Thursday, January 19, 2012

How much will I get if my car is totaled?

I know this has been asked a lot on here, I've read the answers. My question, though, is which method do they use? Some say KBB value, other say it's based on the average of the value for similar vehicles for sale in your area. My car is a 2006 Kia Optima, in great condition (well, it was) with only 55,000 miles. The only other 06 Kia Optima for sale within 25 miles of my location is at the same dealership I got mine. It has the same features and 98,000+ miles on it and the asking price is $12,000. So which one can I bank on? KBB value is only $3-5000.How much will I get if my car is totaled?
I've never seen an insurance company use KBB. Most of them use NADA (which is based on the retail price in your area), which will probably be a little less than KBB, because most people overestimate the condition of their vehicle when they are looking at KBB. 55k is a little high for mileage on a 2006, just so you know. Also, Kias drop in value pretty quickly.

The $3-5000 range is where you will be, assuming there is not a lot of pre-existing damage.How much will I get if my car is totaled?
KBB considers your ZIP Code in calculations. Car Dealers jack their prices to wheel %26amp; deal as much $$$ as possible. The Insurance Companies mostly Low-Ball as much as they can. I would expect $3000 unless you can convince them to honor your car's condition, then possibly $4000.How much will I get if my car is totaled?
Almost all insurance companies use KBB value. I would expect to get the $3000-$5000 for the car. Sorry.

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  2. Hi I'm looking for the KBB value on a 2004 Acura TL 4-door V6 3.2, with salvage title. Insurance company offer- $1200, is that a fair price? Thanks

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