Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject: Questions about total loss of vehicle due to fire
I just had my truck burn to the ground yesterday. I have filed a claim with the insurance company. The vehicle is still setting where it burned because it is on family property and I was able to take lots of pictures even when the fire department was trying to put it out. I don't know what to expect and don't want to get taken advantage of. What will the adjuster use to value my truck? I checked out NADA and KBB. Will I get any compensation for content in the truck that I was unable to retrieve such as MP-3 player, GPS, fifth wheel hitch, tools, etc..? What about aftermarket add ons such as AirAid cold air intake or other mechanical improvements made? I don't have a copy of my policy and am going to my agents office first thing Monday morning to get a copy and talk to them. I was told the adjuster would try to call me on Monday from the lady I talked to at the 1-800 number. What do I need to do to make sure I get what is coming to me and that I don't get a smooth sales pitch and settle for less than I should? I would appreciate any help.
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:23 pm Post subject: info left out
I forgot to say I live in Arkansas and my insurance company is Shelter Mutual Insurance Company and I have a full coverage policy that includes Liability, Comp, Collision, Med pay, Acc death, uninsured, underinsured. These are listed on my renewal notice. I also recieve a discount for safe driver, multicar, passive restraint. I don't know if any of this makes a difference. _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.
What will the adjuster use to value my truck? I checked out NADA and KBB.
I know of no company that uses KBB, NADA yes...some also use Edmunds, as well as computer software like CCC, or Valuemant...
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Will I get any compensation for content in the truck that I was unable to retrieve such as MP-3 player, GPS, fifth wheel hitch, tools, etc..?
Nope probably not all of it...if it is PERMANENTLY attached to the vehicle perhaps...like the hitch etc...no tools etc...stuff like that (personal property) however may be covered under your homeowners or rental policys...some companies have written 10 cd's into the coverage, but no more....
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aftermarket add ons such as AirAid cold air intake or other mechanical improvements made?
Most policys will allow for up to 1k in add ons for a/m parts, unless you have properly endorsed the policy for more coverage....Mechanical improvements depending on what they are, may have some merit, but only if they increase the value (and generally do not)...
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I don't have a copy of my policy and am going to my agents office first thing Monday morning to get a copy and talk to them.
Your vehicle will be insured for its ACV (actual cash value)...if you have comprehensive coverage....
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I was told the adjuster would try to call me on Monday from the lady I talked to at the 1-800 number.
good...
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What do I need to do to make sure I get what is coming to me and that I don't get a smooth sales pitch and settle for less than I should?
Well there is no ''sales pitch'' it is what it is (your vehicle)...Be prepared though, total fire burns generally take a little longer to handle..some companys will run a credit report, they will need to determine the origin of the fire etcT
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....I forgot to say I live in Arkansas and my insurance company is Shelter Mutual Insurance Company and I have a full coverage policy that includes Liability, Comp, Collision, Med pay, Acc death, uninsured, underinsured.
That's good you know you have COMP which is the coverage that will apply...Also Shelter is a respected carrier in the states they sell in...
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I also recieve a discount for safe driver, multicar, passive restraint. I don't know if any of this makes a difference.
No difference other than sounds like you are a good client...you will have a deductible on the comp coverage...If you have a lein holder have that information ready for the adjuster they will need that...
What happened? Why did it burn? _________________ Have you been helped by a poster? Do you want to show your appreciation? YOU CAN !! Just simply click on the donate button and send them some coin!
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:40 pm Post subject: truck fire
Thanks Lori
I don't know why the truck burnt. I had taken my daughters on their first fishing trip at my uncles pond. The truck had been just sitting there for 30 to 45 minutes before my wife saw smoke coming out from the front of the truck. I ran over to investigate and popped the hood. I couldn't get the hood all the way up because it was to hot to release the latch on the hood. I then grabbed my fire extinguisher and attempted to put out the fire by shooting in under the hood with no success. My wife had started grabbing stuff in the truck and throwing it out and I grabbed some stuff on the drivers side and threw it out before the fire really got big. I then realized my cell phone was in my pocket and I called 911. One of the neighbors then came down the hill with another fire extinguisher that I tried on the fire with no sucess. By the time the fire department got their the truck was completely engulfed in flames. I would guess that from the time we saw smoke until the truck was completely engulfed in flames was about 9 mins based on a picture we had taken of one of the girls before the truck was on fire, then the time that I called 911, and the next picture my wife took of the truck when it was really burning big. I haven't been around any other vehicles that burned, but I was just amazed at what little time it took for the truck to go up in flames and thinking about would we have been able to get out with two girls in car seats in what little time it took ot burn.
