Photos: warning - will make grown men cry

[Matt@BOS]

I'm not a very religious person, so I always wondered what people meant when they said, "God works in mysterious ways," well today I think I found out, and I think it really just means, "God took a huge crap on me Today."

Chris at Best of Show and I were working out the last round of gremlins on my '69. He fixed the laggy throttle pedal, a crimped vacuum line, and we had just finished bleeding the new rear calipers I ordered to help address my knock back problems. He takes it around the block with me and everything is great. There is no delay on the throttle, the brakes work as they should and don't have any air in the system. we get back, Chris hops out, and I get in the driver's seat. I'm psyched. I'm headed out to the track with the SoCal guys this evening. I pull out of the shop, wait at the light on the corner of the street for a minute, finally it turns green. I nudge the gear lever into first letting it make its familiar little clank, and ease the clutch out while feathering the right pedal. The car feels solid, everything about it finally exudes a natural quality about it. The steering is precise, the brakes firm, and the throttle crisp. I head out into the intersection, roll over the train tracks, and get almost through, then BAMMM!!! Some lady in a Saturn just blew through a red light. This light had been red for so long even Stevie Wonder would have seen it, but no, she just drove through that intersection like I never even existed. First thing I thought was "what the F*** are the odds of this. I couldn't have been in my Mustang. then I realized what Steve Rupp must have felt like...Ugh.

If you have sensitive stomachs, avert your eyes.
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It's ugly but I walked away from it unscathed, without even so much as a single scratch, which makes me extremely fortunate. I think I really have to attribute it to some of the high end, well designed parts on the car. The Forgeline wheel that got the direct impact of the other car has minor scratches in the powder coat. That's it. It might be bent, but it sure as hell didn't crack or break, which is what I would have expected. The subframe might be tweaked, but it held together for the most part. On impact the control arms got pushed all the way into the headers and bounced back. It was the bolts that got pushed through the mounts though. Unbelievable. I would have figured everything would have crumpled like an aluminum can in an old car like this.

As for the preliminary damage report, I need:
a quarter, and we've got to remake the gill openings, front fender, headlight door, an entire RS nose, Marquez valance, Forgeline wheel, Anvil inner fenders and hood, headers, Ring Brothers hood hinges, and a new subframe. The list just goes on, and doesn't include tweaked fixable parts. Hell the entire car needs to be repainted. Hopefully the engine is fine, but it apparently made a horrible noise when **** turned it over. Might just be the crushed header primary. Hopefully it is nothing more.

So for all of you out there reading this, make sure you have a good insurance policy. As upset as I am, at the end of the day the car is just a big metal money pit, and can be fixed. I think we all dread an event like this ever happening, and I can't express how glad I am to have an agreed value policy with Hagerty right now. That and my well being...

Matt

[BonzoHansen]

yikes! Glad you're ok. Her insurance should pay!

[Steve1968LS2]

Welcome to my little club.. the membership is exclusive, thank God.. I heard you called **** at BOS and said you'd been "Rupped"..


Glad you are ok, the guys at BOS will have her back better than new in no time.

Just remember to keep a good attitude and let me know if I can help in any way at all.

I heard the front spoiler survived.. in other words look at the positive.

If the engine has any issues (which I doubt) I will help ya get that sorted out. More than likely part of the drive system is hitting part of the frame/rack.

Again, glad you are ok, metal can be fixed.

Sorry to hear she had Mercury Insurance.. but Hagerty will make sure you are ok.

Might be time for another insurance story and sorry about the accident.. huge buzz-kill bummer.

[Steve1968LS2]

I think we need a logo for our club or something "the run 'em and wreck 'em" club has a mobid ring to it.

Again, glad you are ok Matt!

[speedshftr]

glad your okay.i wouldnt of been able to post the pics cause i would of been locked up for killing the driver of that red light runner.probably on phone or texting.:sick:

[CruizinKev]

OMG nooooooo!!!!

...glad you're ok!

[jocko124]

Jesus! How in the heck did she hit you in the front and rear of the right side of the car? Did you at any point have your hands around her neck? I'm glad you are taking it so well and obviously your personal health and well being matter above all else.

[CarlC]

Yeeeouch!

I too am glad you are OK. Good luck with the repairs.

[Steve1968LS2]

Jesus! How in the heck did she hit you in the front and rear of the right side of the car? Did you at any point have your hands around her neck? I'm glad you are taking it so well and obviously your personal health and well being matter above all else.

My understanding is she hit the right front fender and spun the Camaro around smacking the quarter.. show how hard she hit..

[BA.]

Oh.....My.....God..... that hurts. Man your car sure looks beautifuul with that paint and those rims...the subtle body touches.

As a fellow 69 RS owner......I'm crying on the inside right now.

[MrQuick]

ahhh man thats sucks, I don't know you but I certainly feel for you bro. Glad you were not injured. I hope you kept your receipts.

Vince

[elitecustombody]

That really blows,man,hope the Saturn lady has enough insurance coverage to get your baby back on the road.

[67 ls1 vert]

oh man!! My favorite camaro is hurt. :(

Hope that you feel okay tomorrow Matt.

[Rileys68Camaro]

I would have been sick on the side of the road.

Does your insurance cover this or is there some you can buy that would? One of my biggest fears, tons of blood, sweat and money and then some idiot ruins it.

Glad you are okay, the car can be fixed. Heck, now you have wall hangings...

[class67]

Damn, Matt....sorry to see that but glad you are alright. I'm sure it will all work out with the insurance company.

[rrunner68]

Man that sucks. I like beating Camaros, but I don't like seeing them BEATEN. I really hope you get the $$ to fix her right. Be careful when you wake up tomorrow, you may want to see a doc just to be safe....

