T-Boned An F250 In The Xj. Lots Of Pics.

[glundblad]

The only advice I can offer is to be careful. I had a lady hit me when I was driving my 6 month old Tahoe.  She also had Progressive insurance.  They responded same day but got on the phone and called all the junkyards in the area to find a hood and fender for a 6 month old truck.  I told them they couldn't put used parts on a new truck but I think the guy had an inner ear problem.  Fortunately, they didn't find any.  The body shop pretty much told me they work for the insurance company and not the auto owner. 

[sinkrun]

 

Glad your ok and best of luck. Remember insurance companys and politicians are the two biggest criminals there are and are no ones friend.

 

You forgot lawyers.

 

Yes I did thanks for the reminder. :doh:

[dasbulliwagen]

Did you say the other guys insurance is sending you to a doctor. I think thats another no no. The insurance co doc has the ins co to work for, not you. Get your own doctor and your own med opinions independant of the ins co. Thats the only way you will get a real answer about your health.

[jpdriver1]

glad your doing ok --- rebuild her --- 

I was hit head on in my 90 mj about two yrs ago, by a "lady" turning left at an intersection. Green light for me to go straight, another vehicle in our left turn lane. first thing I did when the dust cleared was pull out my cane and begin limping around as I took photos of both vehicles.  the other driver claimed I should have stopped for her as she made her turn.  This took place at an intersection that is a mixed authority in regard to law enforcement. It is not in an incorporated city, but two of the corners are and it is a state hwy. So, county sheriff, anaheim pd, garden grove pd and the chp all show up. As they get statements from the two of us, you could see them chuckle as they get her story. Her brother shows up and begins telling the popo's that he was in the vehicle with her and that I had run a red light. Along comes the manager of a fuel station that is on one corner handing me a dvd from their security cameras showing the accident. The brother and the other driver shut up as soon as I told the officers that I had the DVD.  The lady's insurance guy tried to low ball/deny claim also until he say the video.  Unfortunately the mj has major frame horn damage, 2 body shops have said no way it's repairable. --- she is sitting under a cover for now -- we'll see 

[Automan2164]

Just an update:

 

Spoke with the claims agent for Progressive after playing phone tag. She was very nice, as I to her. Catch a lot more flies with honey than vinegar. The Jeep part is pretty black and white. She told me they do claims through a 3rd party that will come out and put a value on it. She did ask about where I had it stored and that they would like to move it to one of their approved facilities... I said the only other place is will go is my house if they are worried about fees. I tried to be courteous but firm where needed. I explained that she probably deals with enraged dickheads all the time... I didn't desire to be another on the list. She got a good laugh and said thank you. She also advised me (as advice she gave her sister also) to continue to have my agency do an estimate also. That way if my company comes back with a better number, I can choose that. Hadn't crossed my mind until she said so. I told her that I would like to be present when they come for the assessment, and that was really not negotiable. She said the adjuster would call me when they knew what the schedule was for the day. She did elaborate on the 'Buyback' and said rather than a set percentage, it was usually whatever the salvage worth would be, or a good guess as to what it might bring at auction. My guess is mine may bring a good coin, as it's in good shape, and leather... So I am sort of dreading that number. A friend's 2001 XJ sport with about the same mileage was totalled for $4800, and the buy back was $800 with a front end impact and frame rail damage. He ended up having the shop fix it, bought some bumpers and a lift, and had them spray/install the bumpers.

 

I also stopped by the body shop where I have it, and told them the same about letting people look at it. I said no one looks at it without me. He said he would do the best he could do, while saying he doesn't want to piss any of them off either. He told me the State Farm guys (my company) are usually pretty cool and you can talk to them and ham it up a bit. He said Progressive's are usually straight and to the point, as they are just a third party and have no ties/interest. He also said that while he didn't take a close look at it, he said they just fixed one with similar front end damage to mine after the insurance co totalled it out. I just smiled and asked if it was a white 2001 XJ, and he just laughed and said "Steve?" It just happened to be the same buddy of mine. I told him I would most likely just fix it myself, and that I appreciate the offer, but really only needed it in the yard for the time being. I did toss out maybe having them spray the front clip, depending on what color parts I end up with. He understood and agreed that parts are plenty and I shouldn't have a problem.

 

Now this is going to be more for information at this point for others. Medical stuff. She presented it in a couple ways, I asked her to explain it in since I have never dealt with it.