The fire department said they had no guess at what started it, but thought the same thing that I did, that it had to be electrical of some sort since the truck was just setting there. I didn't owe anything on the truck, it was a 99 f350 Superduty Lariat. I have owned it for almost two years and paid for it when I bought it. I am a good customer with my insurance company and have an average credit score around 675, so I wouldn't think any of that would be an issue. I just want to be sure I get a fair value for my truck since that is what I pay insurance for. I didn't know how the adjuster would value the truck at all and didn't want to get floored when they try to settle with me for something way less than the market value. That is why I looked on NADA and KBB to see what the truck was worth and I also looked at the local ford dealerships web site along with ebay to see what trucks similar to mine were selling for. Is the retail price what I should be looking for? I would assume so since I paid a retail price for my truck when I bought it. I have heard horror stories in the past about people feeling like they didn't have any choice, but to accept what an adjuster offered them. What do I do if they offer me something that I feel isn't even close to what the truck was worth and the adjuster and I can't agree? Do I have any other options besides a lawyer, because I know nobody wins once a lawyer is involved? I guess I should worry about that bridge when I get there, but I am just still in shock that my truck burnt and worried to death that I am going to get taken to the cleaners.
I appreciate your help and appologize for going on and on, I just don't know what to do. I hope I can continue to ask questions as the process continues.
I'd recommend making a list of options on the vehicle as well as the aftermarket items on it. The adjuster will need to know this information and you are the only source for this. These days policies from carrier to carrier differ slightly. Typically a policy will provide coverage for the aftermarket parts as long as they were installed on the vehicle. As far as the person items that don't belong to that particular vehicle, coverage would fall under a separate property policy, not your auto policy.
As far as the value, when the adjuster calls ask them what method they use to determine the vehicles value. Every company is different on what they used.
As far as the value, cross that bridge when you come to it. Yes, you can hire and pay an attorney to represent your interest but you'd be hard pressed to find one that know much about estimating property damage. Also, you'd probably spend more money on the attorney then what the difference is in value. Most policies have an appraisal clause in which each of your can hire your own appraiser and then split the cost of a 3rd party to determine the value. Personally, I've never seen this done. As I mentioned, address problems as they happen, don't count on their being any problems.
Also keep in mind that many of the values your looking at are "asking" prices, not selling prices.
I don't know why the truck burnt. I had taken my daughters on their first fishing trip at my uncles pond. The truck had been just sitting there for 30 to 45 minutes before my wife saw smoke coming out from the front of the truck.
I think I might know the cause...or have seen this before...Was there tall, DRY grass where you parked? The exaust system gets really hot...I've seen quite a few of these 'field' fires in my time as an adjuster...It (vehicles) go quickly once some oil/gas/fluids get to the fire..
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Is the retail price what I should be looking for? I would assume so since I paid a retail price for my truck when I bought it.
Yes, retail...If you'd like to provide all the info on the truck...mileage, all options and any prior UNREPAIRED damage, (although if it's a complete burn no prior damage will likely be apparent) I'll try and figure a value for you..
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I have heard horror stories in the past about people feeling like they didn't have any choice, but to accept what an adjuster offered them. What do I do if they offer me something that I feel isn't even close to what the truck was worth and the adjuster and I can't agree? Do I have any other options besides a lawyer, because I know nobody wins once a lawyer is involved?
Most horror stories have more to them than what the owners 'tell'...many times we find people so terribly upside down, and then they blame or are angry with the adjuster because we can't pay their 10k payoff on a vehicle worth about 4k...After they make the offer, go over it completely to make sure they haven't missed anything that adds value...Ford ''F'' series Trucks have tons of add ons and deductions, and the adjuster needs to be paying close attention to what they are entering...(garbage in garbage out)....Let us know after you get an offer, if you don't feel it correct...go over it closely...and let us know what you 'think' it's worth...doubt you will have any trouble...
