Originally Posted by Viper37

So? My Ram is an 01, in cherry condition and its only worth about $6000. His truck will most likely be totaled. Insurance company's do not follow KBB, they determine value a based on an independent estimate of a certain number of that vehicle.


And Jason, check out "Certifit" I was able to get an entire new front end (grille, plastics, bumper) for $266 through them.

They are nationwide.

Originally Posted by jason.w

Bad day for the Rams. Not trying to steal your thunder, but got mine into an accident today as well. 'cept this one was ruled my fault.

The trade off is that although it was ruled my fault, all I need is a new front bumper, as opposed to all the work you're going to need. I'll post pictures tomorrow when I have some day light. I do feel sorry for your poor machine, that looks bad.

Short story version... on my way home from work, veered to get past a little car that decided to try and cut across two lanes of traffic and aborted after a foot into my lane. Only after veering and avoiding one potential accident do I suddenly realize that traffic in front of me is coming to a sudden stop. Add in a light ran to make the road slick (and my tires just getting wet, not warmed up yet), and you get a recipe for a three car accident. I almost managed to stop before the car in front of me, except for the last five feet where I slid. I slid into the 1989 Geo Spectrum in front of me, at about 15 mph ish. He evidently wasn't on his brakes, because he rolled forward approximately a car length and a half (I saw the tires, he was rolling, not skidding) into a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 in front of him. The 2006 had a ball hitch, and it basically speared this Geo's front end. Other than the driver of the 2006 possibly having a case of whip-lash (I hope not), no injuries.

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 = new front bumper
2006 Dodge Ram 1500 = new rear bumper, new trailer hitch
1989 Geo Spectrum = Totaled (ruined front bumper, hood, front side panels, grille, headlights, front valance, rear bumper, one rear taillight, trunk)

I know I got out of it light, and my insurance company is taking care of everything, but da**... I still feel like crap. Almost three and a half years without an accident, and bam, out of no where.

Sad thing is, the two bumpers + labor (I will probably install mine myself, but I doubt he will do the same) is more than the value of the Geo. I appraised it quickly online, and if it was fully loaded with less than 100,000 miles, its still only valued (dealer price) at about $500 (assuming clean condition, which it did not look). A quick look at the main bumper piece on eBay for my 2001: about $250-$300. Will see what I can get at the salvage yard.

Originally Posted by VWandDodge

Plus, if the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds 40% - 60%(?) the insurance company will total the vehicle.