Hello,My husband and I were in a head on collision in Colorado that totaled both truck and fifth wheel. The other driver was at fault. I am now dealing with the insurance adjuster from National General Insurance, who says he cannot use comparables that were older than my rig (2015), and can only use comparables of the same age or newer. Does anyone know if this is true or common? When negotiating for the truck there was no such limitation.Thanks in advanceLee

Why would you argue? An older "comp" would be worth less. Let him compare to a new(er) rig. Regardless, insurance should "make you whole," so if they offer less than what you can find an equivalent for, ask them where they found one at that price - then buy it.

Sounds true as you wrote it. Why would you want them to use a comparable from 2013 for your 2015????? I think you might be wording it incorrectly?

Because it is hard to find a used rig like mine that is 2015 or 2016 and the older comps I've found are for sale at higher than what he is offering.

Will your insurance company work with you at all? When I was hit by someone else and having trouble understanding the offer, my agent helped me by telling me how the offer was formed and the questions I needed to ask, what I could demand, etc. It was very helpful.

cmeade wrote:Sounds true as you wrote it. Why would you want them to use a comparable from 2013 for your 2015????? I think you might be wording it incorrectly?I had the same confusion but just figured I didn't understand the situation:):):)

Totaled my fifth wheel, how to work with insurance adjuster

mike-s
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
Why would you argue? An older "comp" would be worth less. Let him compare to a new(er) rig. Regardless, insurance should "make you whole," so if they offer less than what you can find an equivalent for, ask them where they found one at that price - then buy it.
cmeade
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
Sounds true as you wrote it. Why would you want them to use a comparable from 2013 for your 2015????? I think you might be wording it incorrectly?
Goldfinch281
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
Because it is hard to find a used rig like mine that is 2015 or 2016 and the older comps I've found are for sale at higher than what he is offering.
rjf7g
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
Will your insurance company work with you at all? When I was hit by someone else and having trouble understanding the offer, my agent helped me by telling me how the offer was formed and the questions I needed to ask, what I could demand, etc. It was very helpful.
MarkTwain
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
cmeade wrote:
Sounds true as you wrote it. Why would you want them to use a comparable from 2013 for your 2015????? I think you might be wording it incorrectly?

I had the same confusion but just figured I didn't understand the situation:):):)
mike-s
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
The prices you see aren't necessarily the selling prices - sellers ask what they hope for, usually with the expectation of bargaining down to what they'll actually take. So, he may not be wrong in offering less than the asking prices you see. Depends on how much, and how strong the market is.

But yes, talk to your agent about it - don't just rely on the claims adjuster.
darsben1
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
Is national General your insurance or the other drivers?
mikim
Explorer
Dec 01, 2016
I would ask for assistance from your carrier.....hopefully they will be willing to work for your benefit against the other carrier.

I would also take the original purchase price of both the 5th wheel as well as the truck and deduct 10% for each year of ownership.

You can also see what www.nada.com says about the value of each vehicle.
stew47
Explorer
Dec 01, 2016
When you're talking about such a large claim as a truck and fiver it pays to be patient. The adjuster is not your friend and don't rule out consulting an attorney.
corvettekent
Explorer
Dec 01, 2016
Goldfinch281 wrote:
Because it is hard to find a used rig like mine that is 2015 or 2016 and the older comps I've found are for sale at higher than what he is offering.

Never take the first offer from the insurance company. Just tell them no until they offer you what you know it is worth.

You should be dealing with your insurance company not the other guys company.