In a message dated 5/5/99 4:40:24 PM, JordanVw@AOL.COM wrote:

<<any other hints for dealing with a**hole insurance companies, or your own
stories, i'd like to hear them....

chris
'84 audi 5k turbo totalled, was nearly killed, myself, and i aint getting
SQUAT...but i wont go down without a fight!!!!!>>

Chris,
You can still get your car appraised even if it is totaled.  The appraiser
should be able to tell how nice the car was before the accident.  Pictures
will help you out as well as receipts for parts and repairs.  Make a list of
why your car was worth what you think and then search the internet for
similar cars in the same condition to show the value.

If your car was show worthy, you can find similar cars in Hemmings  to use
for comparison.  When  my Thing was hit, I hired an appraiser, found listings
in Hemmings and used some backup from the Thing Registry to show that the car
was worth more than the repairs it needed.

You may need to get a lawyer, or if you had full coverage on your car, let
your insurance company settle with you and then they will go after the other
guy for their money.  If they arbitrate and find in your favor, you will get
your deductible back.

I had another accident about 10 years ago that was totally the other driver's
fault.  I tried to deal with her insurance company, but they would only offer
55%, as they told me that no accident was ever 100% anyone's fault.  I
settled with my insurance company instead and then called my lawyer.

My lawyer settled for enough to cover my expenses and his fees.  I didn't
come out ahead, but I didn't loose either.  My insurance company took the
other drivers company to arbitration, and settled for 100%.  I got my
deductible back.

The other company should have settled with me right away.  They would have
saved at least $2K.

Steve Lashley
<A HREF="http://www.eurocampers.com/">http://EuroCampers.com</A>
Importing German Bus Tents, Carver Propane Heaters and other Cool Accessories
for Bus, Vanagon and EuroVan.
'93 EV MV
'74 Campmobile