PING: Katmandu - re: tops

Dec 19, 2004 1 Replies

Ok, try this. Check your figures. See what he has allowed you for the top and the labor. The insurance company SHOULD cover the price of labor, Period. As far as the top, find out what the formula is for depreciation. If it's (lets say) 80% than they should listen to you when you tell them that the top is not available at the price they have given you and that it needs to be "adjusted". Submit three estimates to them and argue.



Find out where the adjuster got HIS figures. They are based on something, even if it's just their book. If you have real life estimates, they are obliged to pay attention. The ONLY depreciation you should be taking is on the parts alone. Labor should be a full ride. Did he quote an OEM top? Well, you have the right to request OEM parts. (at least in many parts of the country) An OEM top and rear curtain is MUCH more expensive than aftermarket. You may try for OEM and then when you get paid for that, then get the aftermarket. If the adjuster bows his neck, which they WILL do, be firm. Tell him that he needs to send you to a shop that can and will do the work for the price that he has quoted. REMEMBER the adjusters are there to save the insurance company money, not YOU.


Kate


Thanks for your input Kate. I've been busy as snot and haven't looked at RAMFM for awhile.

I did get a check for $685.xx for the Top/Glass window + Labor.

The adjusted did deduct 40% for age/condition of the my old top. I noticed on the first settlement figure they quoted me WAS for 40% off the total INCLUDING the Labor. I threw the BS flag at them and say No Way!. The labor cost will NOT be deducted 40%. Amazing how the quickly agreed with me and raised the settlement another $145!!

I was pretty satisfied with $685 since my original top did have previous wear damaged and needed to be replaced anyhow. Where I screwed up was only submitting ONE estimate. Stupid me!!! The estimate I submitted was actually the LOWEST cost that I found (after I called around).

The Highest estimate (after I submitted the original one) was for $1100 and the middle one was for $975. The original estimate I submitted was for $885.

Now I'm gonna wait until Spring time to have the top replaced. Sadly, my 89 Vert is sitting outside (under a car cover of course) since my garage recently got filled up with unused furniture. :( I need to have a garage sale, but this is the worst time of the year for one of those!

We (the Dayton, Ohio area) just got nailed with 21" of snow here the last couple of days and my Mustang is buried right now!! Snow SUCKS !!!

My wife and I decided that we are moving BACK down to Montgomery, AL ! Unfortunately, we have to wait about (2) years for her to finish class work towards her P.C.C. Licensure.

Well gotta get some sleep before work tonight! (I work 3rd Shift at the Dayton VA Medical Center).

Merry Christmas to ya'all !!

-ERIC

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