Hello Rudy,
My wife and I just went through that kind of problem. Her mother was
rear-ended, and the insurance company did as is they usually do, gave a
low estimate of the value of the car and totaled it, refusing to pay any
more.
We went on line and found a professional appraiser, and paid him $175
for an appraisal. That was money well spent. We sued (in small claims
court, which probably won't work for you, depending on which state you
are in) and instead of the $1,200 the insurance company offered we were
awarded $6,000. The appraisal made all the difference.
You REALLY need a GOOD professional appraisal, and (sorry to say)
probably a lawyer as well.
Good luck, Rudy, you will need it.
Best regards,
Rik
> The problems I experienced with my 1959 Tradewind were discussed
> earlier this month, when
> Tom Patterson placed some pictures of my Airstream on the internet at
> http://www.tompatterson.com/gallery/Rudy-Valles-1958-Tradewind/ after
> the accident with the trailer outside Columbus,Texas on 7/16/07
> On around 8/15/o7 Mrs Wellons agent @ carson AAA said appraisal 6,000
> $ would ask for other appraisal.
> I have now received an offer from my insurance company. on AAA it is
> about $7,400. this is an increase from
> the $6,000 they first offered on about 8/15/07The trailer is being
> totaled, and I can have the remains for salvage value for $600.
>
> I had the trailer insured through AAA more then two years for
> $18,000, and have been paying premiums on the $18,000, at the tme it
> was photographed and inspected the 18,000 value was agreed on by agent
> at Montebello office.
> I am at my ropes end it appears my trailer is just looked at just as
> an old trailer that hurts. To my wife and I it was our home away from
> home with our sons help we brouht it back to life on 6/27/07 it took
> the silver award for its class at the WBCCI international no amount of
> money can replace it. It was a family airloom . I woudy have ratter
> have had it stolen. Streamer is a loss to all vintage lovers world
> over Any one have any suggestions Thanks Rudy v