[gEtyOpAPiOn]

good thing its insured because that damage its like building a new car .....that header really got smashed and i can just imagine what happen to that dse frame,thats weird how the door looks untouched

[shmoov69]

Wow that blows!! Looks like what happened to me in 97. Except yours is alot nicer car!! Lol

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thanks Larry!

[66 mustang]

WOW that hurts....Glad you are OK....Still one of my favorite Camaros, I hope the rebuild is quick.

[Matt@BOS]

Man that sucks. I like beating Camaros, but I don't like seeing them BEATEN. I really hope you get the $$ to fix her right. Be careful when you wake up tomorrow, you may want to see a doc just to be safe....

Oh really, you like beating Camaros, because from what I hear, Chad ran a time that time better than yours tonight. Looks like you'll have to get things fixed and show him.

As far as I know, I'm fine... at least today. It wasn't a head on impact, more of a side crunching, deal where she sorta bounced of me at an angle. I didn't even feel that shaken up when it happened, but you're right, I still need to be careful.

I've got Hagerty and have an agreed value policy. In fact I read up on Rupp's insurance story in PHR when I was shopping for insurance. As far as I know, I'm completely taken care of and shouldn't have to pay anything, except maybe to have the driver side door painted since they'll pay for everything except that. Hagerty has a reputation for being really good. They don't really fight on what needs to be replaced, and will cover for uninsured/underinsured.

Matt

[70TWO NOVA]

:barf:

[Chad-1stGen]

Matt to say that this sucks is such a severe understatement!!!

The Stig forwarded me your txt and we both had the same reaction "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo."

You car is one of my all time favorite first gens.

I have decided that you have a hidden comedic talent. Such a bad news post but I was laughing out loud in Jack in the Box and quoting some of your lines to the boys.

[79-TA]

Matt, that's terrible. We definitely missed you at AMP tonight, but it's good to hear that you're ok.

[TonyHuntimer]

That sucks so bad! Sorry to hear about it. At least you're okay physically.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Matt - soooo sorry your car got smacked! Your car was beautiful and it will be again! The most important thing is your OK, and soon enough you'll be back better than ever...

[ProdigyCustoms]

Hate to see that but looks worse then it is. I am sure the boys at BOS can fix it 100%. Glad your OK, that's what is important.

[John Wright]

Sorry about your car Matt. Glad that you are OK, she really smacked the heck out of ya.

[brrymnvette]

Dude that sucks! I know the feeling. My very first car I had when I was 16 I built from the ground up for 2 years. 15 min after I got it running and took it on it's maiden voyage, a lady ran a red light and t-boned me. I learned right then, that it's just a car.

[Boatmark]

Some days you're the bug . . . some days you're the windshield. It's tough to see today, but you're ok, and the car will be fixed. Sorry to see it though.

Calling and saying you had been "Rupp'd" is a classic.

[tazzz25906112]

Sorry to hear about the dizzy dreamer hitting your car bud and as stated many times in the thread it's good to hear you're alright Matt because in the end that's all that really counts.... BOS will have her looking great again so I guess it's time for a little beach and surf bud....

[wmhjr]

Wow! Oh, the pain! You'll get things fixed back up, though.

[Scott Parkhurst]

Dude that sucks!!!

You're okay AND insured, so it'll all work out, but still!

Ya- I think you and Rupp are charter members of..

The Lazarus Club!
(Back from the DEAD biotches!!)

Oh- and everyone that doesn't own a Camaro likes beating them. Don't take it personally or anything. Same goes for Mustangs. They're supposed to be faster, and they represent the proverbial standard all other cars are trying to achieve or surpass. RR guy wasn't hating, IMO.

I like beating Camaros and Mustangs as well. But I have a 4-door station wagon, so it doesn't happen often.

It's not because I hate them (or their owners...some of my best friends own Camaros or Mustangs- lol!) but...it's because I have a 4-door station wagon...!

[Roadbuster]

Sorry to hear about that but glad you are OK! Given that your car was spun that was a big impact!

[Bryce]

Dude, worst day ever. When that happened to me, insurance didnt cover it, lame. But it gave me the excuse to make upgrades. This is the reason my car has a fiberglass front end!

So the car might take a different design itteration this time!

Im glad you are ok, you can thank God for that one.

[moreHP]

Damn. I dont even have the words. Very sorry to see that but am very glad your not hurt. Cars can be fixed but sometimes we cant.

[carguy502]

That sucks! I am happy to hear you are fine and that you walked away from that nastiness. The car is always rebuildable, but you to a larger extent, are not. The boys at BOS can rebuild her; they have the technology...

There should be a "Lazarus Club" for poor gents such as Rupp and yourself.

[prostreet69camaro]

Man that sucks, glad your OK. The car can be fixed. It is really a nice car.

[406 Q-ship]

So sorry to see that happen to another. Count your blessing, your OK and even the Knuclehead that was probably yacking or texting isn't hurt. You're Camaro will rise up from this and end up better.

On a side note, did the PD write an accident report stating that she ran a red light?

[GHOSTDANCER]

NNNooo That just suxs. Very sorry but glad you made it out ok.

[sniper]

Wow that is crazy. Glad you are ok.




I've got Hagerty and have an agreed value policy. In fact I read up on Rupp's insurance story in PHR when I was shopping for insurance. As far as I know, I'm completely taken care of and shouldn't have to pay anything, except maybe to have the driver side door painted since they'll pay for everything except that. Hagerty has a reputation for being really good. They don't really fight on what needs to be replaced, and will cover for uninsured/underinsured.

