tires and wheels I found out what is ~really~ valuable on an 02(rant)

[SteveJ]

Shiny paint and air conditioning, and my car has neither so it must be worthless.

The insurance company adjuster knew nothing about older cars, so they farmed it out to an independent appraiser. Really funny, as we have an agreed value on the policy. If anything, the market value for these cars has gone up since we had it appraised.

The indie came by tonight. This guy was nice and all, but he didn't know squat about older German cars. In conversation about car values, I asked him that I wondered how Hagerty handled appraisals on their vintage cars, the guy said "Oh, I'm sure he has his insurance get a proper appraisal." I said , "No. The insurance company Hagerty." I still don't think he got it.

Although he did run his hand over the dashmat covering my cracked dash and said the interior was in very good shape. Were the seats original? "Yes and no. The passenger seat is original, the drivers seat was replaced, but with the correct model year, and the rear seat was from a later 74 model as the basket weave is not correct for a '72." But wait, ~that~ should increase the value of my car. Pointing at the two temporary steel wheels on the back of the car, asked if I had the other two 'mag' wheels. I said No, I have the other three wheels. The factory alloys came as an option of 5 wheels, the third is in the trunk.

As I said, nice guy, but he was out of his element. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when some desk jockey starts looking at 1972 grilles and vintage Hella fog lights.

We'll see how this insurance deal pans out.

Regardless, I went and bought an angle grinder and some quick-lock cleaning pads to get started on the metal repair.

[jgmgti]

Steve,

I had a very similar situation last Dec. when a moron in a Dodge Dakota pulled in front of my fully restored/modified /magazine featured Jokeswagen 1978 GTI.I had an appraisal and agreed upon policy.An independent was sent out to review the damages.I'd be glad to help you w/ your claim and negociation.The car was written off I was made whole and bought the salavge back for pennies on the dollar.

jgmgti

jgm at starpower dot net

[SteveJ]

Thanks jg,

I don't know how things will pan out. Our goal is to have a cash settlement and keep the car with a clean title.

If the insurance company comes back with a poor deal I'll be sure to ask you some questions. Thanks for the offer.