My VW sacrificed itself to save me/daughter yesterday
- Thread starter dwcopple
- Start date
My 2 prior incidents were a straight 1/3-2/3. Fees were minimal, like mailing and copies, and stuff like that. $70 or so
In the past, while negotiating with an adjuster after being rear-ended, I brought up the option of hiring a lawyer and they responded with how that wasn't a good idea because the lawyer would soak up a lot of the money. I responded by saying that was true but then we would have to demand a lot more to compensate for that. He didn't have much response to that and gave me what I was asking for at that point.
Don't mention any pre-existing conditions in the deposition; you'll lose lots of money.
Make sure they know you are more than willing to take time off from work/ whatever it takes to get what's just.
Glad everyone is ok that looks like a bad wreck. As far as warranty is concerned new VW is 4yr which would run out in 2028 while the six year on a 2019 would run out 2025. Even a CPO Jetta would give you more warranty than 2025. As for the insurance rate subsidizing your new auto loan rate I don't think that will happen. If it does please let us know!!
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Good advice. In NJ an adult has two years to file and a minor has two years or until they turn 18, whichever is longer.
Assuming neither of you had rental riders on your policy?
Good to hear everyone made out fine or with just minor injuries. Judging from the pictures, it was a pretty substantial hit.
That's the most important thing.
That's the most important thing.
I don't, dunno about the at fault party
Owen Lucas
$100 Site Donor 2023
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You don't have to accept the insurance companies total loss offer. Insurance companies use valuations services such as c c c that often undervalue vehicles. This is understandable from the ins co perspective, it's all about saving money. Your recourse would be to invoke your appraisal clause and hire a licensed public adjuster to negotiate the vehicles value on your behalf. Licensed public adjusters charge $300 - $400, so it might be worth it if you feel the value is way off, usually a free consult is in order to see if you qualify.
That is a great tactic and I'm glad it worked for you. As an adjuster it's been tried on me countless times and I always said, "OK, have them give me a call". Never received a call, but that depends on the company. As an adjuster we aren't supposed to change the valuation without a valid reason, it must be reflective of the vehicles intrinsic value like an option that was missed. Valuations are based on state mandated guidelines and just making numbers up or inflating a value can actually be considered unfair claims practice. The only real way to dispute a value is by having a licensed public adjuster talk to your insurance co through the appraisal clause process.
I presume this is because the policy does not have rental coverage and liability has not been determined.
The claim is probably being escalated to a higher level examiner specializing in more complex accidents. They are most likely overloaded with work and you'll have a new car by the time they have time to review the police report and decide who is at fault, even if it is obvious.
What you should do:
- Document your out of pocket expenses, get a cost effective rental if you need one.
- If your vehicle is in a tow yard, empty it out and reset your garage door opener / radio / nav settings.
- Make sure to sign the release for the towing and storage so the insurance co can take your vehicle quickly without being charged additional storage which might be charged against you if you drag your feet.
- Don't file with the at fault company, it will take forever, just go with your 1st party coverage.
- Be careful what you say to the other insurance company, it's best not to say anything other than "talk to my attorney". The calls are recorded.
- Set the expectation that this process will take a while and that everyone is incompetent. Document all your communication.
- Take care of yourself and think positive, I hope you and your daughter recover 100%, us BITOGs are a tough and resilient bunch!
Liability is determined. He was issued a ticket.
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The car can be replaced, not you.
I realize that seems like the same thing, but it really isn't.
Also Michigan has some different insurance laws.
Owen is on point, Though i personally would not hire an atty or invoke appraisal right off the bat.
Good car, but I attribute your and your daughters survival to a much higher power than the Jetta.
The other insurance company likely doesn’t have the police report yet. They may not have spoken with their policy holder to confirm what happened (odd I know, but it happens). The policy may have excluded drivers so they need to verify who was driving and what happened before accepting liability. I’d proceed with your own coverage and document any out of pocket costs if you need to rent something so you can hopefully get reimbursed by the other company assuming they have coverage and accept liability.
Don’t invoke the appraisal clause yet, wait and see what they offer but do your own research to get an idea of what the car is worth.
All of this is a giant pain but you and your daughter are ok so the car will all get worked out.
Good point...specifically, they are a no-fault state. OP I'm assuming knows this?
Glad to hear you and your daughter are ok. What about another Jetta?