Matt

I ask because I don't know. But what does you having Hagerty have to do with any of the damage. Why would her insurance not be paying for this?

[Nessumsar]

:(

We missed you last night, glad to hear you're OK.

[Steve1968LS2]

Wow that is crazy. Glad you are ok.



I ask because I don't know. But what does you having Hagerty have to do with any of the damage. Why would her insurance not be paying for this?

Many reasons.. one is they are a-holes and won't AGREE that the car is worth what it is..

More likely is that she is "underinsured". Let's say her policy only covers up to $30,000 in damages.. well, this will cost more so you would have to sue her personally for the difference.

Matt has a good policy that covers uninsured but with our cars (ie expensive) underinsured is also a concern that you need to cover for.

[rob07002]

Wow, really sorry to hear/see this Matt. Glad you're ok.

So what was the dimwitt's excuse for blowing the light? did she get a ticket?

[6'9"Witha69]

This scares me the most. When we were T-boned by a red runner in the wife's Equinox a couple days over 2 years ago, our insurance company (as we had un/under-insured coverage) wrote us a check 3 days later, after having already footed the rental bill and we were in a new car 4 days later. My ins then put the claim to their Ins for whatever they could get. We were never billed for anything. This works similarly but you can't just go buy a new BOS '69 Camaro, so it takes longer end it hurts more. A LOT more.

I really hate to see this. It is my biggest fear driving my '69 around (not that I have done much of that recently).

[chr2002ca]

As I mentioned on Lat-g, that's sickening Matt. I've often thought about how I might react if I was hit by someone like this who was carelessly driving, probably f'ing with their cel phone. I have a bit of a temper and might have lost it and be in jail right now if I was in your position. I'm just glad to hear you're alright, have good insurance, and are in good hands with BOS.

I remember sitting at that intersection you described only 2 weeks ago when we were leaving Best of Show to head up to Riverside together. So you were sitting on Rancheros drive getting ready to hang a right on to Mission, and the light turned green and you crossed the tracks and then went to turn right and then ??? How the hell did she hit you on the passenger side like that? That's crazy.

[Matt@BOS]

Wow that is crazy. Glad you are ok.



I ask because I don't know. But what does you having Hagerty have to do with any of the damage. Why would her insurance not be paying for this?

Having Hagerty, or any good agreed value policy comes into play on accidents like this because, as others have said, her insurance company (Murcury) will scoff at the price to fix this right. It will probably take 40-50 to do everything right, and Murcury definitely won't want to pay it, hell having to replace the subfame alone will cost about as much as replacing an old but reliable daily driver. I don't know the details of her policy, only that it was liability. I'm guessing she had the cheapest policy she could get. Basically, Hagerty should look after me to make sure that I don't get screwed. From my understanding, and from what **** says since he deals with Hagerty for customers at least once a year, Hagerty will pay up if the other company doesn't, then unleash a room full of blood sucking lawyers (and not the wimpy Twilight vampire kind either) on Murcury.

So it should be all good in the end, especially because no one in either car was hurt to begin with is a major blessing.

Will keep you guys updated on how the process works, and I'll tell you more about the lady in a minute.

Matt

[YancyJohns]

Holly sh*t Matt, I'm glad to here your unharmed! Your car is one of my favorites. I hate to here this happened but it can be fixed, especially by **** and Jon at Best of Show. Good Luck!!

[dadto2jays]

Man that really bites the big one....Nothing there that could not be fix and made even better than before. Living in Miami I can realte to how idiotic people drive red lights here mean step on the accelerator.

[rrunner68]

As far as bad cali drivers go, I always look both ways before crossing an intersection. We have a few 50mph intersections down here, and you will often have people blowing through at 70-90, 3-5 seconds after the light goes red. ESPECIALLY bikes.

But the real moral of the story is, great insurance is an often overlooked thing when we are building our cars. My insurance company is the same way as haggerty, They will cut me a check direct, then go after the other person/company. But my insurance company is member owned, so we also get a reimbursement check at the end of each year of the companies profits.

[JonsGottaDusta]

Wow, Matt, that is horrible. I am glad to see you are alright, though. I saw your car at the shop when it was getting built... man, what a car. I hope everything goes smoothly getting it back together. I took like a million pictures of your car at the Pepper Tree show in Vista. Good luck!

[mpozzi]

Hagerty isn't just good ... they're excellent. Steve called me yesterday and we shared that "Oh, nooooooooooo" response others have had. Couldn't believe it.

As with Hagerty Insurance, BOS will also come through for you. What saved Steve was he had the adverse carrier's adjuster google "Bad Penny Camaro" and that was that. There's tons of cool press (both on the internet and in the mags) on your car that fully substantiate it's worth.

Feel free to PM me privately if you have specific insurance-related questions.

Mary Pozzi

[mpozzi]

Insurance pays to have. Here in Salinas, three out of every five drivers are either underinsured or have no insurance at all. It's a huge stressor every time I drive something nice.

There's another thread on a different forum that discusses insurance coverages and quite a few only have minimum coverage policies. That scares me greatly as I have to share the roads with them.

Mary Pozzi

[Restomod]

All I can say is :barf: and I need Hagerty...........

[Steve1968LS2]

Having Hagerty, or any good agreed value policy comes into play on accidents like this because, as others have said, her insurance company (Murcury) will scoff at the price to fix this right. It will probably take 40-50 to do everything right, and Murcury definitely won't want to pay it, hell having to replace the subfame alone will cost about as much as replacing an old but reliable daily driver. I don't know the details of her policy, only that it was liability. I'm guessing she had the cheapest policy she could get. Basically, Hagerty should look after me to make sure that I don't get screwed. From my understanding, and from what **** says since he deals with Hagerty for customers at least once a year, Hagerty will pay up if the other company doesn't, then unleash a room full of blood sucking lawyers (and not the wimpy Twilight vampire kind either) on Murcury.

