Hello, My brother’s car was totaled in a T-bone accident caused by an uninsured driver. His insurance offered $16,000 after a market valuation, but we think that is not enough to replace his car, which is hard to find. Can we negotiate the amount?
Also, how can we maximize the reimbursement?
On a side note, he had unique custom stickers on the car. Can he get reimbursed for those?
Finally, will his insurance rates go up even though he was not at fault?
hi buddy whats up? listen,If negotiations reach an impasse, think about asking for an appraisal from an impartial third party to assess the car’s value. This can be a useful step if the adjuster disputes your valuation.
I am sorry to hear about your brother’s accident. Here are some steps and tips to help you navigate this situation.
Negotiating the Settlement
Research the car’s value: Look up the market value of your brother’s car using resources like Kelley Blue Book or the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) to get a sense of its worth.
Gather evidence: Collect any documentation that supports a higher valuation, such as recent repairs, upgrades, or maintenance records.
Get comparable listings: Find listings of similar cars in your area to show that the market value is higher than what the insurance company offers.
Prepare a counteroffer: Based on your research, prepare a counteroffer and present it to the insurance adjuster.
Negotiate: Be persistent and polite in your negotiations. If necessary, consider hiring an attorney to help with the process.
How to maximize the reimbursement?
Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communications and expenses related to the accident.
Include all costs: Make sure to include any additional costs such as towing, storage, and rental car expenses.
Custom stickers: If the custom stickers added value to the car, provide evidence of their cost and uniqueness. It is possible to get reimbursed for these if they are considered part of the car’s value.
You need strong evidence to dispute an insurance offer. Insurance companies base their assessments on data to avoid legal trouble, so any challenge must be backed by solid documentation. Hire an independent appraiser to evaluate your vehicle, as their report will be crucial if you go to court. Sales listings, KBB, or personal connections won’t hold up. In court, only thorough, well-supported documentation will make a difference.