Biker's Run..........................

[Miss Eggroll]

Wow, I haven't posted here in a while. It's been a long winter up here in NH and a lot of the roads really suck right now. We sure do need a stretch of some nice weather, temps in the 50's to get rid of all of this snow. I don't see that happening for a while...think I'll go polish my wheels.

 

[KnightWing]

Good Morning all,

Sorry to hear about the insurance adjuster, Jaded. I'm sure you will make a little noise somewhere!

It must be getting close to spring,,, got the fleet of motorcycles out this past weekend,,, and most of the 200 of them started,,, had a couple that just refused to fire,,, and I can't blame them,,, the temps were below 32 degrees, the wind was blowing 30 mph, and it was snowing!!! (I'd want to stay in hibernation too!!!)

Classes start in 5 days!!!! We seriously need to get some warmer weather to get rid of all this snow!!!

Have a great day all.

Stay safe

 

[Jaded1]

Wow, I haven't posted here in a while. It's been a long winter up here in NH and a lot of the roads really suck right now. We sure do need a stretch of some nice weather, temps in the 50's to get rid of all of this snow. I don't see that happening for a while...think I'll go polish my wheels.

Well, Miss Eggroll you may have been gone but not forgot...

I hear ya on the long winter... God I need to get back up on two wheels. At least my snow/ice pack is gone. Now we are either getting a snow/rain mix or rain. We have a lot of flooding right now. The state has started to get the state road sweeping trucks to sweep up some of the sand on the roads. Are roads have a lot of pot hole from the winter. It is going to be interesting to see if they'll get fixed with the economy in the shit'r the way it is.

I put a coat of Mother's wax on my girl before putting her away for the season. I keep her covered while sitting idle. I have fired her up a couple of times this year. I couldn't wait and needed a fix.

I am giving you a heads up. I am planning on holding another Biker's Run cook out on May 24th. It will be the 1st one for the 2008 season. You of course are invited. We would all like to meet you in person... At my cook outs it's all about good food, good friends, and good times...

 

[NYWings]

Jaded,

I just got back from 80 to 90 degree days in Grand caymen and mexico so it was a shock when I got out of my car and it was 32!
I had a good time and enjoyed the weather and all those pretty bikinis!

Well I hear you about the van,,, Your VIN dictates what the van started life as before it was shipped to the conversion company.

Try Edmunds.com, Plug in that you want to sell your conversion van and include the name of the conversion and all the goodies. Then you may get a guide you can use that will support a better value that 1400.00
Also you need to go online to your states ins dept and review the laws regarding hoe to value a t/l and what the ins adjuster needs to do to be fair.
Sales tax might be included if its a t/l and they need to provide a salvager if they take a salvage deduction.
Do some homework. Get the classified and look for similar vans sold recently. Auto trader ext. want-ad digest is good too.
Plug in all the info from book values to street values and even call som RV dealers who sell conversions.
Do an Avg and then compare your van to it.
This is the support that will force the figures to change. Support your demand and they have to prove you wrong. Or you will be uncontested by any self respecting judge in small claims.
Now don't be too quick to say the ins est will produce shotty work. The shops will overwrite all the time to inflate the estimate. If it will take 4 hours to repair they write 6 or 7 to cover themselves... They know the adj will write the lower number so they start high.

Do your homework and you will get what you need.
Support your demand and they will pay you

Good Luck!

 

[Jaded1]

Good Morning all,

Sorry to hear about the insurance adjuster, Jaded. I'm sure you will make a little noise somewhere!

It must be getting close to spring,,, got the fleet of motorcycles out this past weekend,,, and most of the 200 of them started,,, had a couple that just refused to fire,,, and I can't blame them,,, the temps were below 32 degrees, the wind was blowing 30 mph, and it was snowing!!! (I'd want to stay in hibernation too!!!)

Classes start in 5 days!!!! We seriously need to get some warmer weather to get rid of all this snow!!!

Have a great day all.

Stay safe

Hey, KnightWing...

