My fiance was in an accident (not her fault) and the vehicle is now a total loss (written off). She had a 99 CRV LX with approx 237,000km's. Immaculate inside and one dent about 2.5" on the tailgate and a cracked windsheild on the exterior. Paint condition and body condition (pre-accident LOL) was immaculate otherwise.
Her insurance company is offering a signifigently (sp?) lower price than she could replace her vehicle for, or even THINK of replacing her vehicle for considering its condition. They are offering $7700
I have disputed this with the insurance company but they maintain that the vehicle's higher than normal kilomteres were enough to knock the value down by almost $4-5000 dollars.
They claim that the appraiser they used searched 'comparibles' in Alberta, and used those as the basis for comparison. We have searched high and low to find any 'comparibles' to hers but can't find any for under $9000. Most are in the $11-12,000 range.
I have some contacts and found out that 'auction' price is $8400 and retail is approx $12,900. I have letters in writing to that effect, and will be getting more from other dealers across the province. I will be sending all the ads we've found online plus purchasing the Bargain Finder, Auto Traders, and Edmonton newspapers to scan and send the insurance company. We will be scanning and emailing all of our receipts to show the maintenence and condition of the vehicle, as well as obtaining a letter from the Honda technician who serviced the vehicle stating his trained, professional opinion about the mechanical state of this "high kilometer" engine. And of course, lots of pictures.
My questions are: What recourse do I have if they will not increase the value of the vehicle? I have searched and cannot find the answer to this question on Beyond or Google. Is there any insurance-minded folks who can steer me in the right direction? I have asked to see the 'comparibles' they used to verify them since I cannot find any, and I have asked to see the other criteria that they used to determine the value but as of this writing I have rec'd no response. Do they HAVE to present it if I ask? Is there a way to force them to if they won't? Is there any other documentation I can provide that will help me in my quest?
The insurance company tried to discourage me from speaking to legal council, but I think I should...
EDIT: I don't want to screw over the insurance company here, I simply want my fiance to have what she started out with: a 99-ish CRV, MT, similarly equipped, in similar condition. No more, no less.