My Camaro Wreck & State Farm Insurance

[Garymac69]

Last month my '69 Camaro got rear-ended. I was sitting at a light and the car hit me at about 40 mph, which was hard enough to cause the upper rear of the quarters to momentarily hit the tops of the doors and chip off chunks of paint (it totaled his Toyota). I've owned the car for 17 years and performed all the work except spraying the paint, so I was obviously distraught. Then to make matters worse, the 19 year old boy had lapsed insurance. So my car would be repaired under my uninsured policy, and I have the State Farm Classic car policy. I was concerned how that would work out. I thought I should report my experience......

I got an estimate at the best shop in town, but his rates were double those of a collision shop, so State Farm refused to accept that estimate. They then suggested a shop that was in their select service program (he was actually my second choice). That shop does collision work and and also paints custom cars & bikes. His son does the painting and owns a sweet '70 Pro-street Camaro, so I knew him from local car shows. The paint on my car is +14 years old, so we were concerned with paint matching. The shop owner had to battle the State Farm rep, stating that I would not accept the car unless the paint matched, and he needed to paint every panel that had damage. They finally agreed, so that means they are paying for 70% of the car to be re-painted. I'll make up the difference to get the rest of the car painted, a ding fixed, etc. So I'm pretty satisfied at this point. Oh...and I decided it would be a perfect time to get mini-tubs installed!

I'll post a few more updates and pics as work progresses. He plans to have it done before Thanksgiving.

Gary

509925099150993

[jy211]

looks like it held up pretty good to e 40mph crash.

[solarguy09]

Sorry to hear about the accident. Glad your alright and turning it into something even better...

[moreHP]

Good to hear since I have State Farm insurance. Glad you are OK and that the car will be better than ever soon!

[LS1-IROC]

Glad it's turning out well for you! Minitubs will be sweet!

If he indeed was going 40mph, your car held up EXTREMELY well. I would expect it to buckle the car up into the sail panels.

[69X22]

Man I hate to hear that. I think Steve Rupp went thru this with Bad Penny.

[GeoffP]

I've got State Farm classic coverage...this makes me feel better. I have to admit I was concerned about their classic coverage. Glad to hear yours worked out so well!

[Morgan]

I'm glad it worked out as well but you shouldn't have to "battle" your insurance company. With any classic or custom car you should be able to choose your own shop and the company should be willing to pay a higher rate than the "normal" collision shop rate. You lucked out Gary but most in this situation do not. State Farm is fantastic for homes and regular cars. For cars like ours you want Hagerty, American Collectors or Chartis. No headache and you know the repairs will be done correctly by who you want.

[Garymac69]

It appears the Toyota that hit me went under my car as it hit the rear, so the damage was minimized. I'm glad I welded in the subframe connectors last year!

I have always been with State Farm and have not had a claim in 40 years of driving. I thought I might be taking a risk insuring the Camaro, but the $220/yr seemed too hard to pass up. Many times car guys told me I should use a specialty insurance like Grundy or Haggerty and I did get quotes from them at more than double the cost. So I took my chances, and it finally caught up with me!

I think I did luck out with the shop doing my car. I have the estimate he gave to State Farm and he is definitely not getting paid enough for this work!

Gary

[shmoov69]

That is awesome! My chic worked for state farm for like 8 years, so that is what we got, but I have always been concerned about the "what if"!
40 mph?!? WoW! Did amazing! Mine got hit in the pass side at about 15mph and should've totaled it! Buckled the dash, caved the firewall, shoved the subframe, both control arms junked and flatened the side! That was 15 or so years ago tho and the ladies insurance was farmers and they did ok.

Hope yours ENDS well!

[LeighP]

Very lucky to have the car come out that well fro mthat big a hit.....make sure they check the track and wheelbase etc to be sure nothing underneath got bent.
Good luck with the rebuild.

[Jeff70]

Sorry to hear about the unfortunate luck. If you don't mind me asking what was the estimate?