So it should be all good in the end, especially because no one in either car was hurt to begin with is a major blessing.

Will keep you guys updated on how the process works, and I'll tell you more about the lady in a minute.

Matt

My guess is $55k to fix.. hell, mine was $36k and your car is worse (no front frame or front damage to my car)

Mercury will pay but I bet her liability tops at $30k.. then Hagerty can sue her for the rest.

No go see a doctor and get checked out.. that's quite a hit you took and better safe than sorry.

[shortrack]

sorry to hear......damn!!

[colt zantop]

man that sucks! glad your ok though!

[JEFFTATE]

Glad you are ok..

I would kill her , seriously ..

[mc84_zz4]

Glad to see you weren't hurt in the crash, and as mentioned before, it's really 'just' a car, and can be fixed/replaced.
Do not sign any release forms for medical reasons, bla bla bla,... soft tissue can take up to 2 weeks to present unexpected pain and/or swelling, and it can be excrutiating.
Hopefully since it was a deflection type hit it may have not been too severe, but the suspension damage tells me it was a good whack.
Good luck on the restoration, a fantastic car!, now it will be clean from top to bottom again.
BTW, I hope the air bag smacked her good !!
:box:

[Bill Howell]

Looks like you may need to be a bit more religious! Looks like God had his a couple angels looking out for you. Hit on fender and quarter but door looks unhurt? I am glad you are OK, you can fix sheetmetal. That car was done right, seen it in person, so no surprise here it isn't too bad. Forgeline will love the fact their wheels held up, you need to call them and send them pictures. Of course, they build race wheels so again, no huge surprise. Anyway, you certainly have it in good hands at BOS, so grab a beer, chill and let them work their usual magic. RTTC is in March, get busy...haha

[-The Stig-]

:'(

[68Formula]

I'd say that's too much negative camber.

But seriously, very sorry for your loss. Glad you weren't hurt. That was a gorgeous car. Hope it's fixable.



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[buickfunnycar.com]

Insurance pays to have. Here in Salinas, three out of every five drivers are either underinsured or have no insurance at all. It's a huge stressor every time I drive something nice.

Mary speaks the truth...I work in Salinas and you have to wait 3-5 seconds after the your light turns green to allow for all the red-light runners as rrunner68 alluded to...and you just know most have no insurance,license,brakes,brains,etc.

I have fear driving my cars...

[Gitter Dun]

Wow, that makes me quiver, glad your OK.

[TonyHuntimer]

Mary speaks the truth...I work in Salinas and you have to wait 3-5 seconds after the your light turns green to allow for all the red-light runners as rrunner68 alluded to...and you just know most have no insurance,license,brakes,brains,etc.

I have fear driving my cars...

With all this talk and the smashed horror...I spent an extra second before leaving every stop light, as well as looking both directions.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[DFRESH]

Matt, was great to talk to you today. That really is a blessing that you ended up ok--I have many friends I have lost in accidents that didn't appear to be as bad as this one.

Anytime you wanna hit Adam's, I got an open seat for you---you can play Mary and yell at me on the track---

Keep us posted with the progress pics--

Doug

[Motown 454]

Oh Matt This kills me. The only PT cars I've seen finnished was yours and Steves when I was in California at BOS in January. It did turn my stromach when I saw the pictures. Atleast you know your in good hand with the guys at BOS taking care of you. Glad you have the agreed value policy and very glad your ok. Stay strong brother!

[DriverzInc]

Matt ,like I mentioned to you earlier today, sorry to hear about this, but I'm glad you are okay.


Rupp's sig says it all...

[Matt@BOS]

Rupp's sig says it all...

Haha, I wasn't sure what it said. For a second I thought he might have quoted ****'s old saying, "Best of show: they turn out so nice because we do them twice."

I managed to rack up almost 4000 miles between March and now so I definitely got to enjoy things a bit. Two and a half years wasn't a long wait for a car like this so an extra 3 or 4 won't kill me. I'm already looking forward to next years Run to the Coast, and I hope to see you out there Jon. In the mean time I'll just ride shotgun with Doug. I've had so much seat time with an instructor, not to mention "Fast Mary Pozzi" that I should be a pro (instructor, definitely not driver). I just have to shout things like "look ahead. LOOK THROUGH THE TURN! find your braking point.brake.turn.trail brake. turn. unwind the wheel. UNWIND THE WHEEL. gas. more gas. MORE GAS. oh and when riding shotgun with Doug I'd have to yell, "hey what's that smoke from the one side from?

Matt

[LeighP]

So, I've always wondered....does someone who does this sort of thing to a beautiful car express any remorse for their stupidity, or do they just stand there and stare at you blankly without even saying sorry (like the silly old lady who ran me down on my motorcycle did)?

I'm glad your insurance is up for this.....it seems so many times I hear people in the US having issues with the at fault driver's insurance company....here in Australia, you never even deal with the at fault driver's company...your own company covers the damage and then they go after the other driver/insurance company to recover their money...much better system.
Good luck on the repairs.

[dogz67chevelle]

I've had so much seat time with an instructor, not to mention "Fast Mary Pozzi" that I should be a pro (instructor, definitely not driver). I just have to shout things like "look ahead. LOOK THROUGH THE TURN! find your braking point.brake.turn.trail brake. turn. unwind the wheel. UNWIND THE WHEEL. gas. more gas. MORE GAS.
Matt[/QUOTE]

Matt,

LOL That is so funny. I haven't heard that since, oh i don't know... maybe last weekend. Once they are in your head, some things never leave.