 

Open, which is basically where you pay out of pocket until you are feeling better. Whether that requires chiropractic appointments, doc visits, therapy... What have you. All expenses out of pocket, until you decide you are healed, then they pay all in full and I assume you sign away liability then.

 

Closed, which she explained is like a bank account. Say $2000 is agreed upon over 60 days. She said they would pay any care claims submitted, and that the money would be a use it or lose it kinda deal.

 

She also said in addition to whatever choice, there would be a one time payment for any 'Inconvenience or suffering' she did have a number, which was low, but did make mention it was fully open to dispute (Part of where being nice probably helped).

 

I told her I would not make any decisions until after a follow up appointment with my primary care doctor, and she agreed that it was a smart idea. I asked multiple times whether or not they had a copy of the accident report and she had said no, but it had been requested and paid for. I got mine for free, so I asked her what was up with that, and she just said that it's because they are an insurance agency, and the county just wants to make some money for the administrative fees. I offered my copy, but she politely declined and said they didn't need it anyway. She went on further to explain that the report and citations only come into play when fault is a question, but in their case, the other driver already admitted fault and that the documents were more or less just a formality of the process for them at this point. They recognize that their insured caused the accident and just want to take care of what I am owed. 

 

So that's where it stands.

 

Rob

 

 

[JeepcoMJ]

Sounds reasonable so far

[jimoshel]

Yep, so far.

[terrawombat]

Roughly 4 years ago I sold a 1999 Cherokee Classic to my GF's mom, who gave it to her youngest daughter to drive while she was at college.  The vehicle had 130K on the clock and was in above average condition.  She got t-boned by some idiot who locked up his brakes on the ice and trashed both passenger doors and tweaked the frame rail a bit.  Insurance company (State Farm) totaled it and cut my GF's mom a check for $5600.  They offered a buy-back option on it @ $750.  There was some back and forth with the insurance company on the value of the vehicle and she was able to get them to come up in price after providing a receipt showing she paid $700 for brand new tires only a few months prior to the accident.  So there is some wiggle room with the adjusters...

 

Just some more comparative info for you.

[Automan2164]

First numbers are in from Progressive

 

$4800 Total loss replacement

$600 Buy back

 

Basically a check for $4200 and a clean title.

 

State Farm will be in tomorrow or Friday.

Rob

[Strokermjcomanche]

I'm not sure how it's in your state but when the insurance company pays you for a vehicle it becomes a salvage title . Then you have to have it state inspected once repaired for a rebuilt title . Anyhow I think that's fair .

[jpdriver1]

I'm not sure how it's in your state but when the insurance company pays you for a vehicle it becomes a salvage title . Then you have to have it state inspected once repaired for a rebuilt title . Anyhow I think that's fair .

 Calif is that way 

[92tanMJ]

First numbers are in from Progressive

 

$4800 Total loss replacement

$600 Buy back

 

Basically a check for $4200 and a clean title.

 

State Farm will be in tomorrow or Friday.

Rob

Glad to hear youre okay, that matters more than anything. If it was me..I would do it. I looked at those photos of the frame for a good while and couldnt see anything wrong. So should we start helping you pick out a lift kit and tires? ;)

 

 

I'm not sure how it's in your state but when the insurance company pays you for a vehicle it becomes a salvage title . Then you have to have it state inspected once repaired for a rebuilt title . Anyhow I think that's fair .

 Calif is that way 

 

90% sure that's how it is in Ohio as well

[FrankTheDog]

If the cowl isn't bent at all you could strip the front end all down and bring it to a body shop and have the bent up sections pulled out on a frame machine. Bring it back home and reassemble with decent parts.

Use car-part.com and search for parts using the same paint code.

I did this for a guy with his plow jeep. I supplied the body parts and assembly and another guy hammered it out. It wasn't perfect but he got another 6 years of plowing 40 driveways with it.

[JeepcoMJ]

In WI, if the insurance company never assumes possession of the vehicle or title, the title never becomes a "salvage" title.

[BIGHEEP]

First numbers are in from Progressive

 

$4800 Total loss replacement

$600 Buy back

 

Basically a check for $4200 and a clean title.

 

State Farm will be in tomorrow or Friday.

Rob

Keep in mind if they say the scrap value is $600 there is no way a junkyard will pay full scrap value for a vehicle because there would be no meat left on the bones so to speak for profit. You may be able to get it even cheaper than that.

