Hey everyone! It's been a long time since I have started a thread here, but I know this is the place to go as a resource.

Yesterday, while merging into the left turn lane, I was broadsided by a Ford Escape. The guy was attempting to cross two lanes of traffic as well as the turning lane to get into the other direction of traffic. Well, instead of him creeping out to see if any traffic was coming down the turning lane, he just went, and that's when he hit the rear quarter panel of my car on the passenger side.

The quarter panel is dented and cracked, the right side of the rear bumper is scratched up pretty bad, and he put a small little dent on the passenger door. He also managed to hit my wheel which I have not felt any issues from.

As some of you may know, about 5 years ago, a car pulled out in front of me. I ended up having to get the hood replaced, the right front quarter panel on the passenger side and a new rim. With all of the parts, labor, etc.. Im pretty sure the cost was above the 3K mark. I was very fortunate that the value of the vehicle was still greater then the cost of damage and recieved full repair.


This is my only concern as I know the deductable will be taken care of by the other guys insurance since he was found at fault and recieved the ticket.. I know the value of the eclipse has dropped. I have to get an estimate this week, but prior to, I wanted to get as many of your opinions as possible. KBB is stating the car is worth $2,185 for private party value. I did not add in the Hahn Turbo Kit or the stereo that I have as neither of those are in my insurance plan.

Based on my description of damages, do you believe the cost of the damage will exceed the value of the vehicle? If so, doesnt that usually mean the insurance company will total it out? Im not really sure what happens from there.. does the insurance company cut you a check if it's totaled? ... etc...

Please provide any insight you may have as I am trying to get an idea of what to expect. BTW, The car is a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse and has 120,xxx

cms

Well if the amount of damages exceed the total value of the car they will most likely total it out, cut you a check and take the car. BUT from what I have heard from others experiences you can buy the cars back from them for very little, at least no where near what they paid you. I would just call your insurance company and maybe even the other persons insurance company and ask them these question so that you are sure.

Make sure you take valuables out of the car like the stereo and such before they get it there are some shady people at these places.

Another thing is I believe it will end up with a "salvage title" which means you will have to fix the damages and have it inspected to receive a "Rebuilt salvage title" before you can tag it again.

You may also decide if they don't want much for you to buy it back, buy it strip it and send it off to the junkyard and get a new shell and put some of your parts on it and sell whats left.

The other option is to fight the insurance company to fix your car regardless of the cost which can be hard, but it has been done.

I'd either make him or his insurance pay for it.

Your car is going to be totaled. Sorry.

As rear quarter panels on a 2G DSM are not a bolt-on affair, any damage to them requires a considerable amount of labor, relative to the rest of the vehicle. Combined with the falling values of the DSM in general, you can expect they will total out your vehicle.

KBB and Edmunds are fine, but most insurance carriers today use an "independent" 3rd party valuation service. I say "independent" because these third party outfits derive the bulk of their business from serving the insurance industry. Think of it like all the recent news about AAA ratings on Wall Street.

Once you vehicle is deemed totaled, you have the right to buy it back. The insurance company will obtain a salvage bid (what a junkyard would give them for the vehicle) and cut you a check for the difference, assuming you provide them with proof of salvage title (local DMV does this for you).

Now, this is important.

Don't just stick to arbitrary fair-good-wishfulthinking condition for valuations on KBB/Edmunds/whatev. Get on Craigslist. Find other Eclipses in similar condition listed for sale. Compare those prices. Check Autotrader too. These are samples of what similar cars are selling for in your area.

When the adjuster tells you your car is totaled and they are willing to give you $1200 for it, you have the right to see how they arrived at that value and compare their data to yours. Print out copies of what you find and be prepared to speak intelligently on the subject.

I've spoken with contacts at KBB and NADA Guides. They base their figures on dealer trade in values and listings on Autotrader. If you can find 5-10+ examples of similarly equipped and conditioned Eclipses in your area/region are selling for $4000 or more and the insurance company comes to you with $1200, you have grounds to negotiate.

Don't try to bullshit them, but don't let them walk all over you either. Remember, the law generally provides for the LESSER of actual replacement value or cost of repairs. Could you buy another 2GNT in similar condition in your area for what they are offering you? If not, and you can prove as much, then you have grounds to hold out for more money. And don't be afraid to let this draw out. If the car is still drivable, keep on driving it.

Finally, maximize your part-out. Buy the car back. Convert it back to stock, sell it for pennies on the dollar with a salvage title when you're done. Sell or re-use your turbo kit, stereo system, wheels, tires, suspension, and other mods, but I wouldn't try to fully part the car. You'll end up with a rough shell you end up having to drag off to a recycler for $150 or so.

So, to recap...

