I got into a small wreck...help?

[MuseX13457]

Alright guys I was picking my brother up from school pulled up a little to much and got hit in the driver side fender. The fender is rough, my hood is bent, and driver side suspension got hurt pretty bad. I drove it home and the inside of the tire was rubbing against what I think is the upper control arm. My z is a 91 and was near mint before the wreck. It has a one piece drive shaft, New radio and all new speakers, New tires all the way around, All timing belt work done not but 10k miles ago, A stillen front lip. This Z was my baby.

My question is does it sound like it will be totaled out, will my insurance cover it. I have full coverage on her but How should I handle the adjuster when he comes out? This car means more to me than anything and I dont want to loose her.

[emiliog2276]

If its totalled the insurance will send someone to take a look at the car the price will more likely start at the blue book value and deduct value based on the mileage and wear on the car itself. They will add value for things you have added yourself. They will send you a full report on the value of the car . The report will more than likely include multiple deductions including your standard deductible (if accident was your fault) plus the tax and cost of transferring the title of the car to the insurance. Now if you want to keep the car all you gotta do is give them a call and tell them and they'll just send you a check for a lesser amount than the one included in the report sent to you.

[300ZXttZMAN]

All of the parts that need to be replaced can be replaced in less than 2 hours then all that is left is paint and an alignment. You have full coverage so they are going to cut you a check then use the check to buy the parts you need and have her fixed. It is almost impossible to say if the insurance company will total it or not until they actually come out there are so many variables other than the amount of known damage vs vehicle worth.

Keep us updated.

[ThisIsSparTTa]

I wouldn't let them know you've already been working on it. They could try and blame some of the damages on you.

[MuseX13457]

Well guys, she is totaled...Just gotta wait to see how much they give me now.

*edit*
Should I buy it back or just let her go...If i let her go can i take my mods back?

[z32loverboy]

If you let them take it they will want the parts that're on it now. They appraise the amount of damage vs the condition of the car plus whatever modifications have been done which add value. I'd buy it back if you have any kind of money in the parts that're in it now. Buy a rolling shell and swap EVERYTHING over. It took me a little under two weeks straight to do it this spring after mine got wreaked. If you don't have a lot of money tied up in the car I'd let em have it and buy yourself a new one.

[MuseX13457]

Okay they called me today, says my z is only worth 3200 (paid 3600 for the car). After fees Ill be taking home 2800...not happy. Im just going to buy it back and fix it. There is like 500 bucks worth of damage...like seriously it didnt need to be totaled out. =(

[A Paratroopers 300zx]

Ok that's BS. Which insurance company are you with? I work as a collision estimator for a body shop and that's 5-6 hours worth of repair to that fender or a cheap AM replacement. Maybe blend the door if you have a pearl tri-stage paint. All labor and paint would make it to 1500-2k max. No way that would be a total loss. Get a second estimate at a reputable body shop and tell the insurance company you won't settle for less than 4k. Strong arm them and get your baby back to show room condition!

[A Paratroopers 300zx]

s*** I can write you an estimate on that damage with the photos you have already provided. You have done most of the work already just getting that fender off!!

[MuseX13457]

I am livid, after buy back I will have 2000 if i am lucky. I have seen Z's that dont even run being sold for more than that! I left a voice mail saying I am not happy with the the number and that they need to get back to me, because I am not willingly going to settle at 2,800...my engine and trans are worth that alone. Im with state farm, and after this I can honestly say avoid them.

[DCaff300ZX]

Don't feel like they are singling you out, what you are facing is standard practice as it's up to you to prove any value upgrades to the car and ask for reimbursements when allowed such as tabs and major maintenance. Make sure to have all receipts, and that any shops that look at your car rate it's appearance in their estimate which may allow you to value your car in the Excellent category, or higher than the company is doing (sounds like they are using the average value) now. Also find anyone you know in the industry if possible for any help with any local differences that may apply including your state Insurance Commissioner, and in the end it may be best to get the best possible settlement then buy the car back and do the repair work yourself. If they try and stiff you with the buy-back, just go to the auction where it's sold and buy it for the $300-$350 scrap price...

[nexus08]

Based on the damage, I'd say $2000 will get you back on the street. Do most of the work yourself and you'll have a big chunk left over for a decent paint job.

Biggest problem is that your car will have a salvage title after your all said and done. That stinks...

[z32loverboy]

Yeah, for sure get a second estimate or a third even. Mine was estimated at about that and the guy driving my old car broke a fire hydrant and also ended me up in some trees. I seriously question the validity of that quote.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Muse, what state are you in? The numbers they are feeding you sound like a crock of s***. Def buy it back and fix it.

[MuseX13457]

Sorry I havent been on in a while, They wouldnt budge on anything. Valued at 3200 after Fee's and buy back I got 2100, buy back was 717. I managed to find me a pearl white hood for 100 and a black fender for 50. I got the upper and lower control arms for 80. I also purchased a goregeous Q45 for a grand. So I made out okayish...still feel like i got f*cked on car value.

[MuseX13457]

Guys Ive got all the parts to fix her, but i cannot seem to get any of the components off! Ive got it jacked up but all the bolts are seized up really bad cant budge a thing =(

[DCaff300ZX]

PB Blaster is your friend!
You can get it at Autozone...spray it on and wait awhile and it will be off.

[MuseX13457]

Alright I got my Z on all 4's again. She needs an alignment but other than that runs like she did before getting hit. I still need to get my fender painted before I put it on.

But there is one small problem. Say I am doing 60mph and decide to put it in neutral with the clutch out to just roll...the car will drop to 0RPM and turn off -.-'' then when you put it in gear and pop the clutch it jumps to life...any idea what could possibly be causing this?

[Z-owned]

Car have a cone style intake? Sounds like the maf turbulence issue which if so the flower pot mod works great.

[MuseX13457]

It has the stock air box, what is the flower pot mod? I dont like my car turning off at 60 mphs -.-''

[nissanfreak12]

If you have the stock air box, check out the AIV on the side that got damaged. You may have cracked the line or box. Most people just delete them, I know there is a write up somewhere. May have a vacuum leak playing with the idle control.