E12 M535i was hit while parked in my driveway. *OLD THREAD*

[T_C_D]

This sucks!

[tock172]

Sorry to see something like this happen.

Best of luck getting it all sorted out with the insurance and the police.

[Mark 88/M5 Houston]

This sucks!

I think Todd has it right!

Sorry to hear about this Chris.

[cactusjacks1]

Chris,
That's very sad - you just need to see how fortunate you are that it happened now, versus when it was almost finished. I think I would start getting some comps together, establishing current value, its rarity, cost to fix the VW damage correctly, then the additional costs your incurring to get it to the level you intended all along. With all that as your opening position with the insurance company, I think you lay the ground work to prevent them giving it a a salvage title - make every effort to prevent that & preserve the future (finished) value.

Jack

[Jeff B.]

What are the odds of that happening? You'd think your car is safe parked parked off the street.
Its a good thing there weren't 8 cars in your driveway.

Sorry to see the damage Chris.

[wkohler]

Thanks. This is a bummer, but as stated previously, it could be much worse, and despite it being a hit-and-run, I'm incredibly fortunate that I have the driver's information and that he is insured.

This morning, I put together a list of everything damaged in the accident, with part numbers. I called my local dealer to get a price on the core support. There are 22 left in Germany and I was quoted $415.86 for it. Shipping this piece would be insane, so I decided the local route would be fine. I didn't use list prices for everything else since I really don't want to make it seem ridiculous. I came up with about $2300 in parts (I had to quote the $786 for the radiator, since everything available is for an automatic, and all of the Behr E12 units are on backorder).

My list includes:
-airdam
-core support
-right and kidney grilles
-headlamp buckets
-radiator

I have not included the oil cooler ($560), the AC condenser or the auxiliary fan.

My car is currently on an agreed value policy for $6,000. That value was arrived at while it was still a huge POS dumping fuel out of the fuel lines. While it might not seem that way, it's better now than it was when I bought it. There are no real comparable values for this particular car. I think my car is the most-recent one to change hands. That said, I think the agreed value on the car goes a long way to throwing the "blue book value" out the window.

I spoke with two different people today at State Farm. The number provided was for the agent, so I left a message. Got a call back and she asked what happened. I explained what I knew based upon the information I have. The sounds I heard on the other end of the line were reminiscent of someone being shocked. The accident had been reported to them, which is good. She took some very basic information from me and she called their claims department. I was supposed to hear something after 24-48 hours since Monday is a very heavy day for claims. About an hour later, I got a call from someone in the claims office in Tempe, AZ. I again explained what happened. More shocked response. This person said that they have placed calls and left messages on three different numbers for their insured and have not heard back. Until they speak with the insured, they can't do anything, which makes sense. I said I understood and made sure that they would be making contact with me rather than I having to call them. She provided me with a phone number and a claim number in case I hear nothing after 24 hours.

I've noted the times and durations of all three calls (my message, the two return calls).

I haven't moved the car more than the three inches necessary to safely open the garage door. My coolant overflow bottle is very close to empty, so I have told them that the car is not drivable due to the puncture in the radiator.

[TSMacNeil]

Don't move that car....

Every time you see fresh liquids escaping...make a pixel of it.

[alpinacsi]

Sorry to see this. The damage could have been much worse and can actually be turned into a good thing if you are able to settle quickly with the insurance. Many parts that you would have been replacing given the option with the restoration and the outcome will not negatively impact the value of the car.

[Dinan e28]

As you know, that's how I got the money to make my car, the way it is today.

[cvillebimmer]

My condolences Chris. I hope this turns out to be one of those lemonade out of lemons ordeals...

Definitely wise to document EVERYTHING with names, employee numbers, pictures etc... If you are tenacious, you'll beat them.

[briansmith]

State Farm has a rep. for being tough against claims.
I'm not sure if it's more prudent to claim everything damaged and be happy when you get less, or to claim what you might expect them to not fight and hope to get it. Probably whichever frees you up to go your way soonest is best?
I AM sure that it's not something that one wants to figure into their plans for making progress on a revival project that will one day be done, unless the conception is to have a revival project at all times.
Somehow I doubt that.
I guess, in the end, when all work is completed and the car is nice again, the story won't detract from the valor that will have been required to see this through completion, so it'll still be fully worthwhile. Finances be damned, I suppose, the goal is the goal, right?

When things somewhat like this have happened to me, what I've ended up most wanting was to talk to the person who did the damage, especially because in my case they were minors. A talk about ramifications of one's actions, and not just the reprocussions. More closure than just accepting that things like this happen just as weather happens...

Whatever, this is about your car and you - I hope that you can get on with it ASAP and put this crap behind you. A bummer for you and your neighbor, for sure.

