Date:         Wed, 12 May 1999 09:30:13 -0700
Reply-To:     AL_KNOLL@HP-ROSEVILLE-OM2.OM.HP.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Al Knoll <AL_KNOLL@HP-ROSEVILLE-OM2.OM.HP.COM>
Subject:      Salvage Titles etc.
In-Reply-To:  <19990511174747.E37B4150@palrel1.hp.com>

Item Subject: cc:Mail Text
     Chris.

     The answer seems simple to me.  Here's what I did.

     Totalled the car, kept the car(cass) with the salvage title.  If
     repairable and you want to sell it keep lots of documentation and very
     detailed photos of the before and after.  When the time comes to sell
     or part the car price it as salvage and offer a DEEP DISCOUNT from the
     kbb.

     I kept mine for barter/parts/etc.  The going left coast price for a
     running Turbo is about 2000$US and this is what your insco will pay.
     Now if you ice em for about four months by not settling and it gnaws
     away at the adjusters WIP.  Finally just to get you off his desk he
     bargains between your estimated value and his original offer.  I got
     17K$ for a totalled Syncro Westie.  (Ruby the red brick).  But this
     takes time and the icing technique is not to call them or respond to
     their letters other than with your original valuation.  DON'T call em
     at all.  Just politely re-send your valuation and be firm about
     settling.  Every 75 days is about right.

     I salvaged the car for ~2000USD so the difference bought a new syncro,
     bessie, the original charolais camper but now with 5 teats.

     Take good pictures of everything in and about the car.  Any changes,
     additional scratches, dents, etc MUST be paid by the insco as they do
     not own the car and it is in their safekeeping.  Don't misstate
     anything though, they're sharks and good at it.

     Bonne Chance.

     Al