Book value-true value

[mkehrer]

Until a couple of weeks ago I owned a 1990 Miata. A kid coming the other way lost control in a curve, in the wet, and hit me head on. Fortunately the airbag and seatbelt worked as advertised, althought I do have a cracked vertebrae. This car was our baby and only had 41k miles on it. I am waiting for State Farm to make me an offer on this totaled vehicle. Blue book is at best in the mid $2k. How do I put a value on this? I think it should be worth a lot more, but how do I prove it to the insurance company?

Any recommendations would be appreciated, as I can't even find but a few 1990 models via the Internet.
MAK

[MAZDASPEED MX5]

Until a couple of weeks ago I owned a 1990 Miata. A kid coming the other way lost control in a curve, in the wet, and hit me head on. Fortunately the airbag and seatbelt worked as advertised, althought I do have a cracked vertebrae. This car was our baby and only had 41k miles on it. I am waiting for State Farm to make me an offer on this totaled vehicle. Blue book is at best in the mid $2k. How do I put a value on this? I think it should be worth a lot more, but how do I prove it to the insurance company?

Any recommendations would be appreciated, as I can't even find but a few 1990 models via the Internet.
MAK

First off, insurance company guidlines vary greatly between companies and states. I work for an insurance company in MA where the policy is designed by the state. The insurance company will likely combine several sources when evaluating the value. They will look at the condition of the vehicle, mileage, options, your region, NADA value and they will probably survey like, kind and quality vehicles currently for sale in your market. Then they will propose a figure. The total loss value is in most cases negotiable. Ask for more if you think the offer is too low, but be prepared to support your request. Offer up receipts for recent work or upgrades. Also find out what the salvage value is. Believe it or not, the insurance companies get only a few hundred bucks for totalled out cars from the auction. If you want to keep the car (and possibly rebuild it or part it out) ask to keep the car and they will deduct the salvage value from the settlement.

[MiaTurbo]

Exactly. A lot of people don't know that you can negotiate with the adjuster on the value of the car. If the car is NADA value at $2500 as in your case, but there isn't one around (similiar year/options/miles) for 100 miles below $3500, then you can negotiate for $3500 and have a valid reason for it.

Hope your recovery is a short one with your back...

[jersey_emt]

Sorry to hear about your accident.

The advice offered above is good.

Be sure to take care of yourself first. I have lower back problems from a bad accident (herniated discs and spinal cord damage), and almost two years later I'm still being treated for those injuries with no end in sight.

[miataguy2cyprus]

one advise: remember to take off any aftermarket that can be useful in the future or can be sold