In the past I've had friends get their classics totaled over 5-10k incidents when dealing with the big box insurance companies.

Rupp wrote a article in PHR when BD Penny was rear ended & that prompted me to go for a classic car insurance with a agreed value.

[mc84_zz4]

Wow, really glad to hear it turned out well for you. I also have classic car coverage from State Farm, and we have an agreed value, also very decent rates.
I think your Camaro took the hit very well. :cheers:

[Garymac69]

I had the policy at an agreed value of $33K. The 1st estimate was $14k. The second was $8k. State Farm said they would start considering totaling the car at 70% of $33K.

[CruizinKev]

sorry to hear about the accident but glad to hear that it turned out well for you :twothumbs

[Garymac69]

I know several other car guys locally that have their classic cars insured with State Farm, including the owner of the shop fixing my car. I'm keeping them alll updated on my experience.

[rp0029]

I am an attorney and I sue State Farm (and dozens of other auto insurers) constantly on behalf of insureds. In many cases they'll throw more money at their lawyers just to delay a claim. They make more money that way because while they're not paying you, they're doing a media blitz with your money and taking in more money in new policy premiums. Here in Florida they have to pay your fees if you win the case but they mostly don't care at all.

Regular auto, I recommend Allstate. Never dealt with the classic companies before in court, but I have American Collectors. So far they have no problem taking my money every year.

[TheJDMan]

Gary,
Sorry to hear about the accident man, but I guess the silver lining is it was a POS rice burner that hit you and not a big jacked up 4x4 pickup. I have to ask rp0029 if Gary has any legal recourse to go after the driver that hit him to recoup is out of pocket expenses?

[68Formula]

Sorry to hear about your accident Gary. Glad you're ok.

[southernfriedcj]

looks like it held up pretty good to e 40mph crash.

I'll say.

My wife got hit by a guy going slower than that and it buckled the frame and crunched the quarters and the doors wouldn't open and that was in a 4 door Expedition(full frame vehicle).

[1969CamaroRS]

You might want to check the laws in your state, but I believe you should have be able to have your car repaired at whatever shop you want:
http://doi.sc.gov/faqs/Pages/Auto.aspx

14. The adjuster recommended a specific body shop. Can I use a different shop?

You can have it repaired wherever you choose. But no matter what shop you choose, the adjuster will base your claim payment on market price for the repairs and pay the local average rates for parts & labor.

[Garymac69]

You might want to check the laws in your state, but I believe you should have be able to have your car repaired at whatever shop you want:
http://doi.sc.gov/faqs/Pages/Auto.aspx

Yes, I believe I could have chosen that 1st shop, but would have had to paid the difference between his $75/hr rate and the typical $45/hr rate, which would have been substantial.

Also I just got a call from my claims adjuster and I agreed to the $4K for lost wages, medical bills, etc. That will cover painting the rest of my car and fixing all dents, etc. Plus I may have enough for a wheel & tire upgrade to 275/335.....

BTW....One thing I had not mentioned....3 weeks before the crash, I ordered the complete Ridetech front/rear coilover system w/Tru-turn. The stuff was delivered 2 days after the wreck and has been taunting me in the garage.

Gary

[John Wright]

3 weeks before the crash, I ordered the complete Ridetech front/rear coilover system w/Tru-turn. The stuff was delivered 2 days after the wreck and has been taunting me in the garage.

Gary

LOL...I think that I can hear those new parts calling out your name......LOL

[Garymac69]

I just got back from the shop to check progress (it's great that it is only 1 mile away). Progress and quality of work look great. One odd situation that we are dealing with on the State Farm and their select service shop system: He has a deadline of early next week to finish the repair from the wreck damage. I am paying him to paint the rest of the car and fix all the little flaws. But State Farm will not allow an additional week for him to do that. That pushes him to do the car in 2 phases! He will do my work after the rear of the car is painted. That will cost him more money, take more time overall, and increase the chance of the paint not matching perfectly since it will be mixed on two separate days.

