Insurance companies used to use the “Kelley Blue Book” or NADA (National Auto Dealers’ Guide) to arrive at valuations for the vehicles their insured drivers damaged or totaled. A recent trend is for insurers to search the internet and locate “similar vehicles” that are for sale. Sometimes they locate vehicles close to your zip code and some times they look far away to come up with the lowest estimates. As the owner, you are free to offer your opinion on value as you more than anyone know the condition of the vehicle prior to impact. You likewise can search similar vehicles on the internet and supply those listings to the insurance company. Remember that when it is the other driver’s insurance company, they are not on your side, are not always good neighbors and you are not always in good hands.
If you have any questions about this area of law, call Steve Howard at Steve Howard Law at 402-281-4680 or email Steve at steve@stevehowardlaw.com.