It was a nice day here for a change so I got some pictures of the damage and the condition of the van. I have already collected up and made copies of the receipts showing the engine replacement 18,000 mile ago on the new engine and the overhaul the transmission. I went only to NADA and came up with value of $2,600.00 using the SLT model and an Explorer conversion van was some 5 grand more that the SLT. The adjuster was just trying to blow smoke up my ass to scare me. The stupid bastard doesn't know I don't scare or back down. I am going to have to appeal this with the Connecticut Insurance Commission in Hartford. I will not be able to take them to small claims court because it's an auto insurance claim. Channel 3 news also has a research team that love to get involved in fleecing cases and would have no problem giving Nationwide and this gal free publicity. Now she is a real estate developer. I don't think she really needs negative publicity. I could really care less if it hurts her business. I will also drag my insurance company GEICO into it. Last resort will be to ask for help from my daughter in laws step Dad. He is a very good lawyer and a good guy. Nationwide is trying desperately to steer me into one of there chop shops. The place I want to take it does excellent work. The governor here in CT recently pasted a law that the person found not guilty of causing the accident has the right to have their vehicle repaired were every they won't. It's just agreevating... Now that I have the pictures I am going to take the inner door panel off and try to pound out some of this dent. The door isn't closing tightly and when it rains the water is getting inside. It soaks the fuse box and blows fuses. I also think that is what shorted out the digital gauges and why they no longer work. Trust me bro. the gloves are off and someone is gonna get knock out... Violence is good. It helps reduce stress. Mine anyway and creates stress for others...

I am giving you a heads up too. I am planning on holding another Biker's Run cook out on May 24th. It will be the 1st one for the 2008 season. You of course are invited. We would all like to meet you in person... At my cook outs it's all about good food, good friends, and good times... I remember last year you were busy. Hopefully this will give you enough time.

 

[Jaded1]

Good morning, gang...

Hi ho hi ho it's off to work I go... This is the first day of my work week. This evening I need to call my auto insurance company and find out my first steps to get this cluster f**k straightened out. I need to know if it will be a problem trying to un dent the door a little so it closes completely. After that heavy rain storm I found the fuse box soaked again and a blow ECM fuse.

Has anyone else noticed how much more difficult life seem to be getting lately... Maybe it just me but recently I get this felling that I am pushing a Abram's tank up hill...

OK, time to get in and get ready for work.

Want to wish everyone a super Tuesday...

A reminder about Biker's Run first cook off for the 2008 on May 24th. I will be sending out invitations to those active Biker's Run members. This will be a great opportunity to meet the people in real life that you have chatted with. At the cook off it all ways good food, good friends, and good times. Share the laughter...

Ride safe, stay warm, stay dry, and remember keep it upright...

 

[supahspaz]

Wasn't the best day today, BUT it was close. A little chilly at the start so I pulled up the bandana and rode anyway. Aside dodging pot holes and a little black ice, it wasn't too bad.

Just a quick hello from another Masshole. Hope to see you around.

Spaz

 

[Jaded1]

Good morning, brothers and sisters of the iron horse...

Well, it is going to be another long busy day for me. When I get home I need to get the parking area swept up. It is covered in sand and salt from over the winter. If I get it swept into the street the town road sweeper can pick it up to recycle next year.

Supahspaz it's been a while my friend. I got up into the 40's yesterday afternoon around here. Between the cold and the sand still on the roads I left my girl covered up and warm. Thu I did see one person on the road riding and he looked cold. Plus we have been getting these passing snow/sleet flurries popping up randomly. The GoldWing and I don't like snow...

It's time for me to get in the shower. Hey, Eggroll care to join me. I have a problem getting my back scrubbed. Think ya can rub it for me...

Want to wish everyone a happy hump day. Get out there and hump some thing...

Ride safe, stay warm, stay dry, and remember keep it upright...

 

[dinny]

60 degrees yesterday... sweatshirt weather...

And took a two hour putt to prove it. Ain't been around for a bit... after Sturgis rode to Austin... came back and started playing in a band in Boulder then had heart trouble... but got back in swing of things yesterday. Ain't it great what a little time in the wind will do for you?

 

[Jaded1]

And took a two hour putt to prove it. Ain't been around for a bit... after Sturgis rode to Austin... came back and started playing in a band in Boulder then had heart trouble... but got back in swing of things yesterday. Ain't it great what a little time in the wind will do for you?