Gary


5113951138

[Northeast Rod Run]

I've never heard of such a thing.

How can they give him a deadline on how long it's going to take? If they are paying a certain amount of money on the repair, why would they care how long it takes?

[Payton King]

Well I was trying to say out of this thread but I guess that I am going to jump in. I would assume the reason they are concerned with how long it takes is that they have him in a rental car that state Farm is paying. Why should they pay for a rental car when he is getting work done that was not part of the accident? He has the option to have it all done at the same time, but he is electing not to do so.

As stated above he could have gone to the more expensive shop as well and did not want to pay the difference out of his pocket. Any insurance company whether it is State Farm, Allstate, Grundy or Hagerty will do exactly the same. Why would they want to pay Troy at Rad Rides to replace a tail pan for $150 on hour when there are 100's of qualified shops that can do it for $45.

It is funny how the insurance company is always the bad guy and this person is being more than compensated. He got his car repaired along with lost wages and medical that he did not need since he is spending that amount of the settlement on his car as well. It appears to me he is coming out way to the good.

As far as the comment from the lawyer...you have to be joking

No offense is intended to the original poster. I am thankful that you were not hurt, your car was able to be repaired and you can make some updates and turn a bad situation into a great outcome. I look forward to seeing a build tread of your new suspension.

[Garymac69]

I thought it important to post this info based on the mostly positive experience with the State Farm classic car policy. Almost every car guy tells me I would get the shaft if I ever had a claim, and that I should get one of the specialty insurance policies (Grundy, etc). I wanted all you guys to know the outcome, positive or negative.

The deadline thing has been confirmed by the owners of 2 local shops that are State Farm Select Service shops, and appears to be non-negotiable. Several times it appears that fixing my car properly within their system is like forcing the old square peg in the round hole. Most collision shops would refuse to repair my car because of the difficulty (happened with my 1st choice of shops). The State Farm rep for the region has taken a personal interest in my case, because he has never worked a claim on a classic car.

Gary

[Payton King]

My comments were not directed at you but as some of the posters and onlookers. I am not saying State Farm or any other insurance company always handles claims perfectly, but in a vast majority of cases they do. As stated before, the specialty carriers will handle the claim in exactly the same way. State Farm and most all major carriers offer a "stated value" policy. What that means is in the event of a loss they will pay up to but not over the value stated based on actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the loss. If you insure you vehicle for $70,000 and then proceed to use it as a daily driver over the next 3 years and put 50,000 miles on the car...it will not be worth $70,000. If you have a loss and they will adjust the value accordingly. There is usually not any driving restrictions as far as mileage a year.

An "agreed value" policy ususally has restriction on driving, use and where it is kept (ie secured garage) Where you get into them paying the full value of the agreed amount is after a theft or total loss fire and you would not need to prove the value of your car. They will pay the agreed amount. Any other kind of damage the insurance company will still adjust the claim to see if the vehicle can be repaired and pay usual and customary labor rates. Obviously, if you have a hand formed, one off fender on your street rod or custom paint, it will need to go back to the $150 a hour shop.

Gary, the only time there would be any sort of time limit for the completed work is if there is a rental car involved. That is calculated based on amount of work per estimate. Once your body shop got into the car and if they found additional damage, they can file for a supplement for the additonal damage and time. I am not sure they have communicated that to you. I assume that you are speaking about rental and not shop hours, which I address above. If you can give me more information on what you are writing about, maybe I can help you.

[1969CamaroRS]

If the damage is determined to be able to be repaired at cost of $X and take 2 weeks, State Farm should cut you check for $x and the cost of 2 weeks of rental car and get out of the picture period. If the rental car is an issue they could just simply say they will only pay for reasonable rental car expenses. Anything else you want done should be on the owner's shoulders but this doesn't sound like the case. They seem to be involved way more than is reasonable.

