Possible Complete loss of my Corvette...

[Bob Chadwick]

Tatortot,

While I'm unsure of what exactly the Virginia law allows, most states allow for loss of use of the vehicle from the time the vehicle was in the accident until it is fixed or the total loss is settled. This only applies if they don't provide you with a rental car. If you don't need a rental, this may be some additional money that can be thrown in the settlement pool.

Bob

 

[Eric]

Good point Bob! As it happens, about two years ago rental car coverage became a part of all auto policies in the state. I believe it's part of your clooision coverage. I only know this because when my policy renewed two years ago I reviewed the policy and noticed my rental/tosing coverage was gone. When I called my agent he explained that it was now rolled into my policy by default per new state laws.

That said, the rental or lack of a need for one may not give you anything. Call your agent.

- Eric

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Eric,

I'm assuming a settlement with the 3rd party rather than his own insurance and that they will declare the car a total. In that situation, he should get the actual cash value of the car, tax and license fees and either rental or loss of use.

Bob

 

[22229stingray81]

Okay guys, Ive done a lot of thinking. Heres what Im going to do. Since the vette is already at a shop, Im going to wait for the insurance company to come and see what they say, and Im going to have a look at the underside myself. Depending on what he says.. (assuming the best, just body damage and wheel) Im simply going to put on the spare (again, assuming it is safe) and take it to MY mechanic, (or have it towed if it I dont feel it is safe) now that the insurance is out of the way for the time being. He is the only one I trust, some people can talk all the day away, but I know he is honest and fixes what is broken. I will then take it to him, and see what he thinks, if anything is broken, and whatnot. IF he says something else needs to be fixed, well then there will be hell to pay against the insurance company, seeing as how I have not agreed to anything yet. THEN I will worry about the body damage and paint.. now that I could actually drive it to places.. what do you guys think??

 

[sherry_ridgeway]

Hi Tatortot
my deepest apoligys to you and Im glad you werent injured,It's always a bummer
when i hear about a fellow vette owner having an accident, I really hope it can be repaired and that you keep on keeping on, hopefully there wasnt any frame damage and it can be repaired to the condition it was in ..sherry

 

[JJS]

Glad to hear you're OK!

REALLY sorry to hear about this accident, TATORTOT. But thankfully, nobody was hurt. I know that's not much consolation right now, but very soon you'll look back and see how lucky you were.

The vette can be replaced, but hopefully it won't have to be, and you'll be back on the road very soon. Best of luck with everything,

-JJS

 

[Eric]

Eric,

I'm assuming a settlement with the 3rd party rather than his own insurance and that they will declare the car a total. In that situation, he should get the actual cash value of the car, tax and license fees and either rental or loss of use.

Bob

Ooops, I wasn't thinking third party. - Eric

 

[Bob Chadwick]

No sense in having your company pay if the other will.

 

[Robin7TFour]

TATOR, one thing of advise. even the most respected corvette shops need to be watched closely as they do your work. after my wheel damage i went to BURRKE'S body shop here in florida. they are respected ,and even recommended by CORVETTE FEVER magazine. anyway, they took alot of short-cuts and skipped repairing some items. the owner felt it would take too much time ,and he didn't want to work with allstate any more that necessary.
keep on top of the repairs....trust no one!!


ROBIN

 

[22229stingray81]

Oops, maybe I didnt make a bit of information clear. The guy that hit me, HIS insurance is paying for whatever they are going to pay for, my insurance company hasnt gotten that much involved as far as I know. Now if they refuse to pay or they are rediculous mine will have to get involved I believe. Also I play to be VERY active in the repair of my vette. I will stop by unannouced just to see how things are going, and how they treat the cars.


-Tatortot

 

[Yoda]

-Tatortot

Young man I've seen much growth in you these past 3 or 4 years. I remember how young you seemed and so full of energy. Your mom and dad must be very proud of you!

