What to expect from the insurance adjuster

Hi all,

I'm new to the 4runner forum. I recently had my parked 07 4runner smashed into and was looking for any info on how claims work. I recently had new CV axles, wheel bearings, and 3-inch lift installed. If they total the vehicle am I out all that cash for the aftermarket parts?

The damage doesn't look too bad at first. Rear axle is definitely bent. The width of the rear frame should be 41 inches according to Toyota's specs. The measurement I'm getting is 39.75 inches. This is why I'm worried that they will total the vehicle. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

The car that hit me. The police officer said the 4runner was like a tank.

 

How did the red car end up upside down? Everyone okay?

 

thanks for the replies. I do have the receipts. I still need to look at the bluebook values. The lady in the red car had a pretty bad cut above her eye but was ok. We were all wondering how the car flipped over too. The lady said she swerved to miss another parked car. She must have overcorrected and hit my 4runner at just the right angle.

 

If the repairs add up to about 1/2 of blue book, they will total it. If there truly is frame damage, they will total it, even if "minor". I know for a fact that a 10yo vehicle, the first thing they will try, is to total it. This is where the importance of true BB value and ALL receipts comes in. Sadly, you could fight them for BB value and new parts that have been installed but "wear items" items are a different story. unless the part(s) are less than a couple months old, no matter if it's an upgrade or if it's tires, etc. if it's older than a few months, it won't matter if it's a $1000 lift or a $10 sticker, it won't add any value (according to the insurance co.). Wear items vary by insurance company too, so there is no definite answer there. I would prepare for a fight if you really do want to keep the rig, most insurance companies will allow you to by it back but, it will be at a loss to you 99% of the time. I like delmars brainstorming about finding the salvage yard that it would go to but again, you'll more likely than not be buying it at a loss to you. When there is a personal injury (thank goodness there wasn't) you do have more fighting power but most companies are pretty well set on vehicle value to loss. If you have full coverage, your insurance company will do the work for you and typically get a better value than you going against the insurance company. It's no fun and I wish you luck, the sad thing is, it's your vehicle and you have an attachment to it but, it's just another car to the insurance company...