 

In NH if a vehicle is totaled you can rebuild it but you need to have it inspected by a state inspector before you can put it back on the road, The also require receipts for all the parts that you need to replace.

[Automan2164]

Keep in mind if they say the scrap value is $600 there is no way a junkyard will pay full scrap value for a vehicle because there would be no meat left on the bones so to speak for profit. You may be able to get it even cheaper than that.

 

In NH if a vehicle is totaled you can rebuild it but you need to have it inspected by a state inspector before you can put it back on the road, The also require receipts for all the parts that you need to replace.

 

 

He said that that is about the best he could do. We had a good back and fourth and talked about values and stuff. And the $600 I think is a fair number. I could see a yard at auction paying that for mine. Low mile drive train, all the metal from the a pillar back is good... Tires are great, wheels are good, interior is leather... I bet it would fetch more rolling across the block than just $600. Like I said, just waiting on State Farm. If this is the better offer of the two, I don't think I can be too upset.

 

Rob

[BIGHEEP]

 

Keep in mind if they say the scrap value is $600 there is no way a junkyard will pay full scrap value for a vehicle because there would be no meat left on the bones so to speak for profit. You may be able to get it even cheaper than that.

 

In NH if a vehicle is totaled you can rebuild it but you need to have it inspected by a state inspector before you can put it back on the road, The also require receipts for all the parts that you need to replace.

 

 

He said that that is about the best he could do. We had a good back and fourth and talked about values and stuff. And the $600 I think is a fair number. I could see a yard at auction paying that for mine. Low mile drive train, all the metal from the a pillar back is good... Tires are great, wheels are good, interior is leather... I bet it would fetch more rolling across the block than just $600. Like I said, just waiting on State Farm. If this is the better offer of the two, I don't think I can be too upset.

 

Rob

 

I agree $600 does seem fair.

[Automan2164]

State Farm came out today. Guy was a lot nicer, had more years in the business. Body shop said I got the good guy. We hammed it up and talked about cars. He had been doing this for over 25+ years. Took notice on how clean the XJ was, didn't take nearly as many pics as the Progressive guy. He said to make sure that the number from Progressive gets 7.5% sales tax added on, since that would be an additional cost when considering the value of replacement. Good to know. Also gave me some good advice, and told me that I should just toss some money to the body shop and have them toss it on the frame rack to check to make sure it's square.

 

Makes sense, I'd hate to start getting everything together and realize that something, somewhere I didn't see it is bent. I talked to the shop manager, and he said he'd take care of me. Only 1.5 HRS or so, and he said if he had to do a pull or two to shore it up, he wouldn't charge much of anything for the couple extra minutes. He said like $200 tops. Also asked about a tow back to my house, and he just said not to worry about it and that he would take care of me. When asked about the storage, he said he's got his money from the insurance for it sitting there and that was enough. I can't say enough about how much I like this body shop. I send everyone here.

 

State Farm guy said that he sees a ton more claims than progressive, and that it gets processed internally and spit back. He said I may know tomorrow afternoon at the earliest, Monday at the latest. To be honest I just want to have it here and cranking away, but in the mean time I am servicing the Diesel MJ to get that up and ready when they pull my rental car.

 

The blemish battery showed up at work while I was out today, and I plan on asking if I can just go back out there to the body shop, pull the fenders and get the battery in enough so they can lot drive it while they do the work. I think they would be cool with that.

 

Rob

[Reedtech]

poor jeep, wish you the best! glad your ok

[jeepdoggydogB]

Glad you are OK Rob, and I hope you get all you deserve. Many years ago I had a totaled classic Datsun 510 and will never forget the haggling. My mistake was concentrating on the vehicle rather than my well being. The achilles heel of an insurance settlement is always ones health. If they have to pay a large settlement to make you right certainly a small amount from that settlement can make your Jeep right.

[Automan2164]

Aaaannnnddd we're back. I moved the thread to our slush pot while I was talking property damage number with the insurance companies.

 

State Farm came back Friday with their numbers, and they were pretty close. Actual value was something like $3750, but a couple of my upgrades were taken into account, and then State Farm also adds tax, title, license, and doc fees as if you were going to buy new. Their number before buy back was $4650. Buy back from SF was only $300, so they ended up at $4350, about 150 more than Progressive.