[wkohler]

Spoke with the claims department today. They had left a message this afternoon. My phone never even registered the phone call. Good thing they left a message.

Anyway, they asked what was damaged and whether or not their insured's vehicle actually hit mine or if another car or object hit it. I explained the chain of events as I understood them. She asked which car involved was mine and I said the BMW. Went on to talk about how it's a special, limited production car, one of about ten documented cars in the United States, etc. I explained roughly where the car hit and what it damaged. I said I'd already disassembled the affected area so that the extent of the damage should be plainly visible.

She then asked what kind of shop would do the work on the car. She understood it would have to be transported to a shop because it is not drivable. I said that I'm handling the restoration of this vehicle myself, and only farming out specific tasks of which I am incapable. She understood. I went on to say that I've compiled a list of parts needing replacement, along with their part numbers and replacement costs. I've also requested an estimate for the replacement of the core support. She then said I should be contacted sometime in the next couple of days by one of their people, who will come up to inspect the car. It still has not been moved.

We'll see what transpires.

[skip535i]

IMO, Chris, you're handling this VERY well. Make sure that every conversation you have with people regarding the claim is a conversation you wouldn't mind transcripting and presenting in court. I'm made the mistake before of becoming upset or emotional which did nothing for me when the case progressed.

Now, I'm careful to go your route...have everything well thought out, document carefully, and proceed in a way that is legally binding.

Good luck with everything. Hopefully you won't need a lawyer, but if you do, I hope you find a good one!

[wkohler]

An adjuster is coming to look at the car in the morning. I feel really nervous/kinda scared.

[snakebrain]

An adjuster is coming to look at the car in the morning. I feel really nervous/kinda scared.

Good luck buddy!

[1st 5er]

He/she is probably a dumbass when it comes to these cars.
At least the ones were who tried initially settle with me on my E12.

Good luck...

[vance]

Dang Chris, sorry to hear about this. Your definitely in the lead for the "Worst Luck of the Year" award.

Vance

[rlomba8204]

An adjuster is coming to look at the car in the morning. I feel really nervous/kinda scared.

You shouldn't be. People who should feel nervous or scared around adjusters are those who are engaged in some sort of scam or who otherwise are dumb and don't know what he or she is doing. Neither descriptive applies here. Be professional, firm, and polite and you'll be fine.

[wkohler]

Well, that didn't go too well.

[wkohler]

Well, that didn't go too well.

[wkohler]

Well, that didn't go too well.

[JeepJockey]

[cvillebimmer]

Triple bad for triple post.

What happened? Do tell.

[1st 5er]

Maybe not, but it's not the end of the world.

[briansmith]

I wonder if everyone on the board who uses State Farm as a provider considered switching carriers and a link to a thread here about the issue and changing carriers would perhaps influence the case?
Besides relatively low charges and my longtime customer discounts, State Farm has yet to do anything special for me.

[wkohler]

Sorry for the triple post. I was posting that from my phone, and it was being ornery.

I spent about 15 minutes with the adjuster helping him understand exactly what their driver did, how he most likely ended up off the road, and that he was obviously in excess of the posted speed (25 mph) in order to have enough momentum to fail to stop, and do all of the damage I've already told y'all about.

Attention shifted to the car (I forgot about the rose bushes). I explained the importance and rarity of this car and my plan, etc. It's undergoing an extensive restoration. He asked why there was no interior in it, and I explained that. I had my garage door open with the two E28s inside (and they look excellent in there right now). He didn't understand why this silver car was better than the other two. I explained everything again. I told him how I had a desktop picture of an M535i on my desktop since I was a freshman in high school. I didn't even have the internet. I found the picture at school, put it on a disk and put it on my home computer. I said that someday I will own one of these cars. I have a phenomenal restoration candidate and have made immense progress in the short time I've had it. Told him about it being a non-runner, etc. He asked what I paid, which I was afraid of, but I answered honestly. I added on that I've got several thousand more than that into it to date. Pointed out some of the unobtanium pieces like the rear spoiler and such that I have NOS.

I had prepared a list of the affected pieces, along with list prices and my replacement cost. The latter came to about $2,800. I brought out all of the parts I had removed from the car (grilles, headlamps, airdam), and showed him the damage so he could take photos. He asked if the turn lens with a crack was from the accident. I said it was there when I bought the car. He also asked if they had to replace the headlamps or if the bracket was available separately and I said the number listed is for just the buckets, saying that I could buff out the headlamp glass (not going into the fact that these are sealed beams, etc), so it needn't be replaced. He pointed out the oil cooler was damaged, which was also on the list. I explained that while the far edges of the core support weren't perfect, they were easily straightened. The inner structure was 100% straight and there were no issues. I explained that when I got the car running, I rebuilt the entire cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, etc. I added that I wouldn't hesitate driving this car to San Diego.

