Batboy
Enthusiast
Assuming they total it, call BJ's down in Richmond. Since he deals with these cars, he has some pull and can help you with the value of the car. Good luck.
Accident...
- Thread starter cposk
- Start date
Mopar Steve
Enthusiast
Any time there is significant suspension damage, the first thing to look for should be frame damage. From your first description I thought this might be the case. As soon as possible start researching how much replacement cars are going for in your area. these should be comparable cars with similar mileage. Also, if there are no cars available in your area be sure to tell your agent/adjuster that transportation costs will also be involved to replace the car. The insurance company is required to make you whole as you were a minute before the accident, that means a car in your driveway, not just a financial loss of the car. Be sure to ask for inspection money for a replacement vehicle. Something that will help move them along is asking for a rental car while they are dragging their feet. If your policy covers rental cars, (even if it just sits in the driveway) get one! If they are paying for a rental they are more likely to move to get this settled quickly. DO NOT let them take the car from storage until this is settled. Just like paying for the rental car, if they have to pay storage where the car is parked they will be motivated to settle more quickly.
Good luck.
FastZilla
Enthusiast
You're in luck:
http://classifieds.viperclub.org/sh...e=gen-2-frame-cut-from-don-scharf-auto&cat=45
I've seen several Gen2 frames on the market lately.
AZTVR
Enthusiast
Yes, I was very surprised when State Farm gave me a check for a car stolen from me (not Viper) and the amount included what the sales tax would be on a replacement car bought from a dealer. Since I bought the replacement from a private party, I didn't pay any sales tax since AZ didn't charge sales tax on a private party transaction.
(That was quite a few years ago. Hopefully rules are still the same.)
cposk
Viper Owner
http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/cl...vOjFudG05bHwxbjA5dWgsdDozYjJ2dTMsemlwOjIxMTQ2
Yahoo autos claims that I can buy a 98 GTS with 42k miles for 11.9k. I think I might have over paid for mine... And that guy with the hood on ebay for 10k must be crazy.
Yahoo autos claims that I can buy a 98 GTS with 42k miles for 11.9k. I think I might have over paid for mine... And that guy with the hood on ebay for 10k must be crazy.
LifeIsGood
Enthusiast
That would be a FAIL!
dave6666
Enthusiast
Is your Viper tech an auto body Viper repair specialist, or a mechanic? HUGE difference. You need to have the car evaluated by someone that repairs crash damage, it your "tech" is not that kind of tech.
Fast Viper Dan
Enthusiast
Had that happen in a PU. First rain and at a low speed it was just like hitting oil.
Glad your ok!
Glad your ok!
dave6666
Enthusiast
Was just at the body shop that has my car and asked them about frame damage in the suspension attachment area. Very repairable depending on how bad. Keep in mind the shop owner has had 4 Vipers himself, and is a local VCA sponsor.
If you need an opinion and have some decent pics of that damage you could email them to him. I'm sure he'd be happy to give you some quick advice.
mbestinshow at yahoo dot com is Mike's email. Tell him the red GTS in his shop said to call
If you need an opinion and have some decent pics of that damage you could email them to him. I'm sure he'd be happy to give you some quick advice.
mbestinshow at yahoo dot com is Mike's email. Tell him the red GTS in his shop said to call
mattdillon
Enthusiast
Listen to Steve, he knows what he's talking about! jmo
GTS Bruce
Enthusiast
Moral of this unfortunate incident. Agreed value at what a rebuild might cost. I have Grundy and an $80,000 value documented by an appraisor. GTS Bruce
dave6666
Enthusiast
Bunch of morbid ****'s here. You've already totaled the car while the oil's still warm LOL. Maybe let the evaluation of the damage finish before writing the conclusions? Granted, limited funds and access to repair facilities combined with moronic insurance adjusters can prolong this, but maybe it will be fixed?
LOL, I'll take 10 right now!!!
cposk
Viper Owner
Still waiting to hear from the insurance adjuster. I called her Friday around COB and she said that her team was still researching the possibility of repair. I'm going to be in OKC until Friday for work so I'm not going to be able to get good pictures until the weekend.
Mopar Steve
Enthusiast
Absolutely NOT!!! Dealing with the insurance company dictates that you need to be prepared when they make any settlement proposal. They do this every day, they are good at saving the insurance company money. As a policy holder (vehicle owner) it is best to be able to answer any possible offer they provide. Remember, regardless of what they say, their paycheck comes from the company, not the policy holder.
If it gets fixed (with possible frame damage) maybe that is ok, but if they offer a lowball settlement wouldn't you want to be prepared with an intelligent argument regarding price? I wont pretend to know everything, actually there are members here that are way smarter than me, but I have been through this process and knowledge is king.
dave6666
Enthusiast
When I got the first settlement offer from Allstate (they totalled the car), I took it to the shop I used for their opinion. They gave me an initial estimate, I discussed some further cost cutting options with them like using Scharf for some parts, and in 2 weeks I had a check and the repairs had begun.
