T-boned by red light runner

[Tex06]

FWIW, my '92 was valued at $19k by State Farm 2 years ago. Was sideswiped by some jackwagon passing people on the shoulder. 

 

They came back to me at first with a $3k value and I told them to find me one in similar shape for that price. We negotiated after I turned in a bunch of comps....I may still have all those screenshots if you need them. 

[70barracuda]

From my accident last year, they gave me 13.5k for it. Its so old at this point they didnt even have a book value for it so what they did was an independent study I think, or something along that. They called 2 used car dealers that dealt with classic or older used and had them value it and then took the average of the 2. 

 

My biggest downfall was paint. I love the patina look but definitely hurts value. 

 

Harbor freight sells a body work hydraulic ram that did wonders for me. The entire front crossmember was "V"ed so I used that to get it near straight. Then used that crossmember brace mentioned in an earlier comment to see how it all lined up. Vice gripped together and welded. Stronger than factory. 

[EUREKA]

On 6/25/2025 at 5:19 PM, Tex06 said:

FWIW, my '92 was valued at $19k by State Farm 2 years ago. Was sideswiped by some jackwagon passing people on the shoulder. 

 

They came back to me at first with a $3k value and I told them to find me one in similar shape for that price. We negotiated after I turned in a bunch of comps....I may still have all those screenshots if you need them. 

I am meeting with the adjuster tomorrow. I'd gladly take those screenshots if you have them.

[EUREKA]

9 hours ago, 70barracuda said:

From my accident last year, they gave me 13.5k for it. Its so old at this point they didnt even have a book value for it so what they did was an independent study I think, or something along that. They called 2 used car dealers that dealt with classic or older used and had them value it and then took the average of the 2. 

 

My biggest downfall was paint. I love the patina look but definitely hurts value. 

 

Harbor freight sells a body work hydraulic ram that did wonders for me. The entire front crossmember was "V"ed so I used that to get it near straight. Then used that crossmember brace mentioned in an earlier comment to see how it all lined up. Vice gripped together and welded. Stronger than factory. 

Was that your 

 

9 hours ago, 70barracuda said:

From my accident last year, they gave me 13.5k for it. Its so old at this point they didnt even have a book value for it so what they did was an independent study I think, or something along that. They called 2 used car dealers that dealt with classic or older used and had them value it and then took the average of the 2. 

 

My biggest downfall was paint. I love the patina look but definitely hurts value. 

 

Harbor freight sells a body work hydraulic ram that did wonders for me. The entire front crossmember was "V"ed so I used that to get it near straight. Then used that crossmember brace mentioned in an earlier comment to see how it all lined up. Vice gripped together and welded. Stronger than factory. 

Was it your red one with the L33?

I am familiar with the value of a hydraulic ram. Probably headed the same route you took.

[75sv1]

I used a come a long on one of my '98's. I did use a hydraulic ram on the other. More to pop up or out the cab. A tree fell on it. And 70barracudas look righteous in the patina. Actually, in the Classic car world Survivors are winning Concours and fetching as much or more than 100 point restos. A Ferrari that Fangio raced fetched $40 million. Bugs from the race still on it. 

[EUREKA]

Update: Progressive is claiming that my truck was worth $6,980. They rejected all comps I provided saying that they only look at vehicles within 150 miles and the same model year. They called a couple local car dealers and asked them for estimated values. The adjuster is speaking with his manager to see what else they might be able to do. Including if they will accept the valuation of an independent professional auto appraiser.

In short so far they are trying to screw me.

[89 MJ]

Yeah, only looking at MJs the same model year is stupid. The 150 mile range makes some sense though, as that would be a 2.5 hour drive, which is fairly far and far enough for vehicles to have different values in the different places. 

 

That said, if they told you why your comps won't work and told you that it needs to be the same year and within 150 miles, I'd look for some comps that match their criteria. They should have no problem taking those then.

 

FWIW, I have spent several years around bodyshops. I have been told by many many people that in terms of price, Progressive is cheap to insure vehicles. If something happens, they are one of the worst companies when it comes time to getting paid for damage. Now I'm sure a lot of that depends on the agent, but this has been a problem for as long as I can remember.

[Pete M]

I might take $6979 if I get to keep my truck with a salvage title (assuming your area allows salvage titles).  you can get your truck up and running for far less and then pocket the rest. 

[eaglescout526]

1 hour ago, 89 MJ said:

Yeah, only looking at MJs the same model year is stupid. The 150 mile range makes some sense though, as that would be a 2.5 hour drive, which is fairly far and far enough for vehicles to have different values in the different places. 