Hey, buddy been wonder'n were the hell ya been... Happy to hear you ol'e renegade that your still around...! Not happy to hear about the heart problem. Happy to hear you still in control of your life. I just figured ya hooked up with a biker chic half your age and rode off into the sunset. So the band got a CD come'n out soon we should watch for...?

I had a high today of 41 degrees and passing snow flurries. Then this is New England. It's gonna be a couple more weeks I've have this gut feeling before I will get any two wheel'n in. Right know I have to be content with sitting in the saddle and starting her up... Finally bought my GPS unit for my steed. Next is the wide screen TV for the football games...

Ya know manly shit...

 

[dinny]

Just my luck, Jade...

I hooked up with a lady tat artist at Sturgis that had 15 years on me... which as you know is a lot... we did a lot of riding together during the classic, but I ain't looking for a new mom... One of my so called buds hooked me up the first night in town with a waitress named Buffalo Heifer at a club off the main drag and got me in some compromisin' positions with his GD cell phone camera... It's enough to drive you back to drinkin'! Control's an illusion my friend... lettin' go is the key.

My project with the etown folks goes into the studio in September... CDs are going to be sent to industry, the regular distribution at this time is going to be on iTunes... got a lot of Boulder talent coming together for it including some of the friends from the front of myspace page. It's nice to be connected sometimes.

 

[Jaded1]

Good morning, girls and boys...

It's finally Friday... Eight more hours and it's finally the weekend. My people person skills really took a stretch'n this week...

It's appears that reasoning with Nationwide insurance is not going to happen so I am going to have to file a grievance with the Connecticut insurance commission. At this time it's more about the frustration. These insurance company's have one hell of a scamp going on. I agree that people should carry auto insurance in case of an accident. But they just want to collect premiums. They do not feel libel for repairs when an accident occurs...

Dinny sounds like you found yourself something to really get involved with...
Want to wish you the very best. Keep us posted...

Well, I need to get ready for work. Want to wish everyone a great Friday.

Ride safe. stay warm, stay dry, and remember keep it upright...

 

[Biker-Bo]

I wonder how many insurance companies take into account the vast number of people that consult literotica before deciding to purchase insurance for their automobile.

The issue you are going to have is that a lot of the work you have had done does not add to book value, and they are offering what they calculate to be 80% of book. The reality is, that in the grand scheme of things the insurance companies are not going to allow for improvements or customizations that don't add to NADA or Kelly Blue book value. It's not their fault if someone decides to plaster their 1991 Tempo with gold leaf designs or whatever. They employ millions of dollars a year worth of lobbyists to make sure that the legislation that passes is favorable to them. Whose initiative was it to keep car insurance claims out of court, your only real impartial venue fro redress? Insurance companies.

While your van is undoubtedly worth more than book, the recognized value is dictated by other factors, such as the NADA book value. Value is the recognized worth of something, not the money you spent on it, or what it would take to replace it.

As far as News coverage, don't count on it. Your story isn't "sexy" enough to make the news. You are one of possibly HUNDREDS that that particular adjuster is screwing over. Multiply that times the number of adjusters in the News coverage area. Now go watch the news and tell me how many "insurance company vs. Old Van Owner stories there are. Crack open the paper...same thing. KXYZ on your side, or whatever the local flavor is is looking for sensationalism- and ol' faithful ain't it.

Sorry for your woes, but this isn't going to change much, especially in CT, where the most insurance company-friendly laws in the country seem to exist.

It's a Bummer man; but it is what it is. Been there, done that...

Ride safe.

 

[Miss Eggroll]

Biker-Bo makes some good points here. We own a 1966 GTO and if it got totalled tomorrow, we could probably spend the settlement check at Burger King. The harsh reality with any vehicle that falls outside of the "Blue Book" designation is that you'd need supplemental "collector car" insurance to cover any potential losses.

Sorry to hear about your woes, but this sort of stuff happens all the time. I won't go into details, but my husband works in law enforcement and he could keep you up all night with stories about insured vehicles, uinsured vehicles, under-insured vehicles. Rarely does anyone have "too much insurance coverage" but mostly that's because the money trees in our area have not been flowering lately.

The weekend is nearly here...let's hope we can get the bikes out soon!

 

[Hazeny]

Sorry to hear of your troubles Jaded.

