'Easy Bake' is no more

My 1981 E 150 that I've put a new motor in to, rebuilt tranny, brakes, radiator, interior paneling and so forth is kaput. Got in a collision last night and it is totalled according to the body shop. Where can I find a value website so I can negotiate a settlement? I've done some searching this morning but so far turning up zilch.

Thanks and a lift of the lynch lid for any help!

 

Been there done that, It will come down to average local value of the Van plus your "repair receipts" and they devalue the receipts by date of repair...........

 

Luckily for the big items, I've kept detailed receipts and a spreadsheet log on work done over the years.

Any other insights to dealing with this State Farm claim are most welcome, keep 'em coming.

 

When my son totalled an old BMW 318ti (with a minty southern body) a number of years ago, State Farm did really quite well in terms of the value. It was a '97, accident was in 2010, true book value was maybe $2k, and they gave him $5 or 6k...which is what it could have sold for.

I have my '91 BMW 318is insured thru Hagerty, which is a classic car insurance company and I get to state the insured value myself. I have had many older vehicles worth way more than book value and Hagerty is the first time I have felt secure in what would happen if my car was a total loss.

Best of luck--I would definitely prepare the receipts along with any recent photos you have of the van showing its condition (although that should be evident from the remains of the van anyway).

Best of luck,
George

 

It's time to put on your "Poker Face" and get every 81 E150 van or that body style For Sale ads you can find along with your receipts. They should set up a time for you bring all of it to their office and go through the receipts one by one to devalue them base on time and millage then you can use an average price of the ads for a counter price over their first offer for the Van itself...................the game is on.

 

"Lift of the lynch lid"??
Is that British? What's it mean?

Also show us your crash pics.

 

I was curious myself. Looks like an eyelid lift?

Eyelid Correction $81 /mo Plastic Surgery Payment Plan Maryland

 

State Farm is known to be a real **** settling claims depending if you're the policy holder found at fault. Initially they'll try low balling, in this case almost to the point you owe them money for the collision. (That's facetious so PLEASE don't take it seriously!)

If you're the policy holder they'll probably pay no more than book value as determined today. As YoGeorge states the amount and type of collision coverage you pay for will be the major determining factor in the final amount you're offered. You would have the option to buy the van back for cheap, that cost coming out of the settlement.

If the other party is the State Farm covered and at fault they'll be quick to close the claim which would work in your favor. Even a small "mountain of paperwork" would nudge them towards giving you the most fair amount you'll take for the loss. Recent photos would just add strength to your claim. At that point the chance to buy the totaled vehicle back will still exist.

I've dealt with State Farm back in the day and they were bad then, not much better today. In the end your outcome will depend largely upon who was at fault.

 

This will be key.

 

I'm going with
http://www.buffalonews.com/storyimag...5.jpg&maxW=960

 

Crash pics! Crash pics!

 

'Lift of the lynch lid', in other words a 'tip of the hat' an old saying from National Lampoon magazine

I'm afraid there's more damage below the surface, the radiator was pushed into the fan, and the water pump looks damaged. The relay panel for the head a nd fog light are kaput as well as one of the fog lights, the secondary battery shows signs of damage, can't see the primary well enough. Looks like there may be frame damage too.

Oddly enough, the other vehicle sufferred only minor cosmetic damage.

 

A few weekends and maybe a couple frame ends.............good as new!

 

Looks fixable. If you want to do it cheap, farm out the frame and do the rest.

Flush the battery acid and neutralize it ASAP if you keep it.

 

It does look fixable, on the surface but this old van has taken a couple of other hits so it won't break my heart if the insuance adjuster agrees with the body shop.