Originally Posted by Since66

Take heart!

I hope anyone who has had to deal with an insurance company over the value of their vehicle after a collision will find some encouragement in this story. A month ago, 12/28 to be exact, I was minding my own business, driving on a through street, within the speed limit, yada yada yada, when a nice little old lady decided to pull into my path while she was looking the other way. I took evasive action but we met in the middle of the intersection. Her left front fender took out my right front quarter just ahead of the tire: bumper, fender, grill, hood, radiator........my '86 300E was finished, totalled!

That was Monday morning. Tuesday the adjuster for her insurance company called to get my version of the accident. I gave him details. He said he would have to verify my story with his insured. Twenty minutes later, he called back and said, paraphrased: "We will take full responsibility for the accident.". Great, but..... at this point I was dreading the confrontation with "them" on establishing the value of my '86 300E, my baby, a CPO owned by me since '89, now with 224,000 on the clock. She was not a garage queen, but definitely much better than the average MB of that vintage, having been the recipient of much TLC over the years.

On Wednesday, I received "the call" from her insurance company. Fearing an offer in the neighborhood of $1,500 ( you know how "they" are ) I steeled myself for what was to come. Her offer absolutely floored me. I said, "Are you sure this is on the '86 300E?" "Yes", she said. "It was a very nice car. That's why we're offering you high retail." I scurried to pick up the check in person on Thursday, the following day.

Now, fast forward two weeks. I had located a local, one owner, 2000 E320, Silver w/grey leather, with 69,000 miles that had been dealer serviced since new. Bottom line: I am now the owner of a 14 year newer Benz with 155,000 fewer miles.......at no out of pocket expense, even after paying the sales tax, license, etc. Thank you, insurance company. [name on request] I'm not sure why they were motivated to be so magnanimous but whether it was their perception of the value of my Benz, a desire to clear the accident slate at the end of the year, or possibly their wanting to settle quickly before personal injury ( there was none ) entered the picture.....whatever......I'm most definitely a happy camper. So, if any of you find yourselves in similar straits, I hope you are treated as well as I was