On a serious note, very glad to hear you are okay. I think we all know this is a chance we take when we make the choice to take our cars out and drive them, but i know I wouldn't have it any other way. Hang tuff, it can all be fixed.

deanna

[406 Q-ship]

I've had so much seat time with an instructor, not to mention "Fast Mary Pozzi" that I should be a pro (instructor, definitely not driver). I just have to shout things like "look ahead. LOOK THROUGH THE TURN! find your braking point.brake.turn.trail brake. turn. unwind the wheel. UNWIND THE WHEEL. gas. more gas. MORE GAS.
Matt

Matt,

LOL That is so funny. I haven't heard that since, oh i don't know... maybe last weekend. Once they are in your head, some things never leave.

[/QUOTE]

I haven't gotten Mary to ride shotgun ......yet, but all I hear is the words of one Grant Byres (Mary knew Grant too)....."Go slow too be fast"

RIP Grant

[Jasons72]

I'm so sorry for what happened, that really sucks. Just a week and a half ago i got rear ended sitting at a light in my 71 4 door and last year I was in my 72 coming home with my gf from her dads house and my brakes failed and we had a guy look right at us as my rear brakes were locked up and pulled into the intersection enough for me to hit him and then stopped and let it happen.

So i guess i'm a member of that exclusive club too, any stickers being made lol.

The 4 door
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The 72, hit hard enough that the motor mounts and the tranny mount sheared and they jumped forward about 6 inches into the radiator, they are now solid motor mounts.
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[chr2002ca]

Matt, whether you know or it not, you've helped a few us by sharing this unfortunate incident. Steve also. Your discussions about insurance convinced me to get off my ass and go upgrade my own policy. I signed up for an agreed-value policy through Hagerty yesterday and dumped my weak policy through Mercury. I was speaking with Doug last night on the phone and he's thinking of doing the exact same thing.

So thanks to Matt and Steve for sharing their unfortunate incidents and advice on insurance and helping us to be better prepared. Thanks to all the others who also chimed in with insurance guidance and opinions about providers. :cheers:

[Steve1968LS2]

Matt, whether you know or it not, you've helped a few us by sharing this unfortunate incident. Steve also. Your discussions about insurance convinced me to get off my ass and go upgrade my own policy. I signed up for an agreed-value policy through Hagerty yesterday and dumped my weak policy through Mercury. I was speaking with Doug last night on the phone and he's thinking of doing the exact same thing.

So thanks to Matt and Steve for sharing their unfortunate incidents and advice on insurance and helping us to be better prepared. Thanks to all the others who also chimed in with insurance guidance and opinions about providers. :cheers:

Good deal.. I cringe at all the people out there with stated value policies..

Stated value insurance + uninsured motorist = you getting really screwed bad

If your car was totaled I would be surprised if Mercury would give you $20k..

Glad to hear you are covered.. I have a $110k policy through Heacock Classic and it makes driving the car out in public much more enjoyable.

[DFRESH]

Matt, I never thought I would be able to say this to you, but for the first time ever, I don't feel as insecure about the bad gaps on my car. BTW, I did get the posi for mine finally, but it still won't be in by the time we go back to Adams---so your smoking one tire comment stands---LOL.

Could you also keep us informed about how it goes down with your insurance company. Chris Robinson and I were talking yesterday, and I am going to get a policy from Hagerty (since that's who you are using) as long as they do exactly as they should. That might help a lot of folks on here in choosing the right carrier. Amazing I hadn't been worried about it until now--this has hit so close to home for many of us--never ever thought this would happen to anyone I know with one of these cars.

Doug

[Matt@BOS]

Matt, I never thought I would be able to say this to you, but for the first time ever, I don't feel as insecure about the bad gaps on my car. BTW, I did get the posi for mine finally, but it still won't be in by the time we go back to Adams---so your smoking one tire comment stands---LOL.

Could you also keep us informed about how it goes down with your insurance company. Chris Robinson and I were talking yesterday, and I am going to get a policy from Hagerty (since that's who you are using) as long as they do exactly as they should. That might help a lot of folks on here in choosing the right carrier. Amazing I hadn't been worried about it until now--this has hit so close to home for many of us--never ever thought this would happen to anyone I know with one of these cars.

Doug

Sure thing Doug, I'll keep everyone informed. Next week is where things will get interesting. The adjuster came out today, took a ton of pictures and ran down the estimate list. He was taken aback when he read that color sanding and buffing would take 50 hours and that hood hinges cost almost $800. Interestingly enough though he is really just the picture taking messenger as he sends the stuff to a middle man, who then works with Hagerty's adjuster. **** has worked with Hagerty enough that he can usually bypass any of the intermediaries and speak straight with Hagerty if the middle men fight him too much on costs. He has thrown a couple independent adjusters out of the shop in the past to get things settled right. All I can say is I'm in really good hands between Hagerty and especially **** who really knows how the system works.

I also started pulling the front end off the car this afternoon. The body panels aren't pretty, but the frame is in surprisingly good shape. It still needs to be replaced though based on the visual damage alone. I took a couple pictures as I started to tear it down, so I'll post those a little later tonight.

Matt

[Steve1968LS2]

Matt, I never thought I would be able to say this to you, but for the first time ever, I don't feel as insecure about the bad gaps on my car. BTW, I did get the posi for mine finally, but it still won't be in by the time we go back to Adams---so your smoking one tire comment stands---LOL.

