My '67 Coupe was recently flooded due to the storm surge from Hurricane Ike. An adjuster from Hagerty Insurance came by and looked over the car. He decided to total the car.

Hagerty wants to send a tow truck to pick up the car. They also want me to sign the title and mail it to them. When they receive the signed title, they'll send me a check.

Who in their right mind would do that?

I should try that..... I'm going to buy a car on ebay and arrange for a shipper to pick up the car. Then I'll tell him he must sign the title and mail it to me before I'll pay him.

 

Yeah, insurance adjusters are often idiots.

 

Perhaps they don't want you to drive a car that has a salvage title? Considering Hagerty is one of the few classic car insurance providers they would deny insuring the car if the VIN is salvage.

 

You know these companies have certain ways that they want things done,,,, In the past I have found that as long as you are not in a big hurry, you can often "alter" the way they do business....

If you have the option of taking your time, take your time and let them know (in a round about way) that you are in no big hurry, you might be surprised at their reaction....

I had a nearly new truck stolen out of my driveway a few years ago, after haggling for a couple a few weeks, I managed to pretty much get almost all I paid for the truck.....

 

Ya, most insurance co's are eager to get claims off the books as early as possible, and often low-ball the initial claim, followed by the typical response, "that's policy". The longer you wait, the more eager they become and are often willing to work with you.

 

If the adjuster can show up with claim forms and do an estimate, he can come back with a check and take the title when you are happy with the certified check. They can also provide an agrrement whereby you agree to turn over the title once funds have been received. Like has already been said. Do not be in a hurry and ask them to meet your simple demands for doing business in a manner that protects both parties.

 

i think haggerty is a trustworthy company.

 

For how much?

Do you want to keep the car? Did Hagarty put a price on it?

No insurance company is really on your side. I would talk to someone higher up than the adjuster before I sent them anything.

 

Did haggerty call you or you call them? My spidy sence tells me scam if they called you...

 

I wont let them total my car unless its been in a fire and burned completely to the ground. Especially one of the old ones, what is the replacement value and what is the damage? If you are dealing with an old car, most times unless its a pristine example that would make Barret Jackson buyers drool, you wont get anywhere near what its worth from it.

Flood cars are a problem when they are newer cars. Yours would need a good flushing, maybe rebuild the transmission to make sure all the dirt is out, pull apart the engine and rear end, clean everything and put it back together. Electrical items like gauges, need special care or simple replacement. An interior runs about $1000 for all new stuff, if the old stuff is completely hashed.

A car that is in a river is worse than a car where the water rises but doesnt have any strong currents, like storm surge type flooding provided it isnt salt water. Rivers deposit sand in everything, slowly rising and falling water puts sediments in, but nowhere near as much sand. Its probably rebuildable if you take the time and DIY. Sure it means taking it all apart and cleaning, but its all still there, unlike a fire which anneals the metal and burns anything non metallic.