This IMHO is exactly why you don't want to take your car to a Insurance company shop, too many incentives to cut corners / use sub-standard parts etc to save them pennies. An independent shop will want your return business/referral and want to keep you happy over the Insurance company. An Insurance company shop is the reverse their lively-hood depends on keeping the Insurance company happy, not you.

Sorry you going through this, I feel your pain, I too have had very bad experiences with Insurance companies cutting corners.

[Garymac69]

Should be going to paint this week. We got all the little nicks and dings fixed from the last 14 years of driving.

Gary

5124151240

[Vicinity]

If the damage is determined to be able to be repaired at cost of $X and take 2 weeks, State Farm should cut you check for $x and the cost of 2 weeks of rental car and get out of the picture period. If the rental car is an issue they could just simply say they will only pay for reasonable rental car expenses. Anything else you want done should be on the owner's shoulders but this doesn't sound like the case. They seem to be involved way more than is reasonable.

This IMHO is exactly why you don't want to take your car to a Insurance company shop, too many incentives to cut corners / use sub-standard parts etc to save them pennies. An independent shop will want your return business/referral and want to keep you happy over the Insurance company. An Insurance company shop is the reverse their lively-hood depends on keeping the Insurance company happy, not you.

Sorry you going through this, I feel your pain, I too have had very bad experiences with Insurance companies cutting corners.

That's what State Farm did for me.

"It'll cost about this much, here's a check. Have a nice day."

[trapin]

State Farm is OK until you total your car or it gets stolen. Then when you go to collect what you THOUGHT was the "agreed" value you find out that the agent who sold you the car insurance really didn't know what he was selling you and you wound up with "stated" value.

What does this mean? It means they are only going to give you what THEY think your car is worth. My cousin had State Farm insurance and found this out before switching to Hagerty. Guy at State Farm told him it was Agreed Value, when he looked at his declaration page it said "Stated Value". Burned. Now, mind you....this was 6 years ago. Perhaps things have changed over there.

Take a VERY close look at your declaration page and make absolutely sure you are getting Agreed Value. It was to actually say "Agreed Value" on that page somewhere or you are NOT getting it.

[Payton King]

State Farm does not offer an "agreed" policy, only "stated" If his car was worth X amount of dollars he should have been able to prove that with a market comparison, reciepts, etc. The flip side of that is new tires, motor or mechanical work to get the car driving does not add to the value of the car in a one to one ratio.

[Garymac69]

My agent makes me get an appraisal every 2 years and provide them that document plus they take pictures of the car each time. The guy they recommended has been doing it for the last 14 years. His appraised value is what I have the car insured for. How could they then argue about that value if the car was totaled, stolen, etc?

Gary

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Wow, I was going through this section and found this thread..kinda funny our similarities, i got rear ended a month ago by a 19 y/o girl. But I am having a horrible experience with state farm (girls insurance company). For 40mph your car held up great, mine got totaled at "about" that speed..looking at the differences in damages, I'm starting to think mine was more like 50mph+. good luck on the repairs, beautiful car, I love the wheels.

[Garymac69]

Wow, I was going through this section and found this thread..kinda funny our similarities, i got rear ended a month ago by a 19 y/o girl. But I am having a horrible experience with state farm (girls insurance company). For 40mph your car held up great, mine got totaled at "about" that speed..looking at the differences in damages, I'm starting to think mine was more like 50mph+. good luck on the repairs, beautiful car, I love the wheels.

Tim,

The Toyota that hit me was kind of low in the front, so it looked like it went under my car so the damage was minimized. The gas tank and exhaust was all mangled. I wish you luck with the insurance claim. I have always been treated OK by State Farm.

And PLEASE don't say you love the wheels! I just had the car mini-tubbed and am trying to talk myself into selling those wheels and upgrading to some new style with 19x12" in back!

Gary

[ALLstrokedOUT]

...And PLEASE don't say you love the wheels! I just had the car mini-tubbed and am trying to talk myself into selling those wheels and upgrading to some new style with 19x12" in back!