Your car is probably totaled.
You will probably be offered less than $2000.
You might be able to get double that if you do some research.
Buy the car back.
Sell your mods.
Sell the back to stock 2G with a salvage title* for $1000 or something.

*Note: In some states, you can repair the vehicle and have it inspected to remove the salvage designation from the title. Usually this involves making sure the VIN matches and all the doors open/close without binding. The cost of repair at a body shop is likely sufficient to total your 2G, but the cost to a handyman to do the repairs himself is far less. Maybe you just keep the 2G and turn it into a race car or something.

Hope this helps. I'm actually waiting for an adjuster to show up at the office and lowball me on my 92 VR4 right now. :P

Originally posted by DR1665
So, to recap... Your car is probably totaled. You will probably be offered less than $2000. You might be able to get double that if you do some research. Buy the car back. Sell your mods. Sell the back to stock 2G with a salvage title* for $1000 or something. *Note: In some states, you can repair the vehicle and have it inspected to remove the salvage designation from the title.

I'll work from your cliff notes (of which I agree).

In addition, just because your turbo etc wasn't under your insurance, that doesn't matter. It still should be covered by his insurance.

Do not take no for an answer. This game is about being a dick. As long as you're in for the long haul, you will get your money. What they count on is people giving in, or accepting their word as that's the way it is. It is not the way it is.

Most insurance companies do not cover aftermarket parts unless you elect to have them covered. I know Geico doesn't unless you inform them of the aftermarket parts and then of course you pay more for the coverage.

Originally posted by whtclipse98
Most insurance companies do not cover aftermarket parts unless you elect to have them covered. I know Geico doesn't unless you inform them of the aftermarket parts and then of course you pay more for the coverage.

Actually, its not about his insurance. Its about the other guys insurance putting him back to where he was before the accident. That would include the aftermarket parts etc. The only thing they may do is try to get you to produce receipts etc. Then you just start pulling prices etc. and making your case.

Originally posted by bullettdsm
What they count on is people giving in, or accepting their word as that's the way it is. It is not the way it is.

Very true. Remember that the adjuster WILL try to lowball you, it's the way that they make their bonuses. Hold out for as much as you can. If you can show them that the only way to make you go away is to cut you a check for the maximum amount, they will eventually give in.

Thank you all for your extensive replies.

DR1665, do you think you could have been anymore detailed? JK. Thank you for that, it really gave me the full answer I was looking for.

bullettdsm, thank you for elaborting on DR1665's post.

Tuxdreamerx, Whtclipse98 & RoninEclipse2G, thank you as well for your response's. I definitly wont back down, and I am in it for the long haul as the car is driveable. If anyone is interested in the outcome, I will be sure to update.

Again, thank you all!!

-cms

That sucks Chris.

You can buy my talon to replace it :)

Lol.. Thank's Kent. Im actually thinking about upgrading. Although the Eclipse has been the most fun & honestly reliable car I have ever owned, It's not the most convienent when taking a trip, taking your child around, travel for work, etc.

So, I have been looking at used 3 series and 5 series BMW's.

-cms

Why does it seem that a majority of 2gnt guys move to BMW's?

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G
Why does it seem that a majority of 2gnt guys move to BMW's?

Intertwined in the genes maybe?

-cms

Definitely keep us posted man. You're not going through this alone right now.

I was straight railed by a guy in a Jetta back on the 13th of April. I've got a crooked-looking trunk, a small buckle in a c-pillar, and a a couple doors that catch on each other if you open/close them out of order.

The other guy and I both have Allstate. On Friday, they sent me a copy of their value report on my GVR4. They had zero data showing actual GVR4 sales anywhere/anytime and they have zero data showing any even listed anywhere/anytime. They based their entire valuation off the "professional opinions" of two used car sales managers in my area.

Lulz. Two choads who've probably never even SEEN a GVR4 taking GUESSES at what one MIGHT sell for. Meanwhile, I've gone through the cars for sale section on GalantVR4.org and documented every GVR4 listed for sale since January 1, 2010. There are 60 with an average price of over $4300.

So I sent them a friendly email advising that I've already waited six weeks, already spoken with five different adjusters, and in the interest of brevity, will accept either a check for $2700 to have the repairs performed at the facility of my choosing, or $4300 for actual replacement value.

I referred to Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 20-461 which states that it is an unfair (illegal) claims practice to offer to settle a loss for less than what a reasonable person might expect to be compensated or to proceed in such a way as to suggest that litigation is the only means available to be fairly compensated. And I closed by saying I would make a point of reporting this incident to the Arizona Insurance Commissioner's Office prior to taking their insured to small claims court for a greater amount which would be reflecting the additional time and resources I would have to spend to pursue those means.

Yeah. I'm pissed, but I'll make it happen.