I learned the hard way back in 82. Lost a 68 AMX with a 390 4 barrel and a 80 super glide in a garage fire. You would think because they're in a garage they'd be covered for fire...wrong!!! You need comp on them too. Back then comp was real pricey for bikes especially. Your homeowners will not cover vehicles in a garage fire. Only way they would have been covered the fire would have had to originate on an adjacent property.

Anyhow.....Think Spring!!!!

 

[Biker-Bo]

Biker-Bo makes some good points here. We own a 1966 GTO and if it got totalled tomorrow, we could probably spend the settlement check at Burger King. The harsh reality with any vehicle that falls outside of the "Blue Book" designation is that you'd need supplemental "collector car" insurance to cover any potential losses.

Sorry to hear about your woes, but this sort of stuff happens all the time. I won't go into details, but my husband works in law enforcement and he could keep you up all night with stories about insured vehicles, uinsured vehicles, under-insured vehicles. Rarely does anyone have "too much insurance coverage" but mostly that's because the money trees in our area have not been flowering lately.

The weekend is nearly here...let's hope we can get the bikes out soon!

I certainly hope you have that insurance. Goats are beeeeyoootiful cars.

 

[Biker-Bo]

Sorry to hear of your troubles Jaded.

I learned the hard way back in 82. Lost a 68 AMX with a 390 4 barrel and a 80 super glide in a garage fire. You would think because they're in a garage they'd be covered for fire...wrong!!! You need comp on them too. Back then comp was real pricey for bikes especially. Your homeowners will not cover vehicles in a garage fire. Only way they would have been covered the fire would have had to originate on an adjacent property.

Anyhow.....Think Spring!!!!

I would still be crying. Y'all just made me check on (and upgrade) the insurance for my 73 'Cuda. (426 hemi, of course.)

 

[dinny]

There's two schools of thought on insurance...

The first one is carry the minimum the law or bank requires 'cause it's fuckin' legalized blackmail anyhow. The second is carry so much that even when they don't pay off what their supposed to, you get enough to replace what you lost. It's my humble opinion, that folks who subscribe to the second school got more money than they know what to do with and ain't really bikers anyhow. Biker just somehow never seem quite able to live from paycheck to paycheck... though they have been known to live from watering hole to watering hole. It's obvious that I have too much fun with this so you know which school I belong to.

 

[NYWings]

The first one is carry the minimum the law or bank requires 'cause it's fuckin' legalized blackmail anyhow. The second is carry so much that even when they don't pay off what their supposed to, you get enough to replace what you lost. It's my humble opinion, that folks who subscribe to the second school got more money than they know what to do with and ain't really bikers anyhow. Biker just somehow never seem quite able to live from paycheck to paycheck... though they have been known to live from watering hole to watering hole. It's obvious that I have too much fun with this so you know which school I belong to.

Hi Dinny,

I find your two schools of thought to be very common and a common misconception. I actually hear all of your woes and the one thing that rings the loudest....
Everyone is talking about what you will get when you have the loss.
Finding out you don't have coverage, the wrong coverage, you paid for too much coverage.... AFTER you have a loss.... Wrong! Don't fall into that trap!

DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Get your 1966 GTO ramAir super concourse Classic Appraised ! Get it insured for what you determine it to be worth! AND THEN INSURE IT FOR THAT!

For any Classic car GET A STATED POLICY! Get it appraised and get it insured for what YOU determine is fair!

NEVER!!!! try to settle the claim for your prized Classic through the OTHER guys insurance... NO NEVER NEVER NEVER!

Your policy is your conract with YOUR company! The company YOU pay your premiums to! THEY HAVE A LEGAL OBLIGATION TO REPRESENT YOUR BEST INTEREST! THEY WILL ABIDE BY THE LAWS OF YOUR STATE AND THE CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT YOU HAVE>>>YOUR POLICY!!!

The other guys ins company has a job to do to protect their insured and ALL their policyholders!

Very simple... If YOUR insurance company is OVERPAYING claims YOU LOOSE!
YOUR rates will have to increase because they are paying out MORE money and not being vigilent by mitigating every loss they have to pay...

Its a business folks... If they pay more ... you pay more! Simple economics!

So will you do the best by letting the "other guys" insurance pay you???

What do you think?

