alright, same thing happened to me when i got rear ended in my car back in march. LINK
the damages were appraised at $4,175. they told me that in virginia they can't legally pay to get it fixed if the damages cost more than 50% of the appraised value of the car. b/c of this, they deemed it as totaled and gave me two options, take a check for $5,400 and they keep my car, or take a check for $4900 and I get to keep my vehicle. Nothing was sent to the dmv nor carfax/autocheck saying it was totaled(in my case), only that it was involved in a rear end accident. I also got the whole thing fixed for $3,600 so I got to pocket the extra money. This worked out in my favor and the same thing might also happen in your case. They might end up paying you more for than what it costs to repair the vehicle, and let you keep it. So if they want to total it, let them and keep your truck. They can't take your truck from you - ever. Just make sure you know what your options are.

Also, if they offer you a check for you your truck and let you keep it try to haggle with them so they'll give you more money. I got them to give me an extra $400 that way.

Oh, and ask for a rental just for the hell of it, most of the time they'll give it to you for free(i did this twice, once in the rear ending accident, and another recently when my car got hit my a shopping cart in a parking lot). I mean, wouldn't you rather put wear and tear on someone else's vehicle and get better gas mileage?

i got hit in my 87 4x4 in high school, they totalled it, wanted to give me $2500, showed them $4k in recent receipts for parts and labor, they then gave me $6.5k, bought it back for $950, sold it at a steal for $1500, with fresh rebuilt transmission, new brakes, new 32" tires, new exhaust, fresh top end with cam...etc...

other driver Mazda 626, illegal alien, no insurance...lucky i was covered for such an event...

Follow up: I fought, but could not avoid a salvage title. Managed to get $3500 and the truck. Should be enough to get her back on the road, with a little extra thrown in for a long awaited repaint.

For the record, receipts for maintenance and repairs will help your case, no question. Just consider what affects *your* estimation of a vehicle. Those same principles apply to insurance valuations as well, because they define the market price. Stick to that thought, and the negotiating stays on course.

Thanks for all the input.
Doug

My roomie went thru that several years ago; since she had new tires and some preventative maintenance done within the past 6 months, it played into her favor.

BTW, while at the auto skills shop the other day, I spied an FSM for an '80 on their shelf. If ya need anything, I'll ask the manager if I can borrow it for scan or what have you.

Good luck on the resurrection! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Maintenance will establish that the truck may be worth the top end of normal value, that it was in superb condition. But the cost of maintenance will in no way add to the base value of the truck. Bought new tires? Oh well. Just did a brake job? Same thing. Engine rebuild? Nice; again, this just means it is in the top 'cherry' range of normal.

Modifications to vehicles do indeed add to the value, but labor is NOT included, and the value added is depreciated by some amount. Put in ARBs? OK, that is about $1300 before depreciation, regardless of what labor you paid. Bumpers? Wheels and oversized tires? Lift? Same thing.

This is not theory. This is based on real world experience with a 1990 4Runner hit by a driver with State Farm insurance and totaled.

You did very well to get $3500 and no salvage title, goodonya.

Thanks man! Fortunately I've got the FSM for 1980 already. Indispensible.

Doug

Unfortunately, I had to accept a salvage title. Fought this with both insurance companies. It just wasn't going to happen. Some $4K+ in estimated damages, $3K+ value at best. I was able to negotiate the value, but could not get the damage estimate revised, and it appeared that further effort in this direction would probably be wasted.

Doug

FYI, Kewlynx is a ma'am (one of the few "good" ones.)

Sorry to hear about your loss, Doug. Some of that truck was mine at one time, and I feel your pain. Get her fixed and move on. Let me know if you need any parts.
Steve

Truck is all painted and getting sorted out (again) wow! Looks better than ever. Need advice on getting the TOYOTA on the tailgate painted white again if anyone has done it.
Doug