by in2topfuel » Mon Feb 15, 2010 09:11 pm
1994 CAMARO Z28 CONVERTIBLE W/51K MILES IN MINT CONDITION.
FARMER'S IS INSISTING THEIR ESTIMATE OF DAMAGES INCLUDE ALL NEW PARTS (SINCE WE ADDED THIS TO OUR POLICY - "OEM PARTS CLAUSE"). WE HAVE FOUND FEW "NEW OEM PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR OUR CAR".
WE ARE DISPUTING THEIR "LOW VALUATION" OF OUR CAR BASED ON "THEIR" APPRAISER (BIG BLOCK) WHO DID NOT EVEN SEE OUR CAR.
OUR APPRAISER "INTERSTATE APPRAISERS" HAS APPRAISED OUR CAR AT TWICE THEIR APPRAISED VALUE, AND OUR COST OF DAMAGES IS HALF WHAT THEY CLAIM?
FARMER'S IS INSISTING THEIR ESTIMATE OF DAMAGES INCLUDE ALL NEW PARTS (SINCE WE ADDED THIS TO OUR POLICY - "OEM PARTS CLAUSE"). WE HAVE FOUND FEW "NEW OEM PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR OUR CAR".
WE ARE DISPUTING THEIR "LOW VALUATION" OF OUR CAR BASED ON "THEIR" APPRAISER (BIG BLOCK) WHO DID NOT EVEN SEE OUR CAR.
OUR APPRAISER "INTERSTATE APPRAISERS" HAS APPRAISED OUR CAR AT TWICE THEIR APPRAISED VALUE, AND OUR COST OF DAMAGES IS HALF WHAT THEY CLAIM?
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 01:53 am Post Subject: 94z28
Our research has shown most major parts on their estimate of damages are unavailable new, yet they used the new part prices to inflate the damage estimate. This, coupled w/their low appraisal by Big Block and their CCC report has led to their "totalling" our car. They "pushed" us to sign their check and accept their offer, but we have refused. Interstate appraisers believe our car does not "deserve" salvage title and we wholeheartedly agree. Where do we go from here?
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 02:02 am Post Subject:
You need to demand where they are getting their part information from. How do you know that OEM is not availible? If they could not locate non OEM parts, they really don't have a choice but to write an estimate with all new OEM. Since the work I have personally done with Intersate, I have seen a couple of reverals. However, those outcomes were based on companies, whose appriasers were "quick" to total out a car. Interstate will contact and provide information to your carrier.
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 02:05 am Post Subject: 94z28
The adjuster said she would provide two estimates, one using oem parts and one with used. We only received the estimate including all new oem parts, most of which are unavailable through Chevrolet. We have provided Farmer's with Interstate's appraisal, but due to large difference between their (Farmer's - Big Block Appraisers) and ours, they want arbitration. If our car is in "salvage title" I don't know if arbitration can reverse this. If our car was wrongfully reported to ca dmv as a "total loss", what can we do? Don't worry, we are not about to sign their offer or cash their check? They say they "must" use oem parts when available (but most are not). Our body shop has estimated damages at approx. 50% of our appraised value. Farmer's has their appraised value at approx. 50% of repairs. What now?
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 02:10 am Post Subject:
Why are they so quick in wanting to go into arbitration over a retention claim? How much is this check? If you have not technically settled this claim, then I have know idea how the DMV has labled it as a "salvage". I seriously believe that Farmers is calling your bluff, especially if they do not have a release from you.
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 02:11 am Post Subject:
Why are they so quick in wanting to go into arbitration over a retention claim? How much is this check? If you have not technically settled this claim, then I have know idea how the DMV has labled it as a "salvage". I seriously believe that Farmers is calling your bluff, especially if they do not have a release from you. They don't have anything in writting, only a verbal agreement. Doesn't add up. I don't know where you can go for this, perhaps you should seek legal advise or another member can help you.
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 02:14 am Post Subject: 94z28
Through Chevrolet we know major parts to repair our vehicle are unavailable. Farmer's have based their "total loss" we believe on unobtainable parts. This has also been verified through our body shop. They are using new oem parts prices to "total" our car. This is coupled with their "low" appraisal (done by Big Block). Non-oem parts are available and have been incorporated into the estimate given by our body shop. We believe Farmer's has "low-balled" us and wrongly reported to ca dmv that our car is a "salvage". What can we do?
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 02:23 am Post Subject: 94z28 Salvage Title Help Please!
Anyone out there? Could use some help on this one! Our attorney didn't understand our main concern was keeping car out of salvage title, thinking we just wanted more money for our claim. My wife said ca dmv told her car has "salvage retention" status even though we have signed nothing. Is this possible? Can anyone help us as to what to do now? We don't want our car put in "salvage title". Thanks in advance!!
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 02:46 am Post Subject:
Non-oem parts are available and have been incorporated into the estimate given by our body shop.
Does Farmers know this? The estimate the shop wrote is firm and is well below the total loss threshold? If so, this should not be an issue for them. When I was working in a shop, I reviewed several estimates that were written as totals by companies, for parts, un-needed or warranted repairs. Our estimate was presented to the carrier and we fixed the car. Has the any of this happened?
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 03:39 am Post Subject: 94z28
We just provided Farmer's this info. Saturday. Our agent said he would relay info. to Farmer's. Our estimate is at this time "open" but is half Farmer's estimate using unavailable new (oem) parts. Can we fight their "salvage retention" status which they reported to ca dmv? Or is it too late once reported?
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 04:18 am Post Subject:
If what you mean by "half', is an estimate prepared by the shop using non-OEM parts and the amount is below the total loss threshold, I don't see the reason why Farmers wouldn't accept it. If they are basing their estimate off of parts that are truly non-obtainable, then the estimate should not be accepted as a "fair" claim. I don't know if it falls into a bad faith catagory, but based on experiance when a shop can repair a vehicle based on their inspection and the estimate/repair will use obtainable parts, repair industry standards, safety and that the repair does not exceed a total loss threshold (usually 65-80% of the value depending on your state)-there is no reason for Farmer to total the vehicle. When you write an estimate it must be written as if the vehicle will be repaired, regardless if the vehicle is considered totalled or not. That estimate must be written with availible parts and accepted repair practices. If what I have just explained to you is happening, I would consider making a phone to your state's Department of Insurance. I would also by pass speaking with this adjuster and go right to her supervisor.
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