[gsquare]

As I’ve posted in other threads my X5 was hit while parked a couple of weeks ago. Ironically, this occurred four weeks after a SME replacement for the all too common drivetrain and high voltage faults that owners have reported. I was cautiously optimistic that the problem might be fixed. It has also had a previous CCU replacement.

In Pennsylvania, if repair cost plus salvage value exceeds the cash value of an equivalent undamaged vehicle the car is totaled. My certified BMW repair facility estimates the repair cost at $38000, and my insurance company shows the salvage value at $22500. Both the adjuster and I thought that seemed low. The car has 5500 miles and was delivered at the end of June. Does anyone know of a way to obtain a contesting salvage value?

[rmorin1249]

Wow, that is brutal.

[Mattl0806]

Has the insurance company already deemed this something they want to salvage? Generally speaking, when it’s close, the insurance will just total it bc repairing it is an unbelievable headache for them

[gsquare]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Has the insurance company already deemed this something they want to salvage? Generally speaking, when it’s close, the insurance will just total it bc repairing it is an unbelievable headache for them

At this point they’re repairing it, as they will be reimbursed by the other driver’s insurance company. They’ve already issued checks to the repair shop. I’d prefer to have it totaled given the problems it’s had. I already have visions of the Carfax fox giving me the finger when I eventually trade or sell it.

[Top]

Many of the big insurance companies will obtain salvage values based on historical auction data from the big salvage vendors (CoPart or Insurance Auto Auctions, for example). You could ask your adjuster where they obtained the salvage value from. If historical auction data is the method that they used, I think it will be hard to argue.

I would also discuss filing a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company. I believe that PA insurance laws require very low property damage liability limits and from what I read, you cannot make a diminished value claim against your own collision or uninsured motorist policy. I would imagine that a $38k estimate of repair would have a pretty big impact on the future value...as you said.

Something to ask your insurance company....if the at fault driver's policy doesn't have enough coverage to fully reimburse your insurance carrier and you file a DIV claim...who gets the priority of payout?

[NickyF25]

Based on how new your vehicle is and the extent of damage, definitely pursue a DV claim against the other drivers insurance company. You can try to do this yourself but I would I contact an attorney that specializes in DV claims.

[BlkGS]

22k doesn't seem that far off for salvage value, honestly kinda high. Nobody wants a nearly new luxury SUV that had that damn much damage to it, and that value is it's value as a smashed up vehicle.

You're gonna get absolutely demolished trying to trade it in one day. I'd be talking to the adjuster about your diminished value claim..

[gsquare]

Originally Posted by Top

Many of the big insurance companies will obtain salvage values based on historical auction data from the big salvage vendors (CoPart or Insurance Auto Auctions, for example). You could ask your adjuster where they obtained the salvage value from. If historical auction data is the method that they used, I think it will be hard to argue.

I would also discuss filing a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company. I believe that PA insurance laws require very low property damage liability limits and from what I read, you cannot make a diminished value claim against your own collision or uninsured motorist policy. I would imagine that a $38k estimate of repair would have a pretty big impact on the future value...as you said.

Something to ask your insurance company....if the at fault driver's policy doesn't have enough coverage to fully reimburse your insurance carrier and you file a DIV claim...who gets the priority of payout?

Driver was fully insured to cover the repair cost, will do some research about a diminished value claim.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by gsquare

Driver was fully insured to cover the repair cost, will do some research about a diminished value claim.

Yea. Unfortunately since you’re a no fault case here your insurance company doesn’t care - so you’re at the mercy of theirs. I’d trying call that agency to see if you can somehow sway things to be totalled. Did air bags deploy?
Otherwise- the advice for the diminished value claim is very good. You must follow that direction if this car is being repaired. I’m sorry you are going through this. No fun.

[gsquare]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Yea. Unfortunately since your a no fault case here youre insurance company doesn’t care - so you’re at the mercy of theirs. I’d trying call that agency to see if you can somehow sway things to be totalled. Did air bags deploy?
Otherwise- the advice for the diminished value claim is very good. You must follow that direction if this car is being repaired. I’m sorry you are going through this. No fun.

Could be worse. No injury to the other driver and we weren’t in the car. I’ll start tomorrow.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by gsquare

Could be worse. No injury to the other driver and we weren’t in the car. I’ll start tomorrow.

Yup. I was gonna say that at the end of my last post. Just money and inconvenience at the end of the day - could be a lot worse. Best of luck!

[swainbmw]

Originally Posted by gsquare

At this point they’re repairing it, as they will be reimbursed by the other driver’s insurance company. They’ve already issued checks to the repair shop. I’d prefer to have it totaled given the problems it’s had. I already have visions of the Carfax fox giving me the finger when I eventually trade or sell it.

I would talk to the dealer on trading it in and giving them the checks that way it’s out of your hands. We did this with my mom‘s car last year. It had $30,000in damages The outcome was great because we got rid of it and she got into a new car. It took six months to get the parts another three months to fix it.

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by gsquare

Driver was fully insured to cover the repair cost, will do some research about a diminished value claim.

For this amount, it is probably worth exploring an attorney if the insurance company gives you hassle about a large diminished value check.

I would expect 5 figures considering the vehicle and damage amount. This will likely be a fight. Personally I'd be asking 20% of MSRP.

[gsquare]

Fortunately, none of this will be necessary. My adjuster just totaled it, and my dealer was able to wrangle a May allocation for a 25. Whew…..

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by gsquare

Fortunately, none of this will be necessary. My adjuster just totaled it, and my dealer was able to wrangle a May allocation for a 25. Whew…..

Best possible outcome I think.

Hopefully you're not out of pocket too much going from 24 --> 25.

[gsquare]

I’m meeting with the GM tomorrow.

[davchr]

Originally Posted by gsquare

Driver was fully insured to cover the repair cost, will do some research about a diminished value claim.

See if your state allows claims for loss of use while the vehicle is being repaired. California allows you to claim the cost of renting a comparable vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by gsquare

Fortunately, none of this will be necessary. My adjuster just totaled it, and my dealer was able to wrangle a May allocation for a 25. Whew…..

Amazing news! Congrats

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by gsquare

Fortunately, none of this will be necessary. My adjuster just totaled it, and my dealer was able to wrangle a May allocation for a 25. Whew…..
…….

………and that is what we call DODGING A BULLET.

Cheers,
e46e92

[gsquare]

Originally Posted by e46e92love

………and that is what we call DODGING A BULLET.

Cheers,
e46e92

Indeed