Gary

Haha sorry, I'm mini rubbing mine too, the wider the better huh!

I got rear ended by a ford focus, but every car/accidents different

[trapin]

My agent makes me get an appraisal every 2 years and provide them that document plus they take pictures of the car each time. The guy they recommended has been doing it for the last 14 years. His appraised value is what I have the car insured for. How could they then argue about that value if the car was totaled, stolen, etc?

Gary

Gary, that appraisel that he asks you for serves only as a "ceiling" of what they will give you. Basically, they will not give you more for your car then what is on that appraisel. IT DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL GET THE APPRAISEL VALUE AT TIME OF CLAIM. State Farm will still make their own determination of what your car is worth based on market comparisons. If they determine a '69 Camaro is worth $30,000 from their research and they have an appraisel from you for $40,000......

Guess what.......

Expect a check for $30,000.

The flip side to that coin is if they determine the value of your car at $50,000, then you get a check for $40,000. Why? Because you gave them an appraisel that had that amount on it. Again, that appraisel represents ONLY THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THEY WILL GIVE YOU. The only thing they ever "agreed" to do was take your appraisel and stick it in a filing cabinet.

Grab your declaration page, if it doesn't say "Agreed Value" anywhere on that document than call Hagerty and bite the bullet.

Hey if I'm wrong somebody jump in here and set me straight.

[Payton King]

Sorry but you are not exactly correct Tony. See my post above. Only reason they would offer less is due to use/abuse. The original poster gets an appraisal every 2 years, they would compare that with the current condition of the car and pictures. Camaros are pretty easy since they are so popular and hold there value well. You are correct in they will not go over the listed amount and may adjust down. Now if you favorite car is a Pinto and you spend $50,000 on a $3000 car, you are gonig to have problems.

I feel pretty confident in my answers since I have been a State Farm agent for 15 years.

[MyFriendScott]

Just checked my declaration page for Hagerty. Hagerty uses the term "Guaranteed Value" instead of "Agreed Value" for clarification.

[trapin]

Thanks for the clarification Payton. Are we in agreement though that if he wants to be guaranteed he gets the appraisal value than he should have an "Agreed Value" policy? Sounds like the guy in the $50,000 Pinto would. LOL.

[Garymac69]

Thanks for the feedback. After the new paint job, complete Ridetech suspension upgrade, bigger wheels & tires, I plan to get the car appraised and increase the insured value. I'm still not convinced I need to switch to Haggerty, etc.

Gary

[Steve1968LS2]

Been there.. did that.. have the pin... ;)

Glad it's working out for you.. sometimes you need to fight it out with the insurance company. Lots of uninsured drivers out there and there are also UNDER INSURED drivers.. are you guys covered for that??? :)

[rfrankb4]

and this person is being more than compensated. He got his car repaired along with lost wages and medical that he did not need since he is spending that amount of the settlement on his car as well. It appears to me he is coming out way to the good.


So It is your insurance agent opinion that because the lost wages and medical costs did not force him into bankruptcy he is not due compensation for the loss? That is beyond stupid.

I too can attest that insurance companies make a habit of extending the legal process for claims in many circumstances. They have agreements with new or struggling attorneys to pay very low attorney fees and thus can afford to do so. The obvious benefits are as the other attorney stated.
1) They get to keep the money for as long as possible. Money in hand is earning interest and that is the primary business model of insurance companies.
2) They are well aware that many of the people on the other side will be suffering, going into debt and generally unable to make ends meet without the money they are due. So delaying that payment makes the insurance company position stronger and hopefully allows for a lower settlement amount. Sure it is cold and heartless but that is business. I do not hate the insurance company for doing that but to claim they do not is blind ignorance.

[rrunner68]

My insurance is for 55k + receipts. But, it is also a member owned company, so we get a refund check for any profits the company makes at the end of the year. Hands down the BEST insurance company in the business.