 

That said, if they told you why your comps won't work and told you that it needs to be the same year and within 150 miles, I'd look for some comps that match their criteria. They should have no problem taking those then.

 

FWIW, I have spent several years around bodyshops. I have been told by many many people that in terms of price, Progressive is cheap to insure vehicles. If something happens, they are one of the worst companies when it comes time to getting paid for damage. Now I'm sure a lot of that depends on the agent, but this has been a problem for as long as I can remember.

I’ve heard Geico is awful in AZ. 

[89 MJ]

8 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

I’ve heard Geico is awful in AZ. 

I've heard the same up north. Maybe they should focus more on their payouts than their stupid gecko commercials

[derf]

16 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

I’ve heard Geico is awful in AZ. 

They're awful everywhere else too.

[JZLAJeep]

1 hour ago, Pete M said:

I might take $6979 if I get to keep my truck with a salvage title (assuming your area allows salvage titles).  you can get your truck up and running for far less and then pocket the rest. 

I've done exactly this before. Certainly something to consider. I had to "buy" the vehicle back, which meant the insurance company subtracted $400 from what they were going to pay me.

[eaglescout526]

1 hour ago, 89 MJ said:

I've heard the same up north. Maybe they should focus more on their payouts than their stupid gecko commercials

Damn right!! I’ll always say the same about those stupid liberty mutual commercials. 

[89 MJ]

2 hours ago, eaglescout526 said:

Damn right!! I’ll always say the same about those stupid liberty mutual commercials. 

Yes! I'll never be a customer of theirs just because of the moronic ads. 

[EUREKA]

Now they re saying that they will only accept the appraisal of independent appraisers if they are with progressive. 

6 hours ago, 89 MJ said:

The 150 mile range makes some sense though, as that would be a 2.5 hour drive, which is fairly far and far enough for vehicles to have different values in the different places. 

Maybe in your region of the county. I would have to drive 3 hours or more to reach the next population center. Check out Eureka, Ca on a map. 

[Pete M]

that doesn't sound very "independent". 

[89 MJ]

[EUREKA]

14 minutes ago, Pete M said:

that doesn't sound very "independent". 

Poor writing on my part. They allow their ow customers to get independent appraisals, but not people like me who their clients screw over by running red lights.

[EUREKA]

6 hours ago, Pete M said:

I might take $6979 if I get to keep my truck with a salvage title (assuming your area allows salvage titles).  you can get your truck up and running for far less and then pocket the rest. 

I'm not wise enough yet  at my age to take a loss and move on. JUSTICE!! 

[EUREKA]

More info coming soon. 

[Pete M]

6 minutes ago, EUREKA said:

I'm not wise enough yet  at my age to take a loss and move on. JUSTICE!! 

 

don't get me wrong, if you can get more money, go for it.   but I'd still keep the truck.  wouldn't take much to get it running again and then you have all their money too.

[EUREKA]

4 minutes ago, Pete M said:

 

don't get me wrong, if you can get more money, go for it.   but I'd still keep the truck.  wouldn't take much to get it running again and then you have all their money too.

I plan on keeping it making it better than before. But I might sell it in the future.

I own a Comanche as my daily driver because it was a way to drive a dependable vehicle that meets my needs as a contractor (and Comanches are cool as heck) . But it doesn't really meet my needs all that well. I could really use more towing capacity. The truth is a modern half-ton truck would be of more utility to me. And I do like the idea of a larger vehicle with air bags all over. I have a 4 month old baby so that plays into my thinking here.

[derf]

13 hours ago, EUREKA said:

Poor writing on my part. They allow their ow customers to get independent appraisals, but not people like me who their clients screw over by running red lights.

Sounds like you may want to get a lawyer involved.

[Pete M]

13 hours ago, EUREKA said:

I plan on keeping it making it better than before. But I might sell it in the future.

I own a Comanche as my daily driver because it was a way to drive a dependable vehicle that meets my needs as a contractor (and Comanches are cool as heck) . But it doesn't really meet my needs all that well. I could really use more towing capacity. The truth is a modern half-ton truck would be of more utility to me. And I do like the idea of a larger vehicle with air bags all over. I have a 4 month old baby so that plays into my thinking here.

 

 

in 16 years that kid's going to need a whip   

[Spinnakerblue89]

It's good to know that you are fine, or at least feel fine. I hope that the MJ isn't a loss though. 

 

I had a neighbor few miles down the road from me get into an accident with his rust-free J10. Someone ran a red light because they decided texting their boy toy was more important than stopping, I guess. These things happen and unfortunately, there is always a victim.