He didn't seem incredibly impressed. He sat in the car, took a bunch of pictures of the inside which I responded by saying that he must be showing how straight and rust free the inside of the car is. I added that many of these cars have rust in the doors and floor, while this one doesn't. The doors are completely straight and original. I showed him that all of the power features like windows and locks work flawlessly (I have a couple of slow motors, but big deal). I told him that the car has a completely original toolkit with the blue rag (yeah, the toolkit is original, but not to the car) and that it is extremely rare to find that.

He started saying things like, "I hope it's repairable." I said, "It is for sure. I have talked to two people who said it wouldn't cost more than $500 to replace the core support and make it look factory." I added that since the car is undergoing the restoration, the motor and suspension will be out at the time of that work, so all of the parts requiring paint will be repainted anyway. They're just damaged now. I could tell what he was thinking, so I said that this car is insured on an agreed value policy for $6,000. His eyes just about popped out, as he looked over to the car. He said that I should just go through my insurance company since they'll just give me FMV for it. I said, but if the car were to be totaled, which it won't be since my numbers are well under the threshold, they'd pay me $6,000, which they'll come to you for, not to mention the fact, it was your insured who hit my car, then fled the scene.

He told me that someone would be in touch with me in 24-48 business hours (which puts it at Tuesday or Wednesday). I asked him what he was thinking and he said he couldn't say for sure. He just said, "I'd hate to have to diminish your title." Yeah, and I'd hate to have to diminish your face.

He got back into his mobile office (a Chevy van with a folding table and chairs, etc). My dad called me. He's driving to Cheyenne, WY, so he's got nothing else to do. I gave him the rundown and he asked if I showed him the interior. I said no. I said that I told him everything was being stored off the car since it's perfect and doesn't need to be there since the car is being prepped for paint. He told me to make sure the guy sees the interior, so I went out to the van, and they opened the door. I said that if it would help, he could see the interior, which is in my living room. He saw the seats and was really, really, impressed. I got the door panels and he thought they were recovered too, though I said they're an original set [to a '78]. He said that it's good I showed him this since considering I'll probably be dealing with a total loss, it doesn't help to show the car stripped.



He went onto say that he couldn't find my car in their database. He asked if it was legal. I said, "Yes it is. It has current registration and insurance...for $6,000." He asked why he couldn't find it. Where the hell were you when I twice explained the history of this car. I certainly enjoy hearing myself talk, but shit! I explained how the car was Federalized, and that I have EPA and DOT paperwork for it. Really, it's paperwork saying that paperwork exists, but it's sufficient. I said it was brought to the US in October of 1989. I showed him the tag on the B-pillar. He photographed it.

So, I have to endure the weekend wondering how I'm going to proceed next week. I have no real info. I have no idea what they'll come back with. It's like a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, smothered in secret sauce.

So, that's why I don't think it went well. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I'd figure they'd want to get this over with since it's simply property damage.

[rlomba8204]

I am not surprised and it has nothing to do with the fact that it is State Farm. We all here like and know these cars. Most other people do not. Bring anyone who falls into the "most other people" category up to a car that dates from Jimmy Carter's presidency, that doesn't run, and appears old, and then tell that person that you want to spend $2500 or so in parts on it. Now imagine the person is an insurance adjuster.

I am not justifying any of the reaction you received or taking his side. But in this type of situation the best thing that you can do is to imagine yourself in his shoes and imagine what he would need, information and explanation-wise, to get you to the result you seek. The fact that you have the car insured for $6k was very helpful in this regard, as was the rest of your explanation and the viewing of the interior. That is all useful information from his perspective.

Now I wouldn't expect him to come back and offer you exactly what you want, but such is the nature of life in these types of situations - you will get a better result if you can negotiate your way there.

To me, it sounds like you did well by explaining as much as you did, and the agreed value policy adds credibility.

[winfred]

what you said

Sorry for the triple post. I was posting that from my phone, and it was being ornery.

I spent about 15 minutes with the adjuster helping him understand exactly what their driver did, how he most likely ended up off the road, and that he was obviously in excess of the posted speed (25 mph) in order to have enough momentum to fail to stop, and do all of the damage I've already told y'all about.

Attention shifted to the car (I forgot about the rose bushes). I explained the importance and rarity of this car and my plan, etc. It's undergoing an extensive restoration. He asked why there was no interior in it, and I explained that. I had my garage door open with the two E28s inside (and they look excellent in there right now). He didn't understand why this silver car was better than the other two. I explained everything again. I told him how I had a desktop picture of an M535i on my desktop since I was a freshman in high school. I didn't even have the internet. I found the picture at school, put it on a disk and put it on my home computer. I said that someday I will own one of these cars. I have a phenomenal restoration candidate and have made immense progress in the short time I've had it. Told him about it being a non-runner, etc. He asked what I paid, which I was afraid of, but I answered honestly. I added on that I've got several thousand more than that into it to date. Pointed out some of the unobtanium pieces like the rear spoiler and such that I have NOS.