[bri-rock]

As a side note, I just called Grundy to get a quote. Lady there told me that as of October, they are no longer writing policies for classic cars. Something to do with the fact that they were bought by a different underwriter. Don't ask me to explain it.

[Morgan]

Well again I'm going to pop in here. Insurance is what I do for a living and cars are my niche (both Collector and Racing). If anyone ever wants the lowdown on the differences between carriers please contact me. I represent multiple so that I can find the "right" fit for how you want to use your car and if I can't help you I'll let you know.

[Garymac69]

My insurance is for 55k + receipts. But, it is also a member owned company, so we get a refund check for any profits the company makes at the end of the year. Hands down the BEST insurance company in the business.

What insurance company is that?

[68Formula]

It is funny how the insurance company is always the bad guy and this person is being more than compensated. He got his car repaired along with lost wages and medical that he did not need since he is spending that amount of the settlement on his car as well. It appears to me he is coming out way to the good.





So It is your insurance agent opinion that because the lost wages and medical costs did not force him into bankruptcy he is not due compensation for the loss? That is beyond stupid.


Yeah, I mean wow! Inside the mind of an insurance person. If you're not financially screwed to a point where you can't spend any money outside of basic bills, you don't deserve the loss compensation that you've paid for. And then they wonder why they are the bad guy?

[trapin]

I don't know guys, I would tend to agree with Payton on this one. If a guy recieves extra money for lost wages and medical but yet spends that money on his car instead, then unless he's letting his bills lapse it doesn't sound like he needed that extra money to begin with. I think in that case the Insurance company has a legitimate beef.

[Garymac69]

I don't know guys, I would tend to agree with Payton on this one. If a guy recieves extra money for lost wages and medical but yet spends that money on his car instead, then unless he's letting his bills lapse it doesn't sound like he needed that extra money to begin with. I think in that case the Insurance company has a legitimate beef.

I have been in an accident 5 times in my long life and each was not my fault. Each time I received compensation for lost wages and some $$ for pain and suffering. This is the 1st time my insurance had to cover the accident, so I was not expecting the same compensation. But I'm certainly glad it worked out that way, since it allowed me to get the rest of the car painted.

Gary

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I just have to interject my experiences one more time. Same insurance company, similar accident, but i am not their customer. They valued my car at 2/3 of what my reciepts stated that we have invested (no duplicate parts, just new everything on the vehicle). These reciepts did not include little things like my carberetor, fuel line, paint, wire ends, WBo2 gage, fuel cell, etc...On top of that they have taken over a month to come to this point and i am still waiting for them to deduct the vehicles current value from their offer as we'll be retaining it for parts. Were doing all the work ourselves as we did previously, so no labor expenses, but it still seems like im getting the short end of the deal here. Once again, im glad everything worked out for you Gary, time will only tell how its going to work out for me...

[Garymac69]

Tim,
It's sad that you are getting treated so poorly! I wonder why I am being treated more fairly? Your state laws? Insurance Agent? Claims adjuster? I would think they would be taking care of you better so you don't get your lawyer involved! I believe I would be considering that option!

Gary

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Gary, i personally feel that you are being treated better because you are their customer, however the insurance agent that i am speaking with is a horrible waste of time and has done nothing for me. The only time any forward progress was achieved on the claim was because i called her supervisor and complained about her and the claims adjuster. The claims adjuster initially wrote that the duster still had a slant 6 and 3spd manual...But a lawyer is a very real possibility that i am looking into depending on how much they value my 'ol "slant six" duster in its current mangled state. If i had to do it over again, id probably file a claim with my ins. company and let them deal with state farm to get the money...

[SparkyRnD]

Well again I'm going to pop in here. Insurance is what I do for a living and cars are my niche (both Collector and Racing). If anyone ever wants the lowdown on the differences between carriers please contact me. I represent multiple so that I can find the "right" fit for how you want to use your car and if I can't help you I'll let you know.


