Who did I piss off?
- Thread starter Jerryl
- Start date
seedling
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2012
OK guys, we all know how humble Jerryl is. And I just don't see him setting anything up or giving anything out. So, I went back and found his pay pal address as I figure he can't decline help that way, right? Therefore, his pay pal is
Jerrylnai@yahoo.com
Thanks to all I'm sure the humble one will relieved to see everyone coming to his rescue!
Thanks!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jerrylnai@yahoo.com
Thanks to all I'm sure the humble one will relieved to see everyone coming to his rescue!
Thanks!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jerryl
Tall Unvaccinated Chinese Guy
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2004
This case is not straight forward from a legal/coverage aspect, as the extend of the damages are not confirmed. Evidence has to be preserved until final documented decisions are made.
As shared with the insurance; This case is very similar to a cancer case; What type, which organs are affected, what stage are we in, which medication is needed, which operation is required?
Lessons learned:
You may treat other peoples cars the way YOU want yours to be treated, but it doesn’t mean it will be reciprocated.
Pay for a third party valuation (~$350), and make sure the appraiser (just like a mechanic or shop) truly understands THESE cars. Also ensure you have an agreed value on your insurance policy if possible.
No matter how minor you think the damage is, get a police report! (Yes, I have one.) This can make or break your case!
Facts and MY opinions;
Facts:
I will probably never figure out who/how/where the sugar was poured in the engine. What I do know from testing is; Sugar does not dissolve in gasoline, diesel, kerosene, oil, and will dissolve a very minute amount in denatured alcohol and, methanol.
The insurance “field adjusters” and “insurance contamination specialist” had not previously dealt with a similar situation, which makes this challenging. Basically, they had no idea of the extend of the possible damages. Originally discussions included language; “Just needs to be flushed”. I ended up having lots of educational conversations on possible consequences of sugar in an engine, based on the filter, and noises.
The extent of damage at this time based on the “mechanical rattling sound”, possibility points to a serious mechanical failure. That’s all we know today.
Coverage “may” be available under a policy, but actual coverage approval is based on many factors. Question was/is; What is the extend of the damage to confirm coverage amount?
The coverage amount consequence is; What is the amount to be paid out compared to the insurance company valuation of the vehicle?
Many insurance companies and adjusters do not really know what these cars are, which places the owner/collector in a very precarious situation.
The insurance company (rightfully so) needed to make a determination on vandalism. I had filed a police report so that made it much easier.
Progressive does NOT offer collectors insurance and I am re-evaluating taking my business elsewhere after everything is settled.
Progressive values the car at $10-12K, and with estimated damage of $10-12K, conversations about “total loss” have been in the mix. (NO, I am not buying s*** back and am not interested in this option, period)
I contracted an appraiser and the value is stated about 2X progressive’s value.
My opinions;
Take comfort in knowing that OPINIONS on price DO matter to the appraisal AND insurance companies. I am merely talking about the differentiation between an opinion of value. It is understood that owners can ask whatever they want, and a buyer can pay what they feel is fair, but individual opinions about sale prices, i.e. what you are willing to pay, impacts everyone to some degree.
Insurance companies and valuation companies search the internet for prices, and unless there is an agreed value, the value of your vehicle is based on their findings. Not suggesting that the methodology is incorrect.
In other words; The collective owners are THE ONLY source of pricing truth on these cars, not the other way around. So again; Take comfort in knowing that YOUR OPINION DOES matter to the appraisal AND insurance companies because it creates a perception of market value. “We” are our own worst enemy and a big part of the valuation gap. (No, I would not sell my car for the third party assessment value.)
As shared with the insurance; This case is very similar to a cancer case; What type, which organs are affected, what stage are we in, which medication is needed, which operation is required?
Lessons learned:
You may treat other peoples cars the way YOU want yours to be treated, but it doesn’t mean it will be reciprocated.
Pay for a third party valuation (~$350), and make sure the appraiser (just like a mechanic or shop) truly understands THESE cars. Also ensure you have an agreed value on your insurance policy if possible.
No matter how minor you think the damage is, get a police report! (Yes, I have one.) This can make or break your case!
Facts and MY opinions;
Facts:
I will probably never figure out who/how/where the sugar was poured in the engine. What I do know from testing is; Sugar does not dissolve in gasoline, diesel, kerosene, oil, and will dissolve a very minute amount in denatured alcohol and, methanol.
The insurance “field adjusters” and “insurance contamination specialist” had not previously dealt with a similar situation, which makes this challenging. Basically, they had no idea of the extend of the possible damages. Originally discussions included language; “Just needs to be flushed”. I ended up having lots of educational conversations on possible consequences of sugar in an engine, based on the filter, and noises.