Could you also keep us informed about how it goes down with your insurance company. Chris Robinson and I were talking yesterday, and I am going to get a policy from Hagerty (since that's who you are using) as long as they do exactly as they should. That might help a lot of folks on here in choosing the right carrier. Amazing I hadn't been worried about it until now--this has hit so close to home for many of us--never ever thought this would happen to anyone I know with one of these cars.

Doug

I would also get a quote from Heacock Classic.. one nice thing about them is that they aren't as "track phobia".. in other words they don't care if I go to the track.. hell, my car is even covered in the paddock, just not on the track.

And they seem well rated, always good to get multiple quotes.

[Cris@JCG]

Matt- Here is a pic of my 69 after it got hit pretty hard.. long story of how it happen..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/Picture049-1.jpg

I sold the car to buddy of mine after we got it all fixed up! So.. I am sure the guys @ BOS will get it done for you..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/cris_051-1.jpg

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey, that's me driving that car!!

[DFRESH]

Sure thing Doug, I'll keep everyone informed. Next week is where things will get interesting. The adjuster came out today, took a ton of pictures and ran down the estimate list. He was taken aback when he read that color sanding and buffing would take 50 hours and that hood hinges cost almost $800. Interestingly enough though he is really just the picture taking messenger as he sends the stuff to a middle man, who then works with Hagerty's adjuster. **** has worked with Hagerty enough that he can usually bypass any of the intermediaries and speak straight with Hagerty if the middle men fight him too much on costs. He has thrown a couple independent adjusters out of the shop in the past to get things settled right. All I can say is I'm in really good hands between Hagerty and especially **** who really knows how the system works.


I also started pulling the front end off the car this afternoon. The body panels aren't pretty, but the frame is in surprisingly good shape. It still needs to be replaced though based on the visual damage alone. I took a couple pictures as I started to tear it down, so I'll post those a little later tonight.

Matt

Thanks Brother--that would be great. I still laugh everytime we try to type in ****'s name that is shows up like this.

Doug

[DFRESH]

I would also get a quote from Heacock Classic.. one nice thing about them is that they aren't as "track phobia".. in other words they don't care if I go to the track.. hell, my car is even covered in the paddock, just not on the track.

And they seem well rated, always good to get multiple quotes.


Good call Steve---thanks for that info as well. By the end of the month I hope to have a policy in place that is sufficient to cover all possibilities.

Doug

[Matt@BOS]

Well, here's some of the damage:

You can't tell, but the spoiler is all warbley and the powder coating cracked, still, it can be saved. As for the inner fenders, (and I hope Tyler doesn't cry if he sees it) I knew one of them got obliterated, but I just found that the whole front shifted enough to snap the bolts through the driver's side one. I also found out that shattered carbon fiber itches as much as fiberglass. Damn it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/DSC_0681-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/DSC_0688-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/DSC_0690-1.jpg

Throw a couple weights on that wheel and it should be good as new :hand:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/DSC_0689-1.jpg

Matt

[BonzoHansen]

Matt, your pics make me sad


I would also get a quote from Heacock Classic.. one nice thing about them is that they aren't as "track phobia".. in other words they don't care if I go to the track.. hell, my car is even covered in the paddock, just not on the track.

And they seem well rated, always good to get multiple quotes.

hagerty covers everything but the track surface as well. they have an added endorsement that spells it out nice & clear.

[f-body]

Wow glad you are ok. Do follow up with your doctor and note anything that hurts due to the accident. I had a small bike wreck (ha ha small bike wreck) back in 2000 and my back still hurts time to time. Injurys can take days or weeks to show up.

You built it once and you can build it again.

I dont have any projects of this caliber and my daily driver 1992 chevy pickup has only liability, under insured and uninsured. But my insurance agent explained something to me very plainly. The required by law liability in Texas may only be $25,000 for property but almost all vehicles are over that. Lets say I have a wreck that was my fault and I total someones Escalade. So I upgraded to carry more than the minimum, it covers me if that ever happens and they can get thier $50K Escalade fixed and not have to sue me. When all my work is done on the truck I will upgrade to cover my investment. I have no idea what I will do with my 1974 Z28 when its done but I want the insurance that if a bird drops on it its get fixed. I am doing all the work myself, it wont be as perfect as yours. Anything I cannot do myself I will have to pay to have done but building it is half the fun.


As far as that (colorful metaphore) person driving. She ran the red light its her fault and she should pay or her insurance should pay, thats the reason for insurance.

Are there any pics of the Sauturn that hit you or was there nothing left to the car? please tell me the police showed up and gave her thr riot act on being a .... (insert colorful methaphore here)

[Yelcamino]

What a shame! Seeing those pictures makes me :sick:

I'm sure it's the same everywhere... on a daily basis I see fools running red lights, speeding like there's no tomorrow (I'm doing 10 over the limit and get passed like I'm standing still!), and absolutely no concern for fellow drivers!

You have a very sweet car and as mentioned numerous times, BOS will have it better than new in no time! Glad to see that you weren't hurt which is the most important thing!

[68Formula]

What a shame! Seeing those pictures makes me :sick:

I'm sure it's the same everywhere... on a daily basis I see fools running red lights, speeding like there's no tomorrow (I'm doing 10 over the limit and get passed like I'm standing still!), and absolutely no concern for fellow drivers!

You have a very sweet car and as mentioned numerous times, BOS will have it better than new in no time! Glad to see that you weren't hurt which is the most important thing!

Co-signed on all of that! Matt I feel for you. More carnage than even expected, too. But at least it will be fixable, and you're ok.

