[Russkii]

Hello guys,
I have 1996, 900S with 142K. I got hit by Camry driven by two teenagers: we spined and eventually both cars got burned completely. Nobody injured.
Turned out that:
- those 16-year guys were driving grandmother's car
- were not allowed to be on the highway between midnight and 5 am according to California law. (accident happened at 1am)
- driver tried to run away and was caught by police.


I wonder how much money can expect to get from insurance for my car?
Is it possible to declare things that got burned inside of the car? (some of them were about 200$)

Thank you.

 

[Melovesha]

that's horrible.

 

[stromer]

What types of things were burned? I don't see a car insurance company covering this. But then it wouldn't really be like homeowner's either.

 

[JMarkert]

I don't know for sure, but since you're the innocent victim I would think the contents of the car would be taken care of. What's more worrysome though is that maybe the insurance won't cover anything, since the drivers weren't legal to be driving then. I hope not. Let us know what happens and it's good to know nobody was hurt.

The insurance company will only give you blue book value, so maybe 3-4 K.
Remember you don't have to settle for their first offer though.

And stromer brings up a good point. I don't know about homeowners, but I think that my renters insurance would cover the contents of my car if they got wrecked, so if you do have homeowners or renters insurance it's worth a call.

 

[Russkii]

What types of things were burned? I don't see a car insurance company covering this. But then it wouldn't really be like homeowner's either.

I had some equipment for SCUBA diving (luckily I did not have the oxigen tank with me :cheesy: ). That stuff is pricy.
Also I had a premium sound in my car; just put new tires.

Just generally , what are the rules for insurance companies to estimate the car price? Is it related to KBB? (private party value, traid-in value or retail value?)

Thanks again.

 

[TopDown]

I believe CA requires "uninsured motorist" coverage on all policies sold in the state so there should be no issue covering the car. No doubt your car policy includes this. Your homeowners or renters policy, if you have one may cover contents minus, perhaps, a deductable.On the bright side, thank goodness you are safe.

 

[stromer]

Your car should most definatly be covered. The idea of aftermarket equipment whether it be stereo or otherwise is sort of a risk you take. I don't think my insurance would cover any of my mods. But then it really should be the cost that it takes to repair the cost to what it was, you know? At least that's how I wish it were. I think you best call your insurance agent on Monday.

 

[earthworm]

Do you know why this collision turned into a fire - the impact must have been severe.

Thank Goodness for the protection of todays cars.
and I hope that the fire was not that bad, that wheels and parts can still be salvaged.. It is possible for the owner to still "buy" his car from the insurance company in many states..

 

[Slaab4life]

One's home or renter's insurance should cover contents lost from within the car, probably with a deductible as TopDown has stated. I highly doubt that aftermarket stereos and modifications will be covered in the first offer from the insurance company, but make its presence known (reciepts for audio equipment will probably help significantly). May want to talk to a lawyer or something if insurance payments are in your favor.

 

[Russkii]

....Let us know what happens...

Hi guys.
I found out that my insurance will not pay me anything. But insurance of the other car (driven by teenager) will cover everyting including things that sgot burn (like my SCUBA equipment).
So I am very happy: I am alive and I will get my money back .
Check out the pics:

[/IMG]

 

[JMarkert]

Wow, thanks for letting us know. I'm glad that you'll be covered.

The pictures though are pretty shocking. Any clue about why the fire started? I thought modern cars resisted bursting into flames pretty well.

 

[FlyPenFly]

I would consult with a reputable lawyer, that's horrible. Get those kids off the roads for a while.

 

[Grover]

I used to work in the business and a little piece of advice. First the amount they give you is almost allways negotiable. Second many will let you find a same year and model car with similiar mileage on a dealer lot, and will give you the amount the dealer is asking. The moral is don't get suckered by bluebook price if you can show that the car sells for x amount at dealers that is what they should give you. Good luck

 

[FlyPenFly]

I find in almost all cases though it seems if you're going by dealer retail prices, Saabs are over valued in blue book compared to buying them from a dealer after a bit of haggling. What I mean to say is, often dealer post prices are lower than bluebook retail.

 

[Russkii]

Any clue about why the fire started? I thought modern cars resisted bursting into flames pretty well.

The fire started under the TOYOTA Camry's hood and 5 minuts later it was all over. I do not know the year of that Camry (not new, but not very old).

First the amount they give you is almost allways negotiable.

Thanks. I am already doing this

What I mean to say is, often dealer post prices are lower than bluebook retail.

That is true.

 

[Rob in Atlanta]

I would consult with a reputable lawyer, that's horrible. Get those kids off the roads for a while.

Unless you have personal injuries, you probably don't need the services of an attorney to make a property settlement with the other driver's insurance company. For one thing, most of the attorneys that practice in that area do so on a contingency fee basis. That means they take from 25% to 40% of whatever you get. If you have only property damage, you will be lucky to get back the cost of the property whether you have an attorney or not. Having the attorney only reduces your recovery.

If, however, you have serious personal injuries, then consulting with an experienced plaintiff's attorney may prove helpful and worthwhile. The greater amount in dispute warrants the costs of the attorney. As with hiring any professional, shop around. Most attorneys will offer an initial free consultation. Hire someone you like and that you communicate well with. Ask for references and check with your State Bar Association to determine if there are any registered complaints. If you have serious physical injuries, you also need to be consistent in following your doctors' advice, especially for any rehabilitative care. If you are having recurring problems, you need to doggedly pursue treatment with your doctor.