THIS! This thread and the responses are the exact reason why I contacted Morgan, and he set me up with a policy through American Classic. I have StateFarm for my daily vehicles, but they do not offer an agreed value, only a stated value, so I needed coverage separately from them for my toys.

[trapin]

Tim....what insurance company do you have for the Duster?

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Tim....what insurance company do you have for the Duster?

nothing special, National Insurance, I believe they're under Farmers. We figure we can pay for and fix anything stupid I do to the car without filing a claim to keep ins. costs down, but never really put much thought about what someone else's stupidity could do to the car...

EDIT: I will not take back what i said about State Farms personal service, but in the end it turns out that they were more than fair when it came to the final dollar figure. They may have valued the car initially at 2/3 of what our reciepts said, but they stated the vehicles salvage value to only be $800, so It looks like everything should work out great!

[boplaw]

OP, you might want to look at your policy and explore a diminished value claim as well. Normally on a first party claim you cannot get DV, but it was not your fault so arguably you can recover for it. State Farm can pursue the uninsured at-fault party for reimbursement. Normally his license will be suspended until he strikes a deal with State Farm to reimburse their UM payments, both PD and BI, to you.

BTW, I've admired your car at local shows and we spoke one time a few years ago. A friend owns a red/white 69 Z that sometimes comes out.

[Garymac69]

A friend told me about that diminished value claim and I discussed that with my claims person back when the State Farm rep was not wanting to paint the complete body panels that were damaged. Luckily they agreed it was logical to fix it right the 1st time and not have to go thru that process.

Gary

[Garymac69]

That fresh paint sure looks sweet!

Gary


5262552626

[GeoffP]

Looks good!

[68 TT]

The new paint looks great. I'm glad you didn't get hurt.

I got hit in the same manner a year ago in my Tahoe. They hit squarely on the receiver hitch though and it put all the force of the impact directly into the frame throwing the vehicle forward several feet even with my foot on the brakes. No crumple zones involved at all. I took the brunt of the impact as I was turned sideways talking to my wife while we were waiting for the light to change. Severe whiplash, sprained wrists, shoulder & back pain and I even sprained my ankle on the brake pedal. It threw my whole body weight onto the brake pedal.

I am still suffering from the injuries a year later and the other persons insurance company is trying to deny I was hurt at all since the Tahoe has no body damage. I am out $20,000 in medical bills that my insurance company won't pay since somebody else was at fault unless we can stick it out and win in court. Probably cost me another $10k to do that and we may not win in the end because the insurance company has bottomless pockets to buy their own "experts" for the trial and will try to paint a picture that I am some scumbag trying to rob them out of funds I don't deserve. I hate insurance companies.

[FlyDoc]

I have been in an accident 5 times in my long life and each was not my fault. Each time I received compensation for lost wages and some $$ for pain and suffering. This is the 1st time my insurance had to cover the accident, so I was not expecting the same compensation. But I'm certainly glad it worked out that way, since it allowed me to get the rest of the car painted.

Gary

^^^ if all financial obligations are met, Gary can spend his compensation for pain and suffering as he chooses.

seeing my sweat, hard work, Pride and Joy of 14 years would not equal $4K.

[Garymac69]

^^^ if all financial obligations are met, Gary can spend his compensation for pain and suffering as he chooses.

seeing my sweat, hard work, Pride and Joy of 14 years would not equal $4K.

True ...that's not the best way to get a new paint job. And I was lucky I had no serious injuries. I'm glad to have the car back in my garage after the time in paint jail!

Gary

[CreepinDeth]

I had the policy at an agreed value of $33K. The 1st estimate was $14k. The second was $8k. State Farm said they would start considering totaling the car at 70% of $33K.

How does that work then ?? Would they have paid you $33K if they couldn't get it done for under 70% ??

BTW I can't believe how well your 1960's American steel stood up to a rear impact at 40mph.
It looks like a 15mph bump.