I had prepared a list of the affected pieces, along with list prices and my replacement cost. The latter came to about $2,800. I brought out all of the parts I had removed from the car (grilles, headlamps, airdam), and showed him the damage so he could take photos. He asked if the turn lens with a crack was from the accident. I said it was there when I bought the car. He also asked if they had to replace the headlamps or if the bracket was available separately and I said the number listed is for just the buckets, saying that I could buff out the headlamp glass (not going into the fact that these are sealed beams, etc), so it needn't be replaced. He pointed out the oil cooler was damaged, which was also on the list. I explained that while the far edges of the core support weren't perfect, they were easily straightened. The inner structure was 100% straight and there were no issues. I explained that when I got the car running, I rebuilt the entire cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, etc. I added that I wouldn't hesitate driving this car to San Diego.

He didn't seem incredibly impressed. He sat in the car, took a bunch of pictures of the inside which I responded by saying that he must be showing how straight and rust free the inside of the car is. I added that many of these cars have rust in the doors and floor, while this one doesn't. The doors are completely straight and original. I showed him that all of the power features like windows and locks work flawlessly (I have a couple of slow motors, but big deal). I told him that the car has a completely original toolkit with the blue rag (yeah, the toolkit is original, but not to the car) and that it is extremely rare to find that.

He started saying things like, "I hope it's repairable." I said, "It is for sure. I have talked to two people who said it wouldn't cost more than $500 to replace the core support and make it look factory." I added that since the car is undergoing the restoration, the motor and suspension will be out at the time of that work, so all of the parts requiring paint will be repainted anyway. They're just damaged now. I could tell what he was thinking, so I said that this car is insured on an agreed value policy for $6,000. His eyes just about popped out, as he looked over to the car. He said that I should just go through my insurance company since they'll just give me FMV for it. I said, but if the car were to be totaled, which it won't be since my numbers are well under the threshold, they'd pay me $6,000, which they'll come to you for, not to mention the fact, it was your insured who hit my car, then fled the scene.

He told me that someone would be in touch with me in 24-48 business hours (which puts it at Tuesday or Wednesday). I asked him what he was thinking and he said he couldn't say for sure. He just said, "I'd hate to have to diminish your title." Yeah, and I'd hate to have to diminish your face.

He got back into his mobile office (a Chevy van with a folding table and chairs, etc). My dad called me. He's driving to Cheyenne, WY, so he's got nothing else to do. I gave him the rundown and he asked if I showed him the interior. I said no. I said that I told him everything was being stored off the car since it's perfect and doesn't need to be there since the car is being prepped for paint. He told me to make sure the guy sees the interior, so I went out to the van, and they opened the door. I said that if it would help, he could see the interior, which is in my living room. He saw the seats and was really, really, impressed. I got the door panels and he thought they were recovered too, though I said they're an original set [to a '78]. He said that it's good I showed him this since considering I'll probably be dealing with a total loss, it doesn't help to show the car stripped.



He went onto say that he couldn't find my car in their database. He asked if it was legal. I said, "Yes it is. It has current registration and insurance...for $6,000." He asked why he couldn't find it. Where the hell were you when I twice explained the history of this car. I certainly enjoy hearing myself talk, but shit! I explained how the car was Federalized, and that I have EPA and DOT paperwork for it. Really, it's paperwork saying that paperwork exists, but it's sufficient. I said it was brought to the US in October of 1989. I showed him the tag on the B-pillar. He photographed it.

So, I have to endure the weekend wondering how I'm going to proceed next week. I have no real info. I have no idea what they'll come back with. It's like a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, smothered in secret sauce.

So, that's why I don't think it went well. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I'd figure they'd want to get this over with since it's simply property damage.

what he herd, blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah $6000 blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

these guys look at crap all day and very few of them give much of a damn when something interesting comes along if they recognize it, hope it works out and you don't end up screwed

[alpinacsi]

Really it boils down to the fact that they have to repair the damage to the state it was before. It really should not matter if it was a rust bucket and about to collapse under its own weight; they have to repair your property to the condition it was previously: right down to cleaning the driveway, fixing the grass and replacing the rose bushes. The problem is, you will have to fight to make them do it. See what this adjuster comes back with and just know that you might have to request a new adjuster with collectable car knowledge to handle the estimate. Another good thing to have would be an appraisal in its current condition (pre accident) and a estimated value in the restored condition.

Good luck and just think of this time spent as steps to the restoration cause.

[bIGjake]

I had a similiar thing happen to my 528 a few years ago