Continue to ask all the questions you want or need to Jerry, we don't mind, and our only aim to assist you...we usually can get posts answered within 24 hours....Try not to go into this ''assuming'' you are going to get the short end of it ok?
Re: total fire burns and total thefts sometimes have to have a few 'extra' steps done...like credit reports etc...I know it's not the case with you, but you would be surprised how many people do this thier selves because they are way behind on payments...be patient...
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As far as the value, when the adjuster calls ask them what method they use to determine the vehicles value. Every company is different on what they used.
Very good advise! Ask ''how'' or what source they use, (nada, ccc etc.)....This will also help us help you if there is a dispute...
Let us know what we can do to help you thru this...sorry it happened, and so glad no one was injured! If you have homeowners/renters coverage, you might want to think about filing a claim for your personal property, AFTER you talk with your adjuster to see what will not be covered.. _________________ Have you been helped by a poster? Do you want to show your appreciation? YOU CAN !! Just simply click on the donate button and send them some coin!
My truck was a 1999 Ford F-350 Superduty supercab Lariat 4x4 automatic with the following:
factory keyless remote and alarm
140,000 miles
leather
PS, PW, Cruise, tilt
AM/FM/ CD player
Power seats
4x4
premium aluminum wheels
all terrain tires 80%
reese pro 16K fifth wheel hitch
Prodigy brake controler
Air Aid cold air intake system
Garmin 60CS GPS
Wet Okole neoprene seat covers
Catch all floor mats
I think this covers all the things that were on the truck. The rest of the stuff I lost were personal items like MP-3 etc...
The truck wasn't setting in tall grass when it caught fire, it was actually on the road going across the pond dam. The fire started under the hood somewhere. It appeared to me when I tried to pop the hood the fire then was on the motor itself on the drivers side when I tried to put it out with the extinguisher. If it would help I can send the pictures my wife took of the truck on fire and the ones I took after it was out all I need is a place to send them or tell me how to send them to you in a pm. I am new to this site, but am familiar with other forums that I use alot.
Thanks for the support. I am waiting to hear from the adjuster now.
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:28 pm Post subject: sales tax
I did think of something else. In Arkansas I think you only pay sales tax on the difference from the value of your trade in to the actual selling price of the new vehicle. If you don't have a trade in you get the first 2500 dollars with no sales tax and then you pay sales tax from that value on. Do you know if the DMV accepts the value of my loss towards my purchase price or is this something that I should work on with the adjuster so I don't get stuck paying the sales tax on the value of my truck that burnt when I should have been getting that value tax free against a new truck?
Don't know about AR but the insurance company should include all expenses you'd incur to replace the truck with a truck of the same value. So if any taxes would be charged on another vehicle with similar costs, those taxes are payable on the claim.
Jerry, I came with $12,100.00...BUT...you need to add or subtract the following to this figure (if they apply)...6cyl gas engine -$200, Dual rear wheels +$225.00, Turbo Diesel Engine +$4225.00, V10 engine +$250.00. Your seat covers, and floor matts, likely won't add anything, if they too were totally distroyed you 'might' get alittle more for them, if they are ok, then you can take them out...The fifth wheel hitch, same thing, and 'could' reduce the value, (hole in the floor of the bed)..if it's ok take it out, (after talking with the adjuster.
RE: your sales tax...I don't know how AR does this either but I do know YOU WILL GET THE SALES TAX...Your insurance company will either pay it directly to you based on the vehicles ACV or they will issue a sales tax credit or affidavit for that amount, you just take that to the DMV when you register your new truck and you will only pay the difference (this is how it's handled in MO, however KS, our neighboring state pays it direct to the owner)...you'll have to ask the adjuster but you will get it...Also you will likely get title transfer fee if any as well...
Let us know if we can be of further assistance...Have you heard from the adjuster yet? _________________ Have you been helped by a poster? Do you want to show your appreciation? YOU CAN !! Just simply click on the donate button and send them some coin!
