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Pick
Dodge Dakota
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6/04/2003
12:01:00
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 Subject: Damage
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OK so a deer decided that he wanted to ride along with me in the truck this weekend... Anyone have any idea ballpark what I should expect for a repair cost? I just want an idea so I don't get screwed by the insurance adjuster! Here's what's damaged.
Front Passenger Fender
Bug Deflector
Hood
Antenna torn off
Windshield shatterd
Passenger Door
Passenger Door Glass
Roof caved in
Passenger Mirror Gone
Bed Dented
Rear Sliding Window Broken out
Probably cost of cleaning all the glass out of the truck too.
Anyone have any clue? Thanks in advance for the info!
Pick
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mo-par
Dodge Dakota
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6/04/2003
12:16:06
|  RE: Damage
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my guess would be about 5K
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jpconard
Dodge Dakota
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6/04/2003
13:37:47
|  RE: Damage
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I would say at least $5K, it depends on what type of parts you get. The insurance company will want you to get aftermarket parts (which I am not saying are bad), the dealers of course OEM.
Several years ago on a Mazda pickup a less severe deer hit than yours (left fender, bumper, minor hood, no broken glass, other than headlight) was almost $2000 (OEM parts), I had to compromise with some aftermarket, some OEM.
With yours also getting roof, door, and glass this will add up.
There is an aftermarket parts company here in St. Louis (can't remember the name) and Dodge Dakota parts aren't too expensive (fenders, hood, bumpers, etc.)
Also don't forget painting. This is a major cost as well. Trim pieces and decals are also expensive.
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Pick
Dodge Dakota
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6/04/2003
13:51:33
| RE: Damage
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Thanks guys. I'm hoping that they will just go ahead and total out the truck (it's a 97 and books for right around $6,000) so I can get a newer, bigger, better, and badder Dakota! I was lucky enough not to get hurt (other than the glass I'm still digging out of my arm) maybe I'll get lucky enough to get a better truck too! Keeping my fingers crossed!
Pick
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Rittner
Dodge Dakota
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6/04/2003
14:33:08
| RE: Damage
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It probably depends where you live too. I've found that repair costs vary wildly throughout the country. Labor rates are different maybe?
I just had my front passenger door on my 2002 QC dented in a parking lot. The cost to replace the door skin, trim, badging, and paint-to-match was $1800. Luckily I didn't have to pay a cent. All your damage sure sounds like a whole lot of money to me!
Andy
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Huh ?
Dodge Dakota
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6/04/2003
17:01:06
| RE: Damage
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If you are insured, how is the adjustor going to screw you ?
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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6/04/2003
18:50:53
|  RE: Damage
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How can your adjuster screw you? Easy - they write the truck off and low ball you on the value. It is then up to you to prove what it was worth BEFORE the accident. Pretty tough to do.
Scott
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Huh ?
Dodge Dakota
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6/05/2003
01:09:14
| RE: Damage
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Vehicles values are standard. A 97 Dakota with whatever options and packages has a certain value. If you have a lot of money invested and you don't carry insurance for that then you're stupid and you deserev to lose the value of the add on.
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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6/05/2003
13:00:06
| RE: Damage
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You are a claim adjuster's dream. Show you a value on a list, cut you a check, and you go away happy. It is the claims adjuster's job to minimize the insurance companies payout for each and every incident. If you think for one minute that the adjuster has YOUR best interest at hand you are a FOOL!
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Pick
Dodge Dakota
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6/05/2003
13:16:49
| RE: Damage
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If the adjuster shows me the value and cuts me a check, I'd certianly be happy! Then I can get a new truck, don't have to wait 2 months for it to get fixed, and I can get away from the curse that thing has on it!
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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6/05/2003
14:36:56
|  RE: Damage
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If you are concenred about them fixing it rather than totalling it, get a 2-3 of your own quotes from places you feel are higher priced. You are under no obligation to have the insurance company pick the place of repair even if it is alower cost.
Scott
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Huh ?
Dodge Dakota
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6/05/2003
16:03:37
| RE: Damage
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Values are set, just like starndardized repair times. What you're trying to tell me is that "a" 97 Dodge Dakota is worth more than "b" 97 Dodge Dakota, even though they may be identical. That's not the way the insurance industry works. When a claims adjuster writes off a vehicle, it's not time time to start playing Lets Make a Deal. The vehicle has a worth based on make, model and mileage.
You see Scott, if everyone could claim whatever they wanted then the average payout would climb to $1 000 000.00. General insurance covers the value of the vehicle as it stands on the day of the claim. That's called a "standard value". Insurance for, say, a 408 stroker must be obtained separately from the general insurance and must be appraised by an "automobile insurance appraiser". That falls under "agreed value claims".
You may view me as a claims adjusters dream but I'm sure you're seen as a claims adjusters nightmare.
Look into insurance a little more. Try doing a Google search or call you agent.
Pick, your truck will most likely be written off as wholesale prices on Dodge Dakotas are very low. As a rule of thumb most companies draw the line at 50% of vehicle value in setting a mark for repair cost because of other factors like rental vehicles and adjuster costs, etc. Unless you have an "agreed" value of $10 000.00 with your insurance company, say bye-bye and wait for the check. However, you haven't just won the lottery either so be prepared.
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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6/05/2003
16:30:21
| RE: Damage
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Here is some food for thought... you are saying an identical Dakota from the north has the same value as one in the south? Of course not, everyone knows the salt eats vehicles alive and they are worth less. So you just move from North Carolina to Ohio and get into an accident. Would you accept the rust bucket value your clean Dakota has in Ohio? Of course not.
You are correct, I am an adjusters worst nightmare. I know the industry and how the game is played. What I am saying is to do you own research and know what your vehicle is worth and do not feel you need to accept their amount if you feel it is not fair.
Scott
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