92 318i Cabrio vs 05 Dodge Ram.. I lost

[THEhomelessONE]

So far AAA has been more helpful than my own insurance. Said they're close to claiming their policy holder liable, but were just waiting on a police report to confirm. Asked him if I sent him a copy of mine, would it speeds things along, and he said for sure. Asked them to get a rental car ready for me ASAP at a local Hertz.

Gave me their case number, contact info, etc. all while knowing I have an injury lawyer. We'll see if AAA come's through for me tomorrow. I emailed him everything just before 5pm. If they don't try to play me, AAA has a new customer for life.

[Navarone]

You really do get what you pay for. Cut rate insurance companies like Gieco and esurance suck balls. AAA has been awesome, and just the membership is worth it to not sit at DMV for two hours to get simple shit done.

[THEhomelessONE]

I had AAA before, only reason I switched was my insurance went from 180 to 500+ a month when I had full coverage on an XJR. Got 3 or 4 points within a 6 month span. Switched insurance, cut costs about half, then sold the Jag. Got lazy and kept the insurance.

[THEhomelessONE]

Lol so I've completely cut out esurance from the accident. Pure waste of time, did nothing for an entire week. AAA explained that if they aren't making money from the claim they don't make it a priority. Absurd, wtf have I been paying you for?

He never sent the dash cam video either, and the guy in the truck made an exaggerated statement to AAA compared to what esurance probably told them. Sent AAA the video, now just need to wait some more :/

[BlackSpeed66]

I'm an appraiser/estimator for a larger insurance company...

First, sorry about the car - I'll echo that's my worst fear when driving mine. There aren't many clean e30s here in Cleveland anymore!

Unfortunately, your car will be difficult to value due to the engine swap & title history. I would consider having an appraiser's info close by in case the settlement offer is totally off (which it probably will be). Most adjusters do not write cars like e30s on a daily basis and we're used to going through the motions with your typical Malibu/Taurus/Camcord, etc. There's plenty of those on the road & they're fairly easy to pin a value on. Obviously there are less e30s and finding comps out there that match your car will thin the herd even more. And, to have a vehicle with mods makes it even more difficult to establish a proper value. This is where having your own appraiser on hand may help since they can do that legwork to support the value of your car. Definitely keep your receipts handy but most companies will not pay dollar for dollar on aftermarket stuff and maintenance items are just that - maintenance. Of course, i speak from experience only working here in Ohio, laws in CA may be different.

I think i may want to get a dash cam for my car after the motor swap is done....

[THEhomelessONE]

Thanks Geno! AAA found the other driver at fault, within 30 minutes of seeing the video. Stupid Sean at esurance never sent them the video!! Wasted a week and a half of my life. Bad news is they're saying I might only get like $2000, or $1000 if I keep the car. I haven't made an appt with the adjuster to see the car yet. But he checked online for my zip code (hood ass area, no clean cars exist here) and tried to explain for me that he could buy a 97 bmw for $2000. Lol, pretty frustrated, but progress nonetheless.

[Wschnitz]

Send them similar cars from around the US. When my 88 got totaled she. Someone break checked me on the freeway they wanted to give me 2300_ but after I sent a bunch of similar condition cars in the 7500 range they sent me $6750, and I even got to keep the car and part it put for another 4500.

[MR 325]

Time to fight. They'll pay much more.

[THEhomelessONE]

I'll try, will set up an appointment tomorrow. What happens if we can't come to an agreement? I printed whatever CL ads I could find in the bay area. Printed all my receipts too. I'll be happy with $7k I guess.

[Navarone]

Find some sold ebay listings also.

[THEhomelessONE]

Have an appointment Monday morning. Any other advice guys?? Printed some sold ebay listings. No point in taking the guy to court if AAA doesn't cash out. 88 years old and broke, will 100% die before he can pay me.

[redsubdivisions]

All insurance companies are going to try and lowball you off the bat. Much like a car salesman trying to give you the most bottom dollar for your trade in. They see these things as modes of transport, not leisure. Best thing I can say is to exercise patience and stand your ground on the value of your car. Sure, it may be a long battle, but a war with a cause was never settled overnight. Good luck!

[BlackSpeed66]

The biggest thing that will help you is to have appropriate documentation of the value of your car. Finding good, solid comps will definitely help your battle. I would try to find some more comps that aren't eBay listings. Try BMWCCA classifieds, auto trader or any other site like that. I only say that because I don't know how much "stock" insurance companies put in eBay listings. Unfortunately, it will still be tough with the car's title history but anything helps. I would still keep an appraiser's contact info handy if you can't get a reasonable offer at that point. Also be aware that if you do get an appraiser, the insurance company may not reimburse you for that but it depends on how their policy reads.

[THEhomelessONE]

Thanks for the help guys, I emailed a local appraiser Thursday but they never got back to me.. I'll keep searching for similar listings.

Next project will be an XJR with a blown motor. Going to swap in a 6.0 LQ4/4l80e and do a single remote turbo. 600-700 whp will be the goal.

Would love an E39 touring, but no one makes a complete kit, just the mounts.

[Navarone]

That sounds fun, a remote turbo has always intrigued me. Good luck!