Some things I did or did not do...
-> I did look at used vehicle prices. My conclusion was Allstate's value of my car was not worth arguing over. I could come up with more productive things to do.
-> I told Allstate to holdTF on, I was getting a second opinion. They said OK, and I kept them informed via email as to the progress.
-> I did not bring in any "experts." I've seen some of the *results* and a couple hundred bucks (or even a couple thousand) is not worth my time arguing about.
-> I did take Allstate's intial offer of settlement as it was going to cover the cost of repairs after the second opinion had been finalized.
So in 2 weeks the money was in my hand and everything was underway to getting it fixed. It seems that in most of these threads, that it's not 2 weeks, but 2 months, and it's all about arguing over a few bucks. Not for me.
Some things I did or did not do...
-> I did look at used vehicle prices. My conclusion was Allstate's value of my car was not worth arguing over. I could come up with more productive things to do.
-> I told Allstate to holdTF on, I was getting a second opinion. They said OK, and I kept them informed via email as to the progress.
-> I did not bring in any "experts." I've seen some of the *results* and a couple hundred bucks (or even a couple thousand) is not worth my time arguing about.
-> I did take Allstate's intial offer of settlement as it was going to cover the cost of repairs after the second opinion had been finalized.
So in 2 weeks the money was in my hand and everything was underway to getting it fixed. It seems that in most of these threads, that it's not 2 weeks, but 2 months, and it's all about arguing over a few bucks. Not for me.
Silver04
Enthusiast
When I had an accident and dealt with USAA totaling the vehicle there was no negotiation involved or allowed. They called, gave me a #, and was basically told take it or leave it. However, $ was in my USAA account later that afternoon. The process with them was challenging but after a few weeks it was all done.
Make sure you tell them everything about your car as they will try and minimize their cost...Agree with dave6 re: few bucks...good luck!
Make sure you tell them everything about your car as they will try and minimize their cost...Agree with dave6 re: few bucks...good luck!
Mopar Steve
Enthusiast
Few bucks? not here.
Nationwide's initial offer was $32,000 on my first Viper. After 30 days of intelligent negotiations I settled for $51,000. A little more than a few bucks to me. The offer from the insurance company is always negotiable.
I am glad to help the original poster any way I can. Good luck.
dave6666
Enthusiast
Obviously each case is different, but when the cost of repairs equals the amount the insurance company is willing to pay, I say good to go. Allstate's initial offer met that criteria. I also look at insurance as a means to cover a loss only. Nothing else.
FastZilla
Enthusiast
Dave - one of the local girls in your area has some inspirational words to get you thru the repairs & back on the road:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn676-fLq7I&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL4917112ABD1F4532
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn676-fLq7I&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL4917112ABD1F4532
AviP
Enthusiast
Front end damage (hood, bumper, frame) to a 98 WILL TOTAL it. It's hard to imagine otherwise. Here's a price list:
Hood $13,700
Bumper $1,600
Control arm $560
That itself works out to about $16K. Factor in paint and labor and you get into the mid 20s, around 25K. A '98 is probably worth around $30-35K depending on mileage and condition. That puts it right in the range to be totaled (80% of book value). Unless you have agreed value insurance, you are most likely toast.
Factor in that your control arm is broken, the probability of a pinched or bent frame is arguably 90% or more. I'd say you have a frame job as well.
Definitely totaled. Sorry! Wish you luck.
Hood $13,700
Bumper $1,600
Control arm $560
That itself works out to about $16K. Factor in paint and labor and you get into the mid 20s, around 25K. A '98 is probably worth around $30-35K depending on mileage and condition. That puts it right in the range to be totaled (80% of book value). Unless you have agreed value insurance, you are most likely toast.
Factor in that your control arm is broken, the probability of a pinched or bent frame is arguably 90% or more. I'd say you have a frame job as well.
Definitely totaled. Sorry! Wish you luck.
dave6666
Enthusiast
Mine was totaled per the equation above, but I bought it back and it's being repaired for the amount the insurance company paid.
My point is, "totaled" by the insurance company, versus the feasibility of properly repairing the car for the settlement amount, are not always the same result. My current experience is a testament to that.
Oh... and a hood is $5K from Scharf
dave6666
Enthusiast
FastZilla
Enthusiast
me too....I knew it would brighten you day! At least I don't have her name on the city limit sign
At least I don't have her name on the city limit sign eucharistos
Enthusiast
i guess distance makes the heart grow fonder 
i like her 85%
this 1 100%
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFCuyLwhUzM
anti hijack comment:
+1
i like her 85%
this 1 100%
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFCuyLwhUzM
anti hijack comment:
+1
FastZilla
Enthusiast
Silver04
Enthusiast
Let us know what happens with USAA.
Wow!!!
She's twice the woman now she was in that video....
Wow!!!
eucharistos
Enthusiast
She's twice the woman now she was in that video....
Let us know what happens with USAA.
Wow!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN29X2HCKpU
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Fatboy 18
Enthusiast
The HORROR, The HORROR 
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