So.... You buy the policy that is right for YOU... Your company has agreed to pay you by the CONTRACT. they also will then go after the "Other guy" and get your deductible back if your not at fault. You don't want to be faced with fighting the ins co who already knows the Ins laws... You want YOUR ins co... The one you have paid premiums for the last 10 years to... to go after the Other guy FOR YOU! THats what your paying for ...

Ins is like any other business. They want customer satisfaction so they get repeat business.
ins policies are only profitable when the company has the policy for a number of years.
Its a business and your policy is a contract... So know what you bought so you know what to expect if you have a loss.

If My 64 Corvette is burned up in my garage I will be paid 45,000.00
I already know this so I have no surprises! If I want 75,000 and I have a valid appraisal to support that amount then I can pay for the higher coverage... But why?
The car can be replaced for the 45,000.00 ( at todays prices) If I had a 67 427 /435 that went for 250,000 or a 70 Hemi Cuda hitting 1/2 mill I would insure it for that!
If I cannot afford the insurance then maybe I cannot afford the toy!

Do your homework... If you buy an ACV policy ( actual cash value) but because your car is too old to be in the currect books your company may ask you to get an appraisal... THAT IS NOT a stated value policy... Its an ACV policy and will be paid as Actual cash value only.... So get some guy to give you a false appraisal thats been inflated to twice what the car is worth and YOU WILL PAY HIGH PREMIUMS ON THAT APPRAISAL! BUT only get the acv when the car is a total!
Sorry... this guy didn't do his homework and lost big time... What will he say at his neighbors BBQ... " That insurance company screwed me..." Yup... he got screwed all right... Because he didn't do his homework!

Get an agent you can sit down with and discuss this BEFORE you buy the policy. I would not have Classic car ins on my 08 Impala SS... BUT!!! I took out a replacement policy because I want the coverage for that!
The car gets totalled within 3 years I get a new car... NEW car.... No depreciation! The "other guys " ins will only pay me the depreciated price for the acv... Thats all they owe! BUT... I will use my collision. I will get a new Impala SS And my company will go after the Other guy for my deductible and my loss of use... I know what I have BEFORE I have the loss! I know my ins company will work for ME... they do the fighting and lets face it ... They do not want to loose! Neither do I... When the other guys claim rep calls me for information all I do is say.... "here's my ins co claim rep... call them for any information... period!
I can buy a regular policy and be paid based on the acv... This is traditional and your rates are based on YOUR record... Good driver = good rates... Its a business and its that simple. Speeding tickets DWI accidents... I want YOU to pay more because YOU will be a higher risk!

Its a business folks... Do your homework... Know what you bought,,, Buy what you need...
If you paid 1200 last year for your premium and didn't have a loss did you loose? Its not a bank account... they don't store your money up till you have a loss... You paid for the coverage you bought for the term of the policy!
Your premium dollars were paying for that fat lawyer who got 1 mill for the jerk who doesn't know McDonalds coffee is hot! Must be McDonalds fault they sold a hot cup of coffee!
You can bet your bottom dollar that McDonalds inc co fought that settlement and they did get it rightfully reduced... But guess who it was that awarded that stupid settlement...??? The jury! People like you and me who said... "Its the insurance companys money... let them pay" Well here's a fact... The ins company money is YOUR money You pay in premiums... if your company does NOT do its job to Mitigate all losses who pays for it? If the cost of the bananas to the grocery store goes up what does the grocer do? Same thing applies here... If YOUR ins company does not mitigate all losses and they pay out more money than they should some lawyers get fat , a few claimants get a fat settlement and we pay more in premiums...

So when YOUR ins company inspects the other guys car and only pays what they owe... They are working for YOU! They are protecting your money!
When you don't have a loss in 10 years but have paid premiums for all those years ask yourself... Would you want your company to overpay all those claims so people can "save" their deductible? Who do you think really paid for them "saving" that 500.00 deductible... ???
Think about it ...
Please do your homework so you can protect that 66 Goat or 68 AMX...
Don't find out when its too late...

Sorry guys for being so long winded here... I only wanted to share some info here and hopefully help someone avoid a bad experience...

Looking forward to SPRING!
NYWings

 

[Miss Eggroll]

I certainly hope you have that insurance. Goats are beeeeyoootiful cars.