And as for fools, don't forget the mobile phone weenies that are really driving as much as trying to dial/text/talk. They don't go when they should, stop when they should, or even turn their head when they should. And if you beep at them before they take out your fender, then you're the @-hole (for interrupting their conversation, I guess).

Hey Matt, where did you get the spoiler, btw? It does look very nice. If it's a one-off, I hope it can be repaired.

[black73vette]

WOW! Glad to hear you are ok and that the car was insured properly. Best of luck to you on the rebuild.

[Ripped]

Sucks big time, but ultimately as long as you are okay, the car can be fixed.

A heluva lot of work... that's the sad part. I suppose if you had it at a track and wiped out, it might be more fitting, then again insurance would not cover that either.

Best of luck on the repair process.

... and on that note... Seeing your carnage scares me
I am really tired of getting cut off, by idiots. Add to that a miniscule front bumper and all fiberglass front end.
So last night I bought another set of horns. I am pretty sure I am running 2 pair of loud horns. I just know it's going to be a nail biter, when I get it back from the body shop in 3-4 weeks. Maybe I can get some satisfaction scaring the S#!t out of them!

[SatisTraction]

I am glad that you are ok and well insured. That car makes me sad :(

[Steve1968LS2]

I shot the car yesterday for an insurance story.. figured it was time to reinforce that we need the RIGHT coverage for these cars..

[DFRESH]

I shot the car yesterday for an insurance story.. figured it was time to reinforce that we need the RIGHT coverage for these cars..

That's awesome---great idea---that's why you get paid the big bucks.

Doug

[minendrews68]

As everyone has said "Glad your OK!". I don't know about you but I think after the dust settled and I got out of my car to see the damage I would be like a little sick dog and go over to the side of the road and throw up!!!! But, God did take care of you by the way:). It could have been so much worse. Glad it wasn't a total. It just goes to show, it seems no one cares anymore about paying attention to anything. I'm sure it will rise up and be as good looking as it was.....oh, and count your blessings......

Carl

[ProjectSideOiler]

Glad you are ok Matt! Sorry to see the car so messed up.

I was a insurance adjuster for 10yrs so got to learn a lot of how things were handled. Getting paid fairly was mostly about the knowledge of the adjuster and the at fault company. Some times even your own company can be a pain. State Farm is one of the worst when it comes to collector stuff like yours.

I am sure your company will take care of you.

It was mentioned 50hrs to sand and buff and I understand that as do my own painting but I will give you what the typical insurance company pays...

They will pay UP TO .5 yes thats correct a 1/2hr per panel to sand and buff and most will only pay a total for a car of 2.5hrs for complete clear coat. THey also put a cap on materials etc.

I will be watching to see how this pans out. Did the lady get a ticket? A lot of time I have seen the other company will try to spin things to get out of liability and some how the other was more at fault.

[Matt@BOS]

I will be watching to see how this pans out. Did the lady get a ticket? A lot of time I have seen the other company will try to spin things to get out of liability and some how the other was more at fault.

Yeah, the lady driving the Saturn that hit me was given a ticket by the police/sheriff for running a red light. I also had two witnesses wait at the scene for me.

BTW, I had to speak with a claims adjuster at Hagerty today and give them a recorded statement of what happened. In the statement I was told to briefly explain why the car costs so much so that the other insurance company might better understand. In the end though Hagerty seems well aware that they will be the one's writing check, then having to go after the at fault party. Oh, I also have fax over a copy of the title per their policy on all large claims, and send over a copy of the police report when I can get it.

You know, I joked a bit at first, but someone has to be looking out for me. I'm really amazed I came away from this uninjured save for a stiff neck and a few visits to the chiropractor I already see.

[rrunner68]

Yeah, the lady driving the Saturn that hit me was given a ticket by the police/sheriff for running a red light. I also had two witnesses wait at the scene for me.

BTW, I had to speak with a claims adjuster at Hagerty today and give them a recorded statement of what happened. In the statement I was told to briefly explain why the car costs so much so that the other insurance company might better understand. In the end though Hagerty seems well aware that they will be the one's writing check, then having to go after the at fault party. Oh, I also have fax over a copy of the title per their policy on all large claims, and send over a copy of the police report when I can get it.

You know, I joked a bit at first, but someone has to be looking out for me. I'm really amazed I came away from this uninjured save for a stiff neck and a few visits to the chiropractor I already see.


So as good as the car was before....any changes planned?

[Matt@BOS]

So as good as the car was before....any changes planned?

Why yes Dan, I do have some plans. I'm going to get adjustable coilovers this time around. Maybe throw on some LS3 heads while the engine is out. Other than that I haven't quite decided what to do. I've been planning a custom hood for a while, and now is a good time to change at less expense. Might do a rear diffuser and tuck the rear bumper since it has to get rechromed and the quarter has to be replaced. I have a bunch of sketches, but I don't know if I should share them just yet.

Matt

[buickfunnycar.com]

I shot the car yesterday for an insurance story.. figured it was time to reinforce that we need the RIGHT coverage for these cars..

Great idea Steve...man that car got hit hard!

[fantasygoat]

I see a lot of information for Classic insurance in the US - does anyone have any info for Classic insurance in Canada, specifically Ontario?

I'd like to get a policy that would allow me to do more than drive to a show. I'd like to be able to do a Power Tour if I wanted.

[1red68]

Ouch! Glad you are ok though.....

[rrunner68]

Why yes Dan, I do have some plans. I'm going to get adjustable coilovers this time around. Maybe throw on some LS3 heads while the engine is out. Other than that I haven't quite decided what to do. I've been planning a custom hood for a while, and now is a good time to change at less expense. Might do a rear diffuser and tuck the rear bumper since it has to get rechromed and the quarter has to be replaced. I have a bunch of sketches, but I don't know if I should share them just yet.