Oh yeah, and thediceman on here is also dealing with a wreck. It seems a drunk driver t-boned his wife's Honda Fit and left the scene. Fortunately, the idiot left the truck there! Dice is still waiting for police and insurance agents to get the owner of the truck to answer his phone though. I think he has something like $9000 in damage to the car. Insurance wants to FIX his!! :P

Hang in there. Keep us posted!

Originally posted by DR1665
Two choads who've probably never even SEEN a GVR4 taking GUESSES at what one MIGHT sell for. Meanwhile, I've gone through the cars for sale section on GalantVR4.org and documented every GVR4 listed for sale since January 1, 2010. There are 60 with an average price of over $4300.

Lol, go to it pitbull....

Just to let you know Progressive would cut you check in your driveway next to your 2g.

This happend once to me in my old white 97 and old clipped my right front. A just minor damage actually,but she was at fault, they gave me 5 grand. It was an easy fix so I did it myself and pocketed about a grand.

Thats sucks I feel your pain but I was told you (I) have three choices 1. have a shop it fix it but chances are they might do a choddy paint/ body work. 2. Fix the whole thing yourself and save a few bucks or 3. Do the prep bodywork(including replacing parts) primer yourself and have a shop paint it, you'd a save little but you know car has been done right.

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
Just to let you know Progressive would cut you check in your driveway next to your 2g. This happend once to me in my old white 97 and old clipped my right front. A just minor damage actually,but she was at fault, they gave me 5 grand. It was an easy fix so I did it myself and pocketed about a grand. Thats sucks I feel your pain but I was told you (I) have three choices 1. have a shop it fix it but chances are they might do a choddy paint/ body work. 2. Fix the whole thing yourself and save a few bucks or 3. Do the prep bodywork(including replacing parts) primer yourself and have a shop paint it, you'd a save little but you know car has been done right.

So are you saying when I call Progressive (that is the insurance that I have) that they will come to my house, asses the damage, and may even cut a check there?

DR1665's, Im not pushing aside what you have said, im just curious as to exactly what dalesmitsu is saying.

-cms

Originally posted by cms

Originally posted by dalesmitsu Just to let you know Progressive would cut you check in your driveway next to your 2g. This happend once to me in my old white 97 and old clipped my right front. A just minor damage actually,but she was at fault, they gave me 5 grand. It was an easy fix so I did it myself and pocketed about a grand. Thats sucks I feel your pain but I was told you (I) have three choices 1. have a shop it fix it but chances are they might do a choddy paint/ body work. 2. Fix the whole thing yourself and save a few bucks or 3. Do the prep bodywork(including replacing parts) primer yourself and have a shop paint it, you'd a save little but you know car has been done right.

So are you saying when I call Progressive (that is the insurance that I have) that they will come to my house, asses the damage, and may even cut a check there? DR1665's, Im not pushing aside what you have said, im just curious as to exactly what dalesmitsu is saying. -cms

Yes, sir they will. It would take the person about an hour or so to asses the damage, including following up with about the police report. He or she would take digital photos, write down description of the damage etc. Then, person would sit in there car/truck do their magic over the phone/laptop and print the check out. They did this for me and the rep. liked eclipses.

When I got hit by a drunk 50 year old lady (while parked) I got a rep that was really cool as well. He ended up assesing the car as if it were fully loaded, comlpete with a/c, power everything, and sunroof. Turns out he was a gearhead that liked all cars that were clean and not riced out. There ended up being over $3,000 in damages. If he was your typical rep, he'd just total out the car, being it's just an RS. It all depends on who you get. I hope you get lucky and get someone cool like that.

Well, as some of you have said, progressive will come to your house, asses the damage, and if need be, cut you a check in the driveway.

They will come tommorrow to asses.

I do have a question though. I took a picture of the internet, and colored my damages in Yellow. The quarter panel that is shown in yello is smashed in, cracked paint, and part of the metal buckled near the gas tank. The other two dots are two dings that were from the accident as well.




Based on the picture, do you think they will still total it out? or just bondo it?

-cms

Need real pics of the car.

It may be repairable without totaling though.

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G
Need real pics of the car. It may be repairable without totaling though.

I can get those taken as soon as I get home in about an hour and 15min plus upload time, would you still be around? If not, then I wont bother as they guy will be here tommorrow. Im just overly curious I suppose.

-cms

Progressive Conclusion: Not totaled
Repair estimate: $1,111

As a couple of you have said, they will cut you a check right away totaled or not.

I am considering selling the vehicle, as its time for me to upgrade and get something a little more grown and predictable with a family. so I would like to see some of you share your expertise and maybe come up with a figure as to what you think it will be worth in private party.

