by Sniper168 » Fri Sep 05, 2008 04:23 am
javascript:emoticon(':cry:')
So first let me say that this situation so totally blows donkeys balls, but what can I do?
The fire started 8/29 while I was in the shower. The fire dudes told me it was the battery charger that was the culprit. My car was based off of a 1988 Pontiac Fireo which had been properly stretched to the exact dimensions of the real Lamborghini. Everything on that car was real OEM Lamborghini parts (windshield, side and rear glass, marker lights, head lamps, fog lamps and all badges, you get the idea). The interior was $7000 of hand laid custom leather. Real Lamborghini speedometer and odometer! And to top it off, a brand new Chevy 5.7L 350 performance engine had been installed. On the date of the fire, there were exactly 500 miles on the car!!
I have not heard from the adjuster since this fire took place. My car is at the auction yard and I'm sure the adjuster has seen it by now (and it is a total loss). I can only assume he is trying to figure out how to assess a value to this type of car. And since I have ACV as my coverage: [Actual Cash Value = Market Value less Depreciation].
I put just over $72,000 into this car to make it perfect and exact. If you were to go to a professional builder of these cars, like Exotic Illusions in Archbald, PA, you will see $60,000, $65,000 and $75,000 for the three cars he currently preparing to sell.
I fear the adjuster will come back to me and give me an incredibly low number based on, oh I don't know.... it was a 1988 (but was completely and professionally rebuilt and with only 500 miles on the brand new engine).
How much wiggle room does someone in my position have when I have every receipt ever used on that car and a running journal and portfolio documenting everything along the way (keep in mind I still have not heard back from whomever this adjuster is) ?
Sorry to have rattled on for so long but I'm a little worried they will come back with a rediculously low figure - oh the company is USAA Ins. by the way.
Here are some pics of from when before I bought it, the work I've done to it, and then when it was complete. Of course then the fire.
[url]http://inthevalley.servebeer.com:8080/downloads/My%201988%20Lamborghini%20Portfolio/[url]
I think that's is how I properly post a link.
In the mean time, Thanks for lending me your ears and thanks for your time.
So first let me say that this situation so totally blows donkeys balls, but what can I do?
The fire started 8/29 while I was in the shower. The fire dudes told me it was the battery charger that was the culprit. My car was based off of a 1988 Pontiac Fireo which had been properly stretched to the exact dimensions of the real Lamborghini. Everything on that car was real OEM Lamborghini parts (windshield, side and rear glass, marker lights, head lamps, fog lamps and all badges, you get the idea). The interior was $7000 of hand laid custom leather. Real Lamborghini speedometer and odometer! And to top it off, a brand new Chevy 5.7L 350 performance engine had been installed. On the date of the fire, there were exactly 500 miles on the car!!
I have not heard from the adjuster since this fire took place. My car is at the auction yard and I'm sure the adjuster has seen it by now (and it is a total loss). I can only assume he is trying to figure out how to assess a value to this type of car. And since I have ACV as my coverage: [Actual Cash Value = Market Value less Depreciation].
I put just over $72,000 into this car to make it perfect and exact. If you were to go to a professional builder of these cars, like Exotic Illusions in Archbald, PA, you will see $60,000, $65,000 and $75,000 for the three cars he currently preparing to sell.
I fear the adjuster will come back to me and give me an incredibly low number based on, oh I don't know.... it was a 1988 (but was completely and professionally rebuilt and with only 500 miles on the brand new engine).
How much wiggle room does someone in my position have when I have every receipt ever used on that car and a running journal and portfolio documenting everything along the way (keep in mind I still have not heard back from whomever this adjuster is) ?
Sorry to have rattled on for so long but I'm a little worried they will come back with a rediculously low figure - oh the company is USAA Ins. by the way.
Here are some pics of from when before I bought it, the work I've done to it, and then when it was complete. Of course then the fire.
[url]http://inthevalley.servebeer.com:8080/downloads/My%201988%20Lamborghini%20Portfolio/[url]
I think that's is how I properly post a link.
In the mean time, Thanks for lending me your ears and thanks for your time.
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 04:30 pm Post Subject: prior fire
Yes, but that was from my first insurance policy that I had with the car (Grundy World Wide). I later canceled that policy and went with USAA for their better rates and better reputation.
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 04:35 pm Post Subject:
I'll post what Lori was going to post next... understand that USAA has access to the information that you filed this prior fire claim. It's brought to the attention of the adjuster automatically. This is a huge red flag. So you have a fire claim (red flag), a fire claim not involving anyone else (red flag), an expensive vehicle which appears to be in need of repairs (red flag) and a prior fire claim (a red flag).
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 04:48 pm Post Subject:
Thanks Todd, hit it on the head...and will add, expect this investigation to take a little while...
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 05:59 pm Post Subject:
I just assumed USAA would have access to that info. Well so far I guess the only thing I have going for me is that I was in the shower when this happened.
But this car was done on the other hand. It needed no more repairs; brand new engine, brand new everything come to think of it. But that really doesn't matter I guess.
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 07:18 am Post Subject:
Hi Sniper168, I too had the battery thing in mind...especially when I found that Lori has shared her concern regarding the same..I was sure..this incident would take some time to get resolved. I don't think you'd have much problem regarding your involvement in the mishap. But as you always know, anyone who pays also has the right to check if he's paying for the right cause. The investigator had to step up sooner or later..I guess its sooner the better, & in your case apart from identifying the real cause they'd also need to get to the real worth of the damage. Wish you come out of this problem very soon! ArindamSenIndies
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:08 am Post Subject:
another big flag that they will look at is your phone records, and your credit/payments (to everyone) obviously checking to see if you are in financial trouble...they may jump right to an exam under oath or start with a statement and see if it's necessary....as long as you are above board and honest (and I'm sure you will be) they will finish it quicker and get you paid...
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 12:24 am Post Subject:
Just curious....what would my phone records have to do with anything? I could understand that it would be a bit odd if I was calling the arsonist's how to shop every day, but seriously, what would my phone records indicate?
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 01:38 am Post Subject:
1-800-ars-onis (darn... to many letters!).
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 09:21 am Post Subject:
They always request phone records...looking for many things...for instance if you told them ''Yeah, got in the shower about 6 and 6:02 bam I hear this bomb go off...I jump out call the fire dept" then your phone records show you were talkin' with your babe, from 5-7pm fire dept notified at 9 they know you are lying...
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 12:22 pm Post Subject:
LOL that's funny but I see what you mean.
I expect to hear from the investigator in the next few days and will (should) hear from the adjuster regarding the value of the car this Wed.
I'll keep you all in the loop.
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