Matt

How is the block and heads? all the mounts good? No hairline cracks anywhere? It looks like the motor took its fair share of the hit.

[Matt@BOS]

How is the block and heads? all the mounts good? No hairline cracks anywhere? It looks like the motor took its fair share of the hit.

Well, we haven't pulled the subframe and motor yet. That is a bit beyond something I can do, so we're gonna wait until Hagerty cuts a check to really get the ball rolling. It does look like something is tweaked a little, but it could be the core support. not sure. The distance from the fender bolt holes in the cowl to the center of the core support is off by several millimeters. When everything does come apart will have a better opportunity to look things over. Right now, I can only see the damage to the header, which includes two smashed primaries and a bent header flange, hopefully the bolts didn't get pushed out and stripped, but if they did I might as well just upgrade lol. Just to be safe we're going to have Turnkey inspect the engine and run it on a dyno, etc.

Matt

[PT Sportwagon]

I hope the idiots saturn was totaled. and she is taken off the road. idiots like that should be made to pay max insurance.

Tim

[Matt@BOS]

So it has been a couple weeks, and for those of you that are curious as to when you might get a check for damages, should this ever happen to your car, just know it won't be right away.

The independent adjuster, Tri-County, has been fairly unprofessional and lazy/vague about stuff. First, the guy they sent out was a contractor or something for them, and wouldn't give us his business card, and didn't have one for Tri-County. I had to call Hagerty just to get their phone number. Second, when they finally did get their estimate together they wanted to invoice materials like paint (which is ok) but only arrived at a figure of 35K for damage versus D!ck's estimate of 50K. Needless to say Hagerty doesn't really want to pay out the 50K. I've got invoices for all of the paint and body work done to the car, and Hagerty should have a copy too, whether or not they ever really bothered to look at the invoices is another story. I was hoping to get a check this week to get things started, but it looks like we'll probably be going back and forth with Hagerty for a little while longer to get the rest of the money required to fix it.

Matt

[MrQuick]

...someone remind me why we pay top dollar for protection then get shafted when we need it and then have to pay more just to have it?

Sorry for your pain Matt. Hows your back?

Vince

[gEtyOpAPiOn]

well thats crap,what ever happen to agreed value ..wear them out till they hate you lol

[gEtyOpAPiOn]

i know if you owed them money they would be calling you everyday twice a day haha

[Matt@BOS]

Ok, before we get too far on the "yeah, these people suck bandwagon," let's just wait another week. I mean, I'm pissed that we got lowballed on the estimate, but I'm still confident that Hagerty will make it right in the end, just after a little more hassle than I'd originally thought.

Oh, and my back is pretty much fine, although I might have screwed it up moving stuff yesterday :rolleyes:

Matt

[John Wright]

I think it is customary to have the first guy to come out give you a really low figure....I think they test the waters to see if you'll jump on the first figure or put up a fight to get what it's really worth......at least it has always been that way with me whenever I had a claim against the other insurance company.

[68Formula]

I have a Haggerty agreed value policy, so I'll be interested on how this works out.

[04ctd]

yeah, my sister worked insurance for a while, she said "never take the first offer...."

my Dad is wanting to get Hagerty on his mustang, subb'ing to the thread to tell him whats up...

[Dayton]

I think it is customary to have the first guy to come out give you a really low figure....

Standard operating procedure for ALL insurance companies. Not just Hagerty.

[Matt@BOS]

Ok, I've got a little update for today, good news I think. Hagerty called and said that since there was a price discrepancy of roughly 20 grand between the estimate from Tri-County appraisal and what D!ck wrote up they were going to send out another adjuster next week. Now we just have to wait, which still kinda sucks because we're really trying to get the car together for Good Guys Scottsdale at the end of November since we're in the running for Muscle Machine of the year. Because we're a bit pressed for time I've decided to just order a subframe and start working on a custom hood, and then just get reimbursed when we get a check, which shouldn't be too long now.

Matt

[Matt@BOS]

Well, its been a month, and after four different adjusters Hagerty decided to cut me a check for around 40k and invoice materials like paint, as well as leave a couple other things open.

We're working within a bit of a timeframe, trying to get the car back together by the end of November for Good Guys Scottsdale So I went ahead and ordered some parts several weeks ago before we got the check.
I also bought an aluminum hood from AMD three weeks ago. Last week it started to look a little different: https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/Unnamed-1.jpg
Yesterday was like Christmas at the shop:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/shop042-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/shop039-1.jpg

Matt

[g356gear]

Are you going to stay with the same color??

[LeighP]

Wow, very nice looking sub!

[SSMuscle]

Ouch, glad everyone is ok

[Motown 454]

Glaad to see the parts are coming in to get you going again.

[mc84_zz4]

The Gods of Pro-Touring are smiling down upon you.
All is well, and will be back on track.
Thanks for the update, I was wondering what ever happened....

[EFI69Cam]

Does DSE not sell parts of the subframe? Just wondering why you needed a complete new one?

[DriverzInc]

Hood looks cool, very Viper like.

[Matt@BOS]

Hood looks cool, very Viper like.

Yeah, a bit of Viper, and some Ferrari 599XX for sure. I figured I could get away with it since it goes with the side vents. It will be a little more angular and less square when done. when the photo was taken the vent openings didn't match up with the angles of the hood.

BTW Jon, how is the wheel going?

Matt

[badbu68]

I love that hood! What's the underside look like?