Description:

1999 Red Mitsubishi Eclipse wtih approx. 120,000 miles. It has been rebuilt with stock internals by Matt Duncan approx. 2 years ago... if any of you remember him by the SN: XtremeRS I believe.

It has a Hahn Racecraft Stage 1 Turbo Kit that was installed by Matt himself and later upgraded with a Supra side mount intercooler, and matching red IC Piping. Boost has always been kept at approx. 5-7lbs even with the intercooler. It has the matching tan 3 gauge pod a-pillar and two more in the bezel located where the speed gauge is to total 5.

Although it is a RS model, the wheels are the non chrome GS style.

It has damage to the lip portion of the front bumper due to someone stepping on it while I was inside the mall a couple of years ago. It obviously has the dent that just occured with an estimated repair of $1,111.

There is a dent located on the front driver side quarter panel about the size of a tennis ball. Other than that, the only thing that would need replaced would be the headliner as it is starting to droop.

The car runs AMAZING other the the external fuel pump which just stopped working about a week ago. So obviously boosting it is not an option while that is down. Last time the black box (module) that controls that part melted for some reason and was replaced by Matt. I have not checked to see what it is this time. I will NOT buy another external fuel pump if that is the issue. I want to sell the car AS IS.

I have ALWAYS washed this car by hand with nothing but Black Magic products. I usually washed it about twice a week, and spent a total of 3 hours each time as I was just overly picky with it. It spent the first few winter's garaged. I belive it has only seen winter the past 2 or 3 years.


What do you think I can get for it AS IS ? ?

-cms

18 Views since last post and not a single suggestion on price? Where are you DR1665's, Dale...?

-cms

Originally posted by cms
18 Views since last post and not a single suggestion on price? Where are you DR1665's, Dale...? -cms

Because no one wants you to get rid of it.

That, and we're all vultures. I'll give you $800 for it :D

Originally posted by DarkOne

Originally posted by cms 18 Views since last post and not a single suggestion on price? Where are you DR1665's, Dale...? -cms

Because no one wants you to get rid of it. That, and we're all vultures. I'll give you $800 for it :D

Well, at least you speak the truth! Ha. The bid starts @ Dino's $800. JK. I dont want to get rid of it either, but, its about that time. I really hope to get rid of it outside of Michigan so I do not have to see it around the city.

-cms

Damn, this would make a good road trip. I would also visit my family up there at same time. I would, give you what you want for it. But with my current living arrangements,I can't. Probably in the coming months down the road.

The body could be repaired, after its been sanded to bare metal I would use a stud gun shoot few in the dent and use stud dent puller to pop them out. This is what I would do but others would use different methods.

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
Damn, this would make a good road trip. I would also visit my family up there at same time. I would, give you what you want for it. But with my current living arrangements,I can't. Probably in the coming months down the road. The body could be repaired, after its been sanded to bare metal I would use a stud gun shoot few in the dent and use stud dent puller to pop them out. This is what I would do but others would use different methods.

Elaborate on "a couple of months down the road".. also, what part of Michigan does your family live in?

-cms

You might be able to make more parting it out and crushing the body but thats just an idea

Originally posted by Tuxdreamerx
You might be able to make more parting it out and crushing the body but thats just an idea

Parting it out is not an option. I just dont have the time or room.

Thanks for the idea though.

-cms

Originally posted by Tuxdreamerx
You might be able to make more parting it out and crushing the body but thats just an idea

You should be beaten senseless for suggesting that a good running car that is completely repairable be parted and crushed.

Ass.

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G

Originally posted by Tuxdreamerx You might be able to make more parting it out and crushing the body but thats just an idea

You should be beaten senseless for suggesting that a good running car that is completely repairable be parted and crushed. Ass.

Sorry didnt mean to upset anyone I was just saying so he could make more money off of it. If he can find someone thats willing to buy it then great. I would be willing to buy it and fix it if he lived closer to me.

Another update. Allstate got my email and hired an appraiser to take a look at my Galant. Stick a fork in it. It's done. .

My most realistic estimate, based on regional listings and excluding outliers, came to just under $3900. The appraisal came in at just under $3600. They're taking a $950 salvage bid and I'm totaling 464/1000 for $2600 cash in hand.

Bummer for sure, but it's paying for a couple weekends in Germany this September and a roll cage/mods for the other Galant this summer. I'll just be driving a crooked-ass parts car, I guess.

x(

@cms

Sounds like you kinda lucked out.

I know you're not looking to put a bunch of time into it, but you stand to get more cash out of a sale if you pull that turbo kit and sell it separately. You can get $1000 for the turbosystem by itself or you can maybe get $500 for it included in the price of the car. Especially being in a depressed market like Michigan.

Sucks to hear you'll be getting out of it.