Yes it is...beautiful AND covered! Sorry that I might have been a bit misleading, we do have collector car insurance on it, even though it probably only sees 1,000 miles per year, mostly to car shows and sunny Sunday cruises. It's red with a convertible top and beyond that I'm not to sure about "cubic inches" and "4 barrels"....I'll let you car nuts chew the fat over those details!

 

[dinny]

You covered everything but...

Stockholders, NY. And its all very interesting to those of us who are retired, disable vets who live on fixed incomes, can't own a muscle car we couldn't afford when it was new, and own cars that are ten years old or older because we can't afford payments of $400-$500 a month plus insurance... some of us can't and don't keep up with the Jones's and still have to pay high insurance rates because the law has basically eliminated competition from the market. Do you ever wonder why every friggin' insurance company on TV advertises they can all save you 'an average of $350?' How the hell do they know what the other guys rates are for averaging purposes? When you start living on a pension EVERY friggin' penny counts so you really get sore when people start sticking their hands in your pockets by law and I'm sorry this particular topic involved one of my pet peeves--insurance. In our family's economy, health insurance is ahead of car insurance on the budget--you'll get old too someday.

 

[NYWings]

Is winter officially over yet? I hope so!
I'm looking forward to the warm days again... I just sent in my renewal for my plates... That always gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

I look forward to seeing a few of you this year. Maybe get a few miles under my belt with some of you.

Keep the faith... the warmer days are coming!

 

[Miss Eggroll]

Keep the faith... the warmer days are coming!

LOL....he says as I look out the window and it's snowing once again!

This is the endless winter. Hey, I know it's only mid-March, but I've about had it with the dang snow, I wanna get out and ride! Normally I don't take the bike out before April anyway, so I guess I'm just chomping at the bit here. I guess I need to move to a warmer climate!

Maybe I need some sort of "virtual reality" thing hooked up to the computer so it at least looks like I'm riding.

 

[Jaded1]

Good morning, everyone...

This page has made some very interesting points...! WHEN I owned my very rare 1958 Cadillac Arctic White Coupe Deville it was appraised for $60,000. The barn I kept it in (measured 21 foot long and to big for the average garage) had no electricity yet I keep fire insurance on it. Then everything was relatively in expensive. Now, everything is ridiculously priced and were getting screwed royally...

The difference between the estimate from the body shop I want to do the work and Nationwide is offering is approx. $750.00. What grabbed me by the nuts was the comments the adjuster made: I need to take his estimate to the body shop and negotiate with them and that I would need to make concessions. I will admit I don't know much about this process because I've never had an accident. But it doesn't take a lawyer to tell me I'm getting shafted.

Do I seriously believe that I will be able to defeat Nationwide with their numerous lawyers? My answer is no! But I will be able to draw attention to Nationwide's and from what I am also seeing is that other insurance companies share this same practice in a negative way. Perhaps I will get some other people to wonder WTF is going on? The gal that struck my vehicle is a real estate developer. I am not asking for her to buy me a new car. Sweet Jesus the last thing I want is a new car. The van is the first vehicle I've ever owned that is electronically controlled and boy was that a mistake. I have started to look around from something pre electronics again and will restore it.

My point is that this seems to be standard practice to fuck the American population by corporate America and as the American population we just bend over and take it. I guess my question is WHY???? Have we truly gotten to be ball less wonders??? I am a Nam vet and fought for this country!!! But it isn't the country I fought for any more. I would never defend this country again. America is not the government (that's corrupt as hell) it the people sitting in their kitchen drinking a cup of coffee wondering how they are going make it from paycheck to paycheck.

Last time I checked I still had a very very large pair of balls. I am sitting on my horse, I have lowered the visor on my helmet, picked up my lance, and have a wind mill in view. I would like to think there are others that are "mad as hell and not going to take it anymore" besides me... When you allow others to shit on ya they will do it every time...!

Have a super great weekend...

Ride safe, stay warm, stay dry, and remember keep it upright...

 

[NYWings]

Jaded,

You need to discuss this matter with the nationwide adjusters manager first.
I cannot speak for your state of CT. but... in NY the adjuster has the obligation to go to the shop of YOUR choice and negotiate. Thats his duty! Thats part of HIS job. If after diligent negotiation he cannot strike AN AGREED PRICE to return your vehicle back to a pre-loss condition He has to send you a letter stating your rights AND provide you with a shop that WILL repair your vehicle according to his estimate and get your van fixed.