Keep focused young Jedi and watch it come together. You're doing fine young man, just fine. I hope to meet you one day, I am comfortable the Legacy of the Corvette is in good hands I'm proud to have you in the L81VetteRegistry and to have met you over the internet.

Yoda

 

[22229stingray81]

Yoda, Bud, Rare81,

You're going to make me tear up old man! I hope one day we meet as well, being part of the L81VetteRegistry has been a very important role in my education on Corvettes, as well as meeting a fantastic group of people. I can't believe it was only 4 years ago that I couldn't find my carburator.... Now Im up to being able to identify a holly from a rochester, can you believe it? 4 years of non stop reading up on everything to do with Corvettes, and nothing else.. sure has paid off!! Thanks for everything you have done for me Bud, please know that it is greatly appreciated.


-Tatortot

 

[22229stingray81]

Good news and BIG HELP!!!

I HAVE GREAT NEWS AND NEED BIG HELP EVERYONE!! First of all, the shop called, NO REAR END DAMAGE AT ALL!!! ALL COSMETIC!! They are going to re-align the rear wheels anyways though. Also the insurance company was great about payment!!! They are paying for everything in full!! Settlement is for $1981.10 (eerie the amount, isn't it?) Anyways, heres what I need help with. I just ordered a new rear wheel, cragar 470 series wire wheel, standard 15X8 size, heres the question, right now on the rear I have mastercraft tires, size P225 60R15, and the insurance company is going to pay for rear goodyear eagle gtIIs!!!! Here is my question though, and I need to know this quickly so I can order them and tell them the amount and everything: I can only find the goodyear eagles in P255 70R15, will this fit my wheel alright??? Or do I need to keep searching??? Thanks for any help.

-Tatortot

 

[DDLS3]

Tatortot

That certainly is good news. The standard tire size for your 81 is 225/70-15
The optional tires wre 225/60-15 and 255/60-15. I have the 255/60-15's on mine and they look much better than the narrower 70 series. The 255/70-15 is a taller tire and I don't think that they will fit very well if at all. Goodyear Eagle II is a high end tire price wise. I'm sure the insurance won't care if you buy a price comparable tire. I have BFG's and like them very well, look around and stick with one of the standard or optional tire sizes and you won't go wrong.

 

[22229stingray81]

Nevermind guys!! Found the right tire size, good ol tirerack. Looks like I acutally ended up making some money!!! I got 2 rear tires for the price of what the insurance guy gave for one, and he gave me $239 for my rear wheel and I found it on summit racing website for $180!! Ill keep you all posted on any other develpments, thanks for the help!

-Tatortot

 

[JJS]

Things are looking up!

Glad to hear things seem to be looking up for you, Tatortot.
Can't beat the Tirerack, can you!
I just purchased a new set of the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's to replace the Goodyear GT +4's that I currently have. The Goodyears are nearly new, I just didn't think they were a good handling tire. I thought they were more for show, than go. I'm hoping that the new Firestone's don't have too much white in the raised lettering, if you know what I mean. I haven't had them put on yet.
Best of luck, -JJS

 

[Evolution1980]

Tatortot,

What size did you end up with? Hopefully you got a 255/60/15 series and not a 70 series. 70 is really just too tall a tire to be performance oriented. 60 is even a hair tall for my liking. I have 255's in the rear, and 245's up front.

 

[22229stingray81]

I got the 255/60SR15's, thank goodness. I had a hard time ordering them though, tirerack told me it was the wrong size, and the stock size was 70's, oh well, I managed to bypass that and order 'em regardless... seemed really cheap too, only $76 each?



-Tatortot

 

[Evolution1980]

I got the 255/60SR15's... seemed really cheap too, only $76 each?

Nope, sounds about right. 15" tires are pretty cheap right now since everything is going bigger (17" and up) and shorter (50 series and lower). The tires I bought for my daily driver were $176/ea (x4). Ouchie!

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Great news
Post some before and after pics