Legal Question in Insurance Law in New Jersey

Totalled car is a classic and worth more than its book value. Any recourse?

My son's 1972 Porsche 914 was totalled when a driver made an illegal left turn into it. It was not registered or insured as a classic car. Looks like the book value is zero and we will not get any reimbursement beyond towing charges (we had it towed back to our house so my son could at least harvest some parts). Edmunds gives a ''classic'' value of at least $3,000, as does the Porsche enthusiast community (magazine articles, etc). Plus we have receipts for all the work he's put into it over the years to keep it in top condition. Do we have any recourse?


Asked on 5/26/06, 1:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

Re: Totalled car is a classic and worth more than its book value. Any recourse?

There are a lot of things that may change whether you win or not, but to answer your basic question:

you are entitled to payment from the at-fault driver,equal to the value of what you lost. you can file suit in small claims court and prove to the Judge what you believe it was worth; the Judge then decides.

if you want to consult an attorney, please call me. I am in northern New Jersey. My contact information can be obtained from the links below, just click on the Attorney Profile link. Let my secretary know you found me through LawGuru.

Disclaimer: you can not rely on the advice of an attorney given over the internet. The exact facts of your situation, including facts which you have not mentioned in your question, may completely change the result for your situation.

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Answered on 5/26/06, 1:52 pm


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