Well, the insurance company (Progressive Auto Ins) is jerking me around over my XJ, so I’m going to try to take them to arbitration. I’m posting up here to see if any of you guys can suggest some good arguments that I should make or help me find some facts online to support my arguments (such as my claim that in today’s used auto market, most used XJs are probably being bought by off-roaders like us who care more for solid mechanics than a little trail rash or peeling paint).
Below is the story and my basic argument. Please help me strengthen and improve it.
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My 92 XJ with 233K miles got hit from behind about a week ago, and the insurance company (Progressive Auto Ins) totaled it and says it is worth only $1000, despite having a bunch of mechanical improvements (see list below). They get that value by starting with $1845 as the value of a 92 XJ in good condition and similar mileage, and subtracting $800 for visible body damage (namely some trail rash on the right front and that notorious white-peely condition of the paint on the roof).
The improvements and maintenance records I have, which they value at $0, are:
- reman Jasper engine 75K miles ago (with service records showing it has been well maintained with Mobil One oil and filters since then)
- 4 Goodrich TA KO tires with 25K miles on them
- Warn winch bumper (no winch, I’m keeping that)
- Flowmaster 50 muffler
- 3-core GDI radiator and history of no cooling problems for last 100K miles
- regular brake maintenance and use of high quality parts
- documented maintenance on rest of jeep since I bought it 136K miles ago
While their valuation method might make sense for a regular passenger car, I argue that it’s the off-road community that is supporting the values of XJs and a handful of other selected SUV models that are especially suited to our hobby. As such, I argue, the reliable engine and other improvements and the good service records on my jeep are much more valuable to potential buyers in the offroad community than is the superficial body damage. Thus, my XJ should be worth at least the average price and more likely somewhat more than average.
Also, their starting price of $1845 seems low. They use what they call “NADA” values. Kelley’s Blue Book web site values a 92 XJ at $2340 on the retail side.
All in all, it seems to me that Progressive should pay me $2500, not the $1000 they are offering. Even at $2500, I can’t begin to replace what I’ve lost through no fault of my own, but at least that amount would better compensate me for my loss.
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Below is the story and my basic argument. Please help me strengthen and improve it.
------------------------------------------------------
My 92 XJ with 233K miles got hit from behind about a week ago, and the insurance company (Progressive Auto Ins) totaled it and says it is worth only $1000, despite having a bunch of mechanical improvements (see list below). They get that value by starting with $1845 as the value of a 92 XJ in good condition and similar mileage, and subtracting $800 for visible body damage (namely some trail rash on the right front and that notorious white-peely condition of the paint on the roof).
The improvements and maintenance records I have, which they value at $0, are:
- reman Jasper engine 75K miles ago (with service records showing it has been well maintained with Mobil One oil and filters since then)
- 4 Goodrich TA KO tires with 25K miles on them
- Warn winch bumper (no winch, I’m keeping that)
- Flowmaster 50 muffler
- 3-core GDI radiator and history of no cooling problems for last 100K miles
- regular brake maintenance and use of high quality parts
- documented maintenance on rest of jeep since I bought it 136K miles ago
While their valuation method might make sense for a regular passenger car, I argue that it’s the off-road community that is supporting the values of XJs and a handful of other selected SUV models that are especially suited to our hobby. As such, I argue, the reliable engine and other improvements and the good service records on my jeep are much more valuable to potential buyers in the offroad community than is the superficial body damage. Thus, my XJ should be worth at least the average price and more likely somewhat more than average.
Also, their starting price of $1845 seems low. They use what they call “NADA” values. Kelley’s Blue Book web site values a 92 XJ at $2340 on the retail side.
All in all, it seems to me that Progressive should pay me $2500, not the $1000 they are offering. Even at $2500, I can’t begin to replace what I’ve lost through no fault of my own, but at least that amount would better compensate me for my loss.
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