Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Missouri

Auto insurance pay-off

I do not feel the amount offered by the auto insurace company if fair. They are offering NADA value that is for an average condition/mileage vehicle and mine if higher than average. I have 62,300 miles on a 1996 Town & Country LXI van. New tires, extra clean interior. My van is considered totaled and the company represents the other person responsible for the accident. My insurance will not pay any higher either. Would I have any chance of recovering any more money by going to court. I'm being offered $6750 and fill I deserve $7500. I simply cannot replace my vehicle with this dollar amount. Both insurances say they do not have a responsibility to replace my vehicle. An accident, not my fault will now cost me money.


Asked on 8/17/04, 3:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Spencer Farris The S.E. Farris Law Firm

Re: Auto insurance pay-off

The question isn't really "could you do better," the question is "can you afford to?" If you are off only $750 from the value of your car, and it will take two years to collect that along with the other 7 grand you are owed, and it will require an attorney fee, etc., the insurance company has you in a box. Why do you think they offered less than your car is worth in the first place? They know that you can't really afford to fight them for fair value.They will say that they are close, and that is enough. Welcome to dealing with the insurance industry!

On the other hand, you can report their behavior to the Missouri Department of Insurance, but they are largely toothless.

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Answered on 8/17/04, 4:08 pm


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