The extent of damage at this time based on the “mechanical rattling sound”, possibility points to a serious mechanical failure. That’s all we know today.
Coverage “may” be available under a policy, but actual coverage approval is based on many factors. Question was/is; What is the extend of the damage to confirm coverage amount?
The coverage amount consequence is; What is the amount to be paid out compared to the insurance company valuation of the vehicle?
Many insurance companies and adjusters do not really know what these cars are, which places the owner/collector in a very precarious situation.
The insurance company (rightfully so) needed to make a determination on vandalism. I had filed a police report so that made it much easier.
Progressive does NOT offer collectors insurance and I am re-evaluating taking my business elsewhere after everything is settled.
Progressive values the car at $10-12K, and with estimated damage of $10-12K, conversations about “total loss” have been in the mix. (NO, I am not buying s*** back and am not interested in this option, period)
I contracted an appraiser and the value is stated about 2X progressive’s value.
My opinions;
Take comfort in knowing that OPINIONS on price DO matter to the appraisal AND insurance companies. I am merely talking about the differentiation between an opinion of value. It is understood that owners can ask whatever they want, and a buyer can pay what they feel is fair, but individual opinions about sale prices, i.e. what you are willing to pay, impacts everyone to some degree.
Insurance companies and valuation companies search the internet for prices, and unless there is an agreed value, the value of your vehicle is based on their findings. Not suggesting that the methodology is incorrect.
In other words; The collective owners are THE ONLY source of pricing truth on these cars, not the other way around. So again; Take comfort in knowing that YOUR OPINION DOES matter to the appraisal AND insurance companies because it creates a perception of market value. “We” are our own worst enemy and a big part of the valuation gap. (No, I would not sell my car for the third party assessment value.)
Last edited:
Jerryl
Tall Unvaccinated Chinese Guy
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2004
Some humor in the face of adversity;
The adjuster I am working with is very good and I am satisfied with the communications and assistance thus far. He really kept conversations within his organization alive about keeping the car out of “Total loss” scenario. The adjusters’ supervisor had mentioned;
“Why doesn’t he not just put another engine in the car?” Here is how the conversation went when I was told about this;
Adjuster; I told my supervisor that it is not the way this should be handled.
Me; What exactly does “another engine” mean?
Adjuster; I think he was thinking about an LS or something like that.
Me; Ok, so what does a crate LS engine cost?
Adjuster; About $13-15K
Me; So what is the HP rating for an LS at that price?
Adjuster; I am not real sure
Me; Probably 500-600 HP?
Adjuster; That sounds about right
Me; Well, let’s discuss this topic as car enthusiasts for a moment putting the case aside. You can tell your boss and please quote me on this; I am not trying to slow the car down as this car already put down well over that at the tire. I have that create LS covered.
Adjuster; Wow. (Laughs)
Me; If your boss has any questions on that, tell him to feel free to call me any time. (Laugh)
The adjuster I am working with is very good and I am satisfied with the communications and assistance thus far. He really kept conversations within his organization alive about keeping the car out of “Total loss” scenario. The adjusters’ supervisor had mentioned;
“Why doesn’t he not just put another engine in the car?” Here is how the conversation went when I was told about this;
Adjuster; I told my supervisor that it is not the way this should be handled.
Me; What exactly does “another engine” mean?
Adjuster; I think he was thinking about an LS or something like that.
Me; Ok, so what does a crate LS engine cost?
Adjuster; About $13-15K
Me; So what is the HP rating for an LS at that price?
Adjuster; I am not real sure
Me; Probably 500-600 HP?
Adjuster; That sounds about right
Me; Well, let’s discuss this topic as car enthusiasts for a moment putting the case aside. You can tell your boss and please quote me on this; I am not trying to slow the car down as this car already put down well over that at the tire. I have that create LS covered.
Adjuster; Wow. (Laughs)
Me; If your boss has any questions on that, tell him to feel free to call me any time. (Laugh)
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2012
Good info there, hope it works out in your favor. It really depends on the insurance company and other factors. I got lucky that my case went fairly smoothly, but took about 2 months to work through. After the motor was torn down and the damage found I got a police report and called the insurance company. They sent someone to the shop to look at the car and the motor. After talking with the engine builder, the adjuster agreed the damage was malicious. At the time the car was on an agreed value policy for about $20000 and they cut a check for about $12-13k to cover the cost of the rebuild and a replacement turbo. No rate increases, no branded title, nothing.