 

Now with all this taken into account, if I were to go with SF, I would have to pay my $100 deductible until they collected from Progressive. With all the info in hand, I called Progressive back, and played the game. I told her SF came out higher, but didn't say by how much. Also explained they included all the fees. She said they will reimburse me within 30 days if I changed my mind and decided to buy something. I told her I wouldn't and that for sake of ease, I'd rather keep the property claim and the medical stuff with one company. She was pretty firm, but I tossed her out a proposition. $4500 even, clean title, and we could call it a deal. After a few minutes on hold, she made it happen. Cut me a $300 for the tow bill, and a $4500 check for the Jeep. Fair enough.

 

Now that I have that coming it was time to get down and dirty. Pat really wanted to help me get this back on the road so he volunteered his time to come down to run a few yards with me and parts search. He ended up running around during the week up by him and found a few black XJ's in OK shape, but some had hail damage, some had dents/rust... I am still holding out for cleaner stuff.

 

We loaded up in the diesel and hit up the local LKQ. As soon as we crested the hill to the place, I could tell it was a half off day. Local radio station was there, lot was packed, and people everywhere. We strolled for a bit, then settled on an XJ that whowey and I had picked over before. The hood, header panel, and left fender were gone/no good, but the right fender was saveable, and it had a smattering of parts that I may need exposed for easy picking.

 

Ended up getting all of this:

 

Pass fender in decent shape, one little bend, but not horrid

Headlight surround

Grille insert

Both fender support brackets

E-Fan

Mech fan/clutch

Mech fan bracket/bearing

Cruise control assy

Hood hinges

Upper radiator support

Battery tray

Both front flares

R/H inner fender lliner

 

 

Got all that and walked out for around $100. We wrapped up, and tried to hit a couple other yards, but none were open. I wanted to pick up a hammer/dolly set from Harbor Freight along with some other stuff, so we b-lined it there. While heading there, I kept thinking about that inner fender support. We had pretty much stripped it bare, so it was also easy picking. We walked around HF for a bit, filled a cart, and ended up picking up a couple of spot weld drill bits. We figured we could just head back and grab that corner. We were still near the JY, Pat had a charged drill, and we were good to go.

 

Bad part was, was the 1/4 chuck on Pat's drill wouldn't take the spot weld drill. I really wanted that clean metal off the XJ, this thing was mint. I made the executive decision to drive an hour home, pick up my drill, and then hop into my rental and jet back before they closed. I called the GF enroute to get the batteries on the chargers. We swooped in and picked everything up, as well as grabbed a 1/4 socket adapter and a socket for Pat's drill. I brought some lube to keep the bits cool, and we went to work. I expected the HF drill bits to burn up 2 holes in. We would get them started, hit them with some penetrant to keep them cool, and then drill away. Neither of us ever had to flip the cutting head. I would recommend them.

 

20 minutes later, we had this:

 

 

 

That cost me about $20. We grabbed the hood latches just in case also. It was only after all of this that we realized we had the correct sockets to work with Pat's drill and not have made the 2 hour round trip to my house.

 

So that's where I stand for that. Just collecting parts yet. I have a cart load of stuff waiting on Rock auto, but I just want to see the damage first after taking off some panels. I talked to the body shop, and I have planned to go out to their yard this afternoon to start pulling panels and get a battery back into it so it can lot run and drive while they move it around.

 

More pics to come this afternoon.

 

Rob

[yellaheep]

Wow......... that's patience.  I would have used a sawsall and cut it out just beyond the spot welds and then done all that tedious drilling at home.

 

Nice to see that clean XJ will get fixed and kept. :thumbsup:

[Akula69]

Glad to see it worked out for you with the Ins company...great job on the parts too.

 

HF spot weld cutting bits get my vote as well...we used 4 of them to cut the entire floor pan and supports free from Ryan's truck.

[Automan2164]

We didn't have a cordless sawzall that we could use. I approached some people at the yard and offered money to have them cut it for me, but no dice.

 

I think this is going to prompt me to buy a nice set though. Probably start an opinion thread once I have some more time.

 

Rob

[jimoshel]

Rob,  and Pat. Really don't know how I feel about reading this. I have a 1994ZJ, wrecked front end and a 1997, no power train. I thought about fixing the '94 using the '97 for parts. Then decided it would be more trouble than it's worth. After reading your tale and seeing the pics I'm back to wanting to fix it. May a swarm of locusts descend upon thee and eat all the buds off your rose bushes. Or maybe after getting yours fixed you two could come out and do mine? NAW!   I do have an advantage as mine are sitting side by side and I don't have to go running around the country looking for parts.