[Danny Humphreys]

Because they give you a check for $33k (buying the car from you) and then sell the salvage. Cars usually bring about 30% of their value.

In reply to the lawyer, he must not understand how claims work. Anytime a claim is opened the insurance company has to set aside money in reserve for what they feel the value is. This means the money comes out of the general operating fund, and is set aside specifically for that case. He should also know that insurance companies have to pay interest on a settlement from the date of the loss until the case is settled.

68TT - If you have a legitimate case, the vast majority of personal injury attorneys work off a percentage of the settlement and don't require money up front.

GARYMAC69 - (And other State Farm customers) In the future if you have issues with the claims department, you should contact your agent immediately. That's what they're there for, to assist you when problems arise. If they aren't willing to help you, find another agent.

Lots of good information here regarding the diffference between stated value and agreed value. Another reason why having a good agent is valuable, to help you understand the differences.

As said before, if you dump $50,000 into a $10,000 car, it doesn't make it a $60,000 car.

I am a State Farm agent for 16 years and another 7 before that handing injury claims and a nerdy degree in insurance as well. (self professed insurance geek)

[Garymac69]

Soon I must decide.......stay with the agreed value policy or go with a stated value policy through Hagerty, etc. I thought I was treated fairly by State Farm on my claim, so it will be tough to change!

Gary

[camcojb]

Soon I must decide.......stay with the agreed value policy or go with a stated value policy through Hagerty, etc. I thought I was treated fairly by State Farm on my claim, so it will be tough to change!

GaryI think you have it backwards. :secret:

[Garymac69]

I finally got my '69 back on the road about 2 weeks ago. Too bad I had the 2 month delay caused by the Perry Price PTS wheel order issue:

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?87692-Warning-about-Perry-Price-at-PTS

Overall I thought I got treated pretty well by State Farm. I used the pain and suffering monies to get the complete car repainted. And it gave me an excuse for upgrades: Minitub, Ridetech suspension front and rear, bigger wheels and tires, new seats.


5919559196

[dadto2jays]

The car looks terrific!!!!!

[Jeff70]

You should be proud it looks great! Were you able to get your refund on the wheels?

[Garymac69]

You should be proud it looks great! Were you able to get your refund on the wheels?

Thanks.......No, I did not get a refund because I used paypal directly from my bank account, and the transaction was over 45 days.

[6D9 Matt]

Looks great Gary! Wow... really nice.

Sorry to hear about your situation with Perry. I had the same thing... ordered wheels and was getting the run around, etc. I knew about the 45 day period so I filed a complaint and told Perry, etc and he finally paid me back for the two wheels. Hope that works out for you... but at least you have the car back!

Because of the 5-6 week delay Perry put me at, Im hoping to get my Camaro into the shop in the next month or so for a new rear, minitub, as well as some other stuff. Seeing yours gets me pretty excited.

[TheJDMan]

The car looks great! Now give Morgan a call and let him show you what he can do for you. Morgan knows cars and is a SEMA member, I don't know of many insurance agents so tuned in to cars.

http://haydenwood.com/hwimotors/

[Payton King]

You must know me then...LOL

Car looks great! Really turned into a stunning ride. Did you make it to RTOS last weekend in Kershaw?

[CruizinKev]

wow turned out great! :twothumbs

[Garymac69]

You must know me then...LOL

Car looks great! Really turned into a stunning ride. Did you make it to RTOS last weekend in Kershaw?

Thanks.......no, I was too "chicken" to take it there with so little time to sort out loose ends. If I had not received the 2 month penalty from PTS, I had originally planned to take it up there. Several of us car guys did go up to spectate and also got a few rides.

[JD'sTT55]

Wow looks amazing glad it all worked out for you. I totaled my ride 16yrs ago and had inadequate insurance so I lost out of all my hard work. I'm working on it again and appreciate you sharing your experience with the forum to keep us all better informed.
:cheers: