I had the misfortune of being involved in a traffic collision on December 15th while driving my 1985 Transporter single cab. The other driver ran a red light but because no witnesses came forward it became and case of their word against mine. Washington State Patrol could not determine “fault” based upon our conflicting statements and did not issue either driver a citation.
I have no other recourse but to put a collision claim in to my own insurance company and determining the actual value of my vehicle is required to reach a fair settlement.
My vehicle is a 1985 Transporter single cab with a factory installed 1.6L TD engine and 5 speed manual transmission. The body is in incredibly good condition but the paint is a bit faded and worn in places. The only real rust is minor seam rust behind the rear wheels, a small dot below the fuel fill port and the lower gussets on the passenger side treasure chest door frame. The engine head and IP were both rebuilt just before I purchased it and in the last 4 years I’ve restored/rebuilt/replaced all the mechanical systems including a new turbocharger, new intermediate, crank shaft and rod bearings. It runs and a drives like a new vehicle and it’s been my very dependable daily driver. In October I drove it from the Seattle area to the Van Café in Santa Cruz and back effortlessly and worry free.
My insurance company has responded to my claim in a way that was very predictable but completely unacceptable. Even though I refused their ridiculous offer, the insurance company is still willing to consider any documentation I can provide as to the actual value of my vehicle.
I am considering having it professional appraised but if any other single or double cab owners are willing to share the “documented” value of their vehicles, it would be very much appreciated at this time. Links to similar vehicles for sale would also be appreciated.
I’ve read many of the insurance threads in the various VW forums and I will continue to educate myself regarding the best ways to proceed.
I will be glad to share the end result when the matter has been settled but for now please reply by p-mail as I really don’t want to start another insurance thread.
Thanks,
Andrew Bainbridge Island WA ramblinvan@earthlink.net
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