Anyone have luck negotiating insurance payment for total loss with Usaa? Wife was in wreck (both drivers ok), vehicle totaled, offer from Usaa a little low.
It should not impact vehicle value offer. Like was said, shoot for NADA retail plus taxes.Complete Idiot said:
My wife was at fault, would that impact vehicle offer? I wouldn't think so. If anything USAA will end up getting more money if she was at fault due to rates rising.
Actually, we have accident forgiveness (we'll see if that works)
Yes, I agreed in my post - should not impact offer value. Then I stated if anything USAA should be fairly generous since my premiums would go up and in theory they'd be making more money. However, I then remember I had accident forgiveness which in theory prevents the premium increase - but I've never put it to test or seen if they have exceptions.The Wonderer said:It should not impact vehicle value offer. Like was said, shoot for NADA retail plus taxes.Complete Idiot said:
My wife was at fault, would that impact vehicle offer? I wouldn't think so. If anything USAA will end up getting more money if she was at fault due to rates rising.
Actually, we have accident forgiveness (we'll see if that works)
Accident forgiveness applies to your premium increasing, not vehicle value.
This. Look on Autotrader. cars.com, e-bay, craigslist and find cars with in a 50-mile radius with the same equipment, mileage, etc. and tell the adjuster as soon as he/she finds a car exactly like yours for the $$ they are offering you'll take the offer.Cadet05 said:
Find comparable vehicles for sale at cars.com near your location. Hire an independent adjuster to do a total loss valuation for you
Using the online nadaguides I get $9850 Clean Retail, USAA is offering $8000. USAA deemed our vehicle's condition as "good", not sure if they have ranking above that, like "excellent', and that's why it's so far off from "Clean" retail. But they don't use nadaguides, and to be honest that nadaguide price seems high. I gave receipts for recent vehicle enhancements and comparables which would lead to a higher valuation, I asked for $9250.aggiepaintrain said:
what's nada retail and what are they offering?
Thats good to know it works. I have to ask about "any of our" - how many are we talking about? I hope everyone was alright in all cases.TulaneAg said:
I've never taken my insurance company's first offer on any of our totaled vehicles and I always get a little more out of it. As little as $250 up to ~$2,200 more.
The insurance company determined the valuation based on used car listing at dealerships. They referenced and linked dealership listings.jsc8116 said:
They dont owe NADA as that is a dealership listing price, they owe you ACV (actual cash value). Dealerships will charge a markup/premium on a used car, which isnt the responsibility of an insurance company to pay you if you choose to purchase through a dealer, they owe you for what you would have been able to sell the car for right before the accident.
It you want to get look at a more accurate guide book for total loss purposes, look at Private Party on Kelly Blue Book to get to a more closer ball park figure.
Damn, why didn't I think of that. Nice recommendation.ATL Aggie said:
I recently went through this process with USAA. It was not pleasant and I considered switching insurance. At the end of the day I was able to get a fair value but it took a long time and a lot of negotiating. Ironically, the thing that helped me the best was using USAA's car buying service used car listings because they generally had higher prices than what their appraiser was finding.
Yep, but they have a duty to act within a reasonable time frame. Just wait them out and if no response after a few more days, ask them where you are in the process.Complete Idiot said:
USAA moved lightning quick from accident to total loss offer - less than 48 hours. I then disputed their offer and provided the justifications they requested. Since then, 5 days and no feedback. They want you to cave and take their initial offer I assume.
Thanks - its all new to me, luckily neither of us had ever had a serious accident or totaled a vehicle before.Idiot Savant said:
Just went through this same process after my wife totaled her car 2mos ago (she was at fault, just like yours), and we had a similar experience re: USAA moving quickly to total loss offer - and then the negotiations began. All in all, it wasn't painfully drawn-out, but make no mistake, it's a traditional negotiation. I provided comps, enhancements, etc., just as you have. I'm not sure if you included in your reported enhancements any non-routine maintenance items, such as an AC compressor, but they will give you credit, even if pro-rated. Ditto for recently replaced tires. One more thought - if you're already in the USAA-provided rental car, the clock is ticking... Stay the course, USAA has a great reputation for a reason.
Complete Idiot said:
2 days to total loss offer, then 2 weeks of radio silence after questioning the offer. If they want to make you wish you just took the initial lowball offer, then it's kinda working.