I tried to run your vehicle for recalls but can't without the VIN, I did some checking and did find these recalls...(sounds like either electrical or fuel fed electrical to me)
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1999 Ford F350 Recall ID from NHTSA: 99V093001
Auto Recall Date: 04/27/1999
Vehicle Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 293650
1999 FORD F350 Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GASOLINE AND DIESEL ENGINE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6" AND 8" BEDS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 21, 1999, DO NOT NOT FULLY SATISFY THE POST CRASH TEST STATIC ROLLOVER REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." SIX ATTACHMENT BOLTS (M12 BOLTS) MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE 30 MPH FRONT BARRIER TEST ALLOWING THE BOLTS TO SHIFT OR BECOME DETACHED, RESULTING IN FUEL SPILLAGE.
Defect Consequence:
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. Remedy:
DEALERS WILL AUGMENT THE BOX-TO-CHASSIS ATTACHMENT BY INSTALLING BOX-TO-CHASSIS RETAINING CABLES.
Notes: FORD MOTOR COMPANY,
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1999 Ford F350 Recall ID from NHTSA: 98V056000
Auto Recall Date: 03/12/1998
Vehicle Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 4000
1999 FORD F350 Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPERCAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE IS TAPED TO THE NEGATIVE CABLE WHICH CONTAINS A CLIP TO SECURE THE ASSEMBLY TO THE SIDE FRAME RAIL. IF INCORRECTLY POSITIONED, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CAN CONTACT THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR PULLEY.
Defect Consequence:
IF THE CABLE WEARS, A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE CAN OCCUR AND POTENTIAL SPARKING AND/OR IGNITION OF FLAMMABLE MATERIAL. Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND/OR MODIFY THE BATTERY CABLE CLIPS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY LOCATED.
Notes: FORD MOTOR COMPANY,
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1999 Ford F350 Recall ID from NHTSA: 06V286000
Auto Recall Date: 08/01/2006
Vehicle Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 1200000
1999 FORD F350 Defect Summary:
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Defect Consequence:
OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)
Notes: FORD MOTOR COMPANY, 05S28
There are many many more...so you might want to check (if you have any trouble with coverage that is....and I doubt you will) that all recalls have been addressed...try the ford site, I think they have a place you can put your VIN, and run a check on it... _________________ Have you been helped by a poster? Do you want to show your appreciation? YOU CAN !! Just simply click on the donate button and send them some coin!
I didn't get to meet with the adjuster today. I was greatly dissappointed in them since I requested Saturday to meet with someone on Monday because I had to leave town on Tuesday for buisness. I waited until 3:00pm and hadn't gotten a call so I called my agent and they gave me a number to the claim adjusters office. I called the adjuster office and was told the claim had been given to a gentleman and they gave me his number. I called him and he said well they had made a mistake because that wasn't his area and he gave me the number to the guy who should be handling it. I asked him if there wasn't a message to make sure to call me today and he said it was noted, but it wasn't supposed to be his claim. I then called the gentleman who was supposed to have the claim and he basically said he hadn't gotten the claim yet, but that was his area. I asked him if there was anyway we could meet and he said mabye tomorrow. I then explained to him that I run a construction company and I work out of town and needed to get to the jobsite tomorrow to get things going. He then asked me if the cell number I was calling would be a good number to reach me and he would try to call me tomorrow. I again asked if he could set a time to meet me so I could schedule myself with the subs on my job. He acted like I was asking to much of him, but agreed that he would try to come down and meet me tomorrow morning sometime. He said he would call me when he got to town. If I hadn't pursued them I am not sure I would have even gotten a call tommorrow. I just really gets to me that if I don't pay my premium my insurance is cut off immediately and it always goes up no matter how good your driving record is and then when I need the insurance company to step up I am getting treated like my time isn't worth anything and it isn't their problem.
Why doesn't the company set things up so the agent has control over the claim. I buy insurance and have for 24 years from the same agent because I trust and like him. It seems that taking that personal touch out of the equation is a mistake. If I have to deal with an impersonal total stranger when I have a problem then why should anybody be loyal to an agent? I just don't understand, but I will quit complaining. I know there are bound to be good adjusters out there.
I don't know about the other recalls, but I got one last fall to do the speed control and had it done around october last year. I am going to the ford dealer in the morning to drive another truck. I will ask them to check for me.
