?  They will usually sell it back for $50-$100 so they don't have
to deal with the salvage--and they don't get much for it anyway from the
salvage yards.

Good luck and remember--be firm & persistent.  Know what you will accept
and stand by it.  And mention lawyer!  Just saying the word makes them
quiver!

Tonya
87 Vanagon GL Wolfs
74 S. Beetle