I have to believe the laws in CT are similar.

I hear you about the ripping off of America but maybe on a different level.

When a guy tows your car and knows its covered by insurance he gives a bill thats higher than if he is just towing the car for someone paying out of pocket. HMMM why? Because the ins company will pay the bill... They have lots of money and charge everyone so much for those darm premiums so why not...
The tow company knows that the ins company is somewhat powerless to fight the bill becuase they towed your car and the ins company does not own the car. he ins co cannot take the tower to court... only the vehicle owner can. The owner says, " I have insurance so pay the bill" You can park your car in long term parking for less than 10.00 a day at the airport and you have security, But the body shop charges the ins company 50.00 a day storage and then says he's not responcible for people stealing parts off it? He may charge you 45.00 to 75.oo to tow your car to your home or to the shop for you BUT the same tow will be 350.00 to 450.00 when the ins company is paying the bill. So what... The ins company has lots of money right!
Well why are your rates so high? the lawyers advertise they will get you staggering settlements for a chipped fingernail because you deserve it... Who pays that ? You do ! Your rates do!
Please do not misunderstand me and confuse these remarks with someone who is really injured and needs a settlement to last them a lifetime... No, thats NOT what I'm saying... BUT... When a person has a 25,000 policy because your State says thats all they have to have ... And that person hits you... Your injured and deserve a substantial settlement ... That ins company will recognize this and in most cases offer to pay this policy limit up front. The person injured sees these ads for the lawyers "The heavy hitters, blah blah blah..." They tell that ins company they will sue them and fight to get more!
And they get their lawyer.... Their lawyer calls the ins co. Ins co provides disclosure of coverage and the attorney has the ins co send him a check for the policy limit... The 25,000.00 they already offered... ONLY the lawyer now takes his expences out and his 33% cut... so you now get 13,000 instead of the 25,000 the ins co already offered... You cant get blood from a stone so forget trying to go after the individual...

There was a NYC transit bus the mechanic had to take down to another garage. Bus was out of service and only the mechanic was driving. It got into a fender bender and within 15 minutes there were 20 people claiming injuries and 5 lawyers contacting the transit system trying to sue... They all claimed to be on the bus. The clinics who triple bill for services they never performed that total thousands of dollars... Who's no-fault medical pays that bill? YOU DO...

I'm NOT saying people don't get screwed over with settlements but like someone pointed out before the ins adj has a certain criteria he follows to determine his settlement. If we only bitch to our neighbors about how we got screwed and accept that amount we are the ones to blame!

If we have an open and honest discussion with the adjuster AND HAVE THE FACTS TO SUPPORT OUR DEMAND we will get that settlement changed or adjusted to a point of mutual agreement.

Remember this... YOU have an obligation to prove your loss!
YOU are demanding the ins company pay you money from someones POLICY ! Someone like you and me who have paid premiums and that is their policy you are asking the company to give you money from! This is not some big tub filled with money they hand out... That person who's policy they are going to pay you from expects their ins company to work for them and only pay what they owe! That person may be 100% at fault and the facts should support that. The company still has an obligation to mitigate the loss for that person.

So Jaded,
Try telling that adjuster or his manager who you want to fix your truck... Let him secure an agreed price with that shop for you...

If you had to make temporary repairs to preserve and protect the truck from further damage keep track of all expenses to do so. They owe you that simply for mitigating your loss for them.

Yes, The stripe kits may no longer be available . They cannot pay you for something that doesn't exist anymore BUT>>> They can pay you an "Appearance allowance" because you will not be able to replace the stripes. Its a way to pay you to live with the difference in appearance.

Speak with your shop and see if he had delt with that adjuster before. he may know this adjusters track record and know his supervisor.

Get your facts and figures together and have a discussion with his manager.
They want to move on and close this file and in most cases the state dictates how much time they have to resolve this with you.

Going to the papers and trying to discredit this person is fruitless. Don't waste your time and effort.

You have the facts... she damaged your vehicle and has all the liability... Move on to the settlement part and get that resolved.

I'm confident you will succeed... PM me with any questions... or E-me if you like.

Good luck
NYWings