Very sorry to hear that. My worst nightmare.

John

That really sucks!

May as well get an estimate, though from the nature of the damage I wonder
if it would ever be the same again.

Ouch! Very sorry to hear that. Main thing is you're ok (and the other
driver). Cars are replaceable. I know this sounds cruel, but I always
think it's important to remember that at times like these.

How much the repair will cost depends on the extent of the damage to the
B post (the post that the rear door hinges from) and the front
suspension mounting areas.

Replacing panels is relatively cheap, and a good job can be made of
mathching the colour. Replacing the B post is quite a big job, and if
required is likely to make the repair uneconomical.

The damage to the front suspension/steering could be fairly minor (new
rack, wishbone, struts) or major (the subframe section where the
wishbone is mounted is bent/damaged). If the suspension damage is
severe, I would not consider repairing it, because getting the car to
track straight following such a repair is going to be quite difficult.
It can be done, but will cost.

So, if we assume that it's just panels and a few suspension components,
it might cost around £2000-3000 to repair. If there is significant
damage to the B post and subframe/floorpan, it could be as much as
£5000. I don't know how these prices will translate to US - I don't
think it will be a straight multiplier, because parts prices are quite
different over there.

Good luck Laura, and let us know what happens.

[...]

Damage looks extensive, repair will probably be uneconomically, considering
you will end up with an accident repaired car.

You might have to fight proper compensation from the insurers; value of car
plus car hire for a few weeks.

That's what I always fear. Many dangers are lurking at access roads etc. where
people thinks that no cars are coming.

Our estimates are pretty much irrelevant. Find a top quality body shop
in your area and see what they say. Look for one the specializes in
upper end cars. If you post where you are, someone here may have a
suggestion.

I'd be worried. That's a lot of damage. See what the body men say. It
needs some time on the frame machine, for sure.

Make sure you get full value. In the US, states vary widely as to what
you get for a settlement. See what your agent says about the laws
where you are and check the full extent of possibilities. Don't get
screwed by the insurance company shuffle. Even your own company just
wants to minimize their costs - including "administration. Find out
your rights.

But I'm afraid that they might just give me the value of the car
which may not cover repairs. It's a 1995 with 101,000 on it. If they do
that,
I'm thinking it may be better to take the money and use it to get a 1997
9000,
at least as a downpayment.
I hate going through all this. First accident I've had in 20 years.

Sorry your car got hurt - she was beauty. But like others have said, at
least you're OK. Hope you'll find an even better one ;)

It's hard to do, but it may be worth going to sleep chanting "It's justa
car, It's just a car" for a couple of weeks, just incase the damage is
too much.

Maybe think about it as a chance to go better, and treat the last one as
a learning car. It was good, it did it's job on the road and in the
crash. If you have space, maybe you could get the Salvage and use the
good bits as a spares car?

Glad you and the other person are in OK shape.

Maybe it's time to find an Aero?!

By insurance industry standards your car is a "total".

You have got a tough road ahead of you. But armed with the facts you may
be able to recoup the maxim amount from insurance to help you get
another decent car.

With the trade in value of your vehicle being around $3600 most
insurance companies will try and buy you off with a total for around
this amount. They do not want to hear that "I want the same type of
vehicle, the same condition, etc. etc". That is what the car is worth
and they don't care that it is "your baby". Remember, in your case, that
retail book value for the car is around $7500 so don't expect to get
more than that.

Do your homework and find out what your car is worth and what it is
going to cost to replace the car. A good start is www.kbb.com. Do
homework on other sites including ebay, your local classified papers
etc. to determine the true replacemetn value of your Saab. The more
information you have the more money you will get. In fact if you pick
out a new vehicle ahead of time you may be able to negotiate a better
settlement by telling them just to replace the car with this one. I have
seen this done in the classic car arena.

Remeber they only care about what your cars is worth not what it will
cost you to replace it.

Following these steps may help you get what you deserve.

1. Find out who the claims adjuster is representing....your insurance or
the offenders insurance. If it is the offenders insurance...listen, take
notes, and let him talk...you just listen. Bring a tape recorder. If he
starts talking settlement ask if you can record that part of his
statement. NEVER record that part of the converstation without his
permission (get permission, date, time, name) on the recording.

2. DO NOT ARGUE WITH THE ADJUSTER. His only responsibility is to
determine the cost of repairs. He follows rules and can not change them.
Do not commit yourself to a settlement until you have had time to think
about it. Do not agree to any of his "options" he is presenting to you.
And if he asks you to sign something do not do so until you have had
thorough time to read the paper work. (Remember it is still your car
until you sign the paperwork).

(Remember that the job of an insurance adjuster is to protect the
insurance companies bottom line. They will do all they can to cut costs
including trying to low ball you into a settlement).

3. Make sure you ask for a provided rental. The additional cost of this
will help drive up the total cost of the claim and may give you
additional negotiating power.

4.If you are not satisfied with your settlement you do have options.
Speak to the insurance companies inside people about the settlement.
This is usually a waste of time. Pester your agent. This will probably
be unsuccessful too as they care more about their relationship with the
company than with their client.

5. Talk to an Attorney. A good sleazy Lawyer can usually scare the crap
out of the offenders insurance enough to get them to up the settlement.

Remember with the record amounts of money about to paid out this quarter
 because of the Hurricane in Florida the insurance companies are going
to try and cut costs any way possible.

Good Luck