Insurance claims.. Need your help proving the value of my car....

[JiXer]

Had a nice little hydroplaning incident last night and I know how this game works, so I am already on the hunt for some info. Im sure they will total it and I will have to buy it back, but Seeing as I source all my parts, pay cash, and do all the work my self... receipts arent really much of an option. I basically need to collect comps in the form of other's insurance pay-offs, ads for similar cars etc.
If you can provide me with a letter or anything you may have from your insurance company showing a higher pay-off (above $5,000) and/or if you se any ads for similar cars for sale, please let me know.
Specs on my car:
'91 318iS Skin top.
Alpine White
S52 with custom exhaust
Clutchmasters Stage 4 coutch and JB racing flywheel.
Getrag 260 w/ 3.73 LSD
Brake cooling vents
RX7/Corrado brake upgrade with M3 master cylinder
Z3 steering rack
Ground Control Springs
Bilstein Sports
Kmac camber plates
Suspension Techniques Sway Bars
m3 short shifter
Custom dyno-tuned chip (240 whp)
M-tech steering wheel
Autopower 4-point cage
iX basketweaves with H&R Spacers
AKG adjustable trailing arm bushings
AKG subframe bushings
e30 M3 CABs
Alpine Stereo system with amp and 12" sub
Completely dynomated
corner balanced
Thats all I can think of for now.

Thanks in advance for your help guys!

[nando]

does your policy have an appraisal clause?

[JiXer]

No. Unfortunately not.

[Cynical 1]

you are screwed, even if we can "prove" the car is worth more.

they go by the values of the cars in your area, usually same year or 1 year newer, that have sold recently. that's it. without an appraisal clause, they will give you the value of the closest car they can find in trim to yours.

especially if you want to buy it back, as you will "reuse" some of the parts, and they don't want to pay you to do that...

been there, done that with the last 2 cars i have totaled. and i have an appraisal clause...

[JiXer]

I have been through this before as well and I actually got a claim paid out at $3500 after they originally offered $1500.
I appreciate the feedback and I know others have struggled with this sort of thing before.
But I also know this works.
So thats why Im asking for this help.

[jeffnhiscars]

It will, in fact, be based on market value. The bad news is you may find it difficult to prove the value of your mods. The good news is by the same logic they are not likely to charge you much for salvage.

All that matters is the check.

[AlpineM30]

Contact Auto Damage Experts, they recently helped me with my e30 that was in a little wreck, I got double of what the insurance first estimated. There cost is $320 and change up front, but if they get the insurance company to pay out more, that money is refunded to you by your insurance company. I highly recommend them, I am extremely happy. Contact Info below.
1-888-868-9891

http://www.autodamageexperts.com/index.asp

[JiXer]

Wow! I had no idea! Thanks man! Thats a great resource! Can they do anything for you if you don't have an appraisal clause?

Contact Auto Damage Experts, they recently helped me with my e30 that was in a little wreck, I got double of what the insurance first estimated. There cost is $320 and change up front, but if they get the insurance company to pay out more, that money is refunded to you by your insurance company. I highly recommend them, I am extremely happy. Contact Info below.
1-888-868-9891
http://www.autodamageexperts.com/index.asp