I asked him if there wasn't a message to make sure to call me today and he said it was noted, but it wasn't supposed to be his claim. I then called the gentleman who was supposed to have the claim and he basically said he hadn't gotten the claim yet, but that was his area.
First adjuster is a 'lazy' adjuster..if he saw you wanted to be contacted he should have MINIMALLY called you and said, 'hey there's been a mix up, just want you to know we have the claim and it is being routed to the correct adjuster....so might not get out there today, sorry'' then he should've called the correct adjuster himself... I'm sorry I can't STAND LAZY people!
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He acted like I was asking to much of him, but agreed that he would try to come down and meet me tomorrow morning sometime.
I kind of get that part...I get that way too some times..it depends on his area and volumn of claims...sorry but some times it is hard to nail it down...on physical damage inspects when you DON'T have to have the owners present...(unlike an injury meeting)...I
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need the insurance company to step up I am getting treated like my time isn't worth anything and it isn't their problem.
I totally understand your point and you're right...good thing you called or this 'reassignment' could've took days! What company is this?
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Why doesn't the company set things up so the agent has control over the claim
Oh no! Heaven forbid that could ever happen!!! REALLY! every agent would think THEIR claims were most important...they can (agents) help though...Is this a 'captive' agent company? If so, then these agents generally speaking might have a little pull..I worked ten years for a captive agent company and now for an independent one...HUGE difference re:agent influence...
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It seems that taking that personal touch out of the equation is a mistake
It's a huge mistake and most company's (right now anyway) are making big strides re: customer service (claims I'm speaking of)....because when you come down to it we all are selling the same thing pretty close to the same cost so it comes down to service...stay in contact with your agent (assuming it's captive, and may have more influence on the claims dept).
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I know there are bound to be good adjusters out there.
And this one may a good adjuster...Look at it from his perspective, it's late monday he's already got a ton of claims from the weekend, and kind of has tomorrow lined out, his buddy didn't give him the consideration of calling to let him know he has another one coming...and bam, he gets a call from an insured already irritated, and he didn't know anything about it...Your trucks location maybe is 100 miles from him...Just try really hard if you can to start over with him..Like your Mama always told you. You ALWAYS catch more flys with honey than with vinegar, and adjusters are human, I'm more apt to provide better service to someone that is kind, not demanding and understanding than someone who is pissed and demanding, before I ever touch the claim..(not that you are, but you get the point right?)..
I'd be real surprised if your vehicle had not had ANY recalls...Do you have a Ford dealership in your area that you have a relationship with (service dept)? If so you might call or stop in there and have them run it...''IF'' you have any issues and I don't think you will...
Keep us in loop, and let us know if you have any other questions... I know you are frustrated, and you have every right to be...but try really hard to stay calm, and understand that most of the time, the adjuster just wants to do their job, do it well, being fair, and then move on to the next one.
Do you have rental on your policy? Who is your company? Make a list of the questions you have so you can ask him when you're with him... _________________ Have you been helped by a poster? Do you want to show your appreciation? YOU CAN !! Just simply click on the donate button and send them some coin!
I did have my truck checked for recalls and an Oasis report done at the Ford dealership. All recalls for my truck had already been done according to them.
I have meet with the adjuster and filled out a proof of loss statement and sent it back to him. He said he would have my vehicle value probably by the time he got my proof of loss back. I have used NADA to value my truck and looked at Auto trader and Cars.com to see what vehicles would go for that were comparable to mine. Would you give me your opinion of the value of the truck.
1999 Ford F-350 Supercab Lariat 4x4
140,000 miles
V-10 motor
automatic
leather
Power steering
Power windows and locks
Power seats
keyless remote entry and alarm (factory)
cruise, tilt
bedliner
running boards
fifth wheel hitch
aluminum alloy wheels
off road tires
Custom made Wet Okole seat covers
Catch all custom floor liners
Dash Mounted GPS Garmin 60cs
What about cleaning up the mess left from the truck burning, who pays or takes care of that?
What about my fire extinguisher and the one the neighbor gave me?
There has been no storage fees, because I have left the truck setting where it burned since it was on my Uncles farm. Is this something I should try to use to my advantage when negotiating my final price?
I'm sorry I can't STAND LAZY people! 
