Re: Minor bumper bump

[agoh@sprynet.com]

I went through an insurance settlement a few months ago.  The accident was no fualt of 
mine.  During the settlement process, the other party's insurance wanted to downgrade 
the value of the car.  Their decision is based on comparing the prices of Bug parts as 
well as on the blue book value of the vehicle.  Subsequently, I wrote a strongly-worded 
letter in response to their move to 'total' the vehicle.  The below are excerpts of my 
letter for your reference.  I hope that it may help your situation.

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Quote begins:
I am writing to follow-up with you on our September 16 phone conversation.

During our brief dialogue, I expressed the need to source estimates myself in order to 
determine the extent of the damage to my vehicle, the 1971 VW Fastback Type-III.  At the 
same time, I requested that you provide me with the itemized figures of your estimate 
for my review.  Subsequently, you agreed to mail me a copy as soon as possible.....

......The Fastback Automatic is very rare....I am stating again that I have no plans of 
scrapping the vehicle.  I will continue to restore the vehicle.  My primary motivation 
for purchasing the vehicle last month, and restoring it, is based on its future 
investment potential:

ěThe Type III automatic transmission is a rare beast, found only in a few of the 
remaining Type IIIs in the world.  The automatic was introduced in 1969 and was VWís 
first attempt at a fully automatic transmission.î
(reference, VW Type III website, http://www.umich.edu/~gregm/t3index.html)

The above further illustrates the enhanced blue-book value of this vehicle compared to 
other VW models of its generation.  Since the initial purchase, the engine has undergone 
mechanical work.  I can document this with receipts.  If you are intending to ëtotalí 
the vehicle, I would advise serious re-consideration........

Quote ends.

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Greg, as you can see from the above, I used a quote from part of your web-page to 
substantiate my negotiations with the insurance company.  Thank you very much! It 
worked, and I was able to claim the full value of the repairs plus a pain-and-suffering 
settlement.