marylander
New Member
- 3
Hi all,
Maryland resident here. I was recently involved in an accident on the highway where a 16 year old female driver entered my lane, stuck my van, and pushed the van into a passing tractor trailer. There were no injuries, but my van sustained damage to both sides. The other driver caused the accident, but she is claiming that I hit her. We are both under Geico, and they haven't ruled yet who was at fault, if anyone.
In the meantime, I took the van, a 2010 Toyota Sienna with 120,000 miles, to a Geico Xpress location. They came back with an estimate of about $6000 to repair, and declared a total loss. They valued the van at $8257 minus $1602 "condition adjustment" + 6% vehicle tax of $399 for a final total of $7054. Maryland total loss threshold of 75% comes out to $5290.
My problem with Geico's value is the $1602 "condition adjustment". The van is in great shape, but they claimed the mechanical condition was below average - the exact comments are "Notes: dirt and grease in engine compartment Guideline: Transmission: Fluid dark brown. Numerous leaks evident. Engine: Oil black and thick. Numerous leaks. Belts and hoses worn. Dirt and grease cover parts of engine compartment."
If it weren't for this "condition adjustment" the valuation would not have exceeded the 75% total loss threshold.
The van has been maintained regularly (I have receipts) and I don't think the mechanical condition can be accurately determined just by seeing a dirty engine compartment. I would like to contest this. Please advise how you would go forward.
Thanks in advance.
Maryland resident here. I was recently involved in an accident on the highway where a 16 year old female driver entered my lane, stuck my van, and pushed the van into a passing tractor trailer. There were no injuries, but my van sustained damage to both sides. The other driver caused the accident, but she is claiming that I hit her. We are both under Geico, and they haven't ruled yet who was at fault, if anyone.
In the meantime, I took the van, a 2010 Toyota Sienna with 120,000 miles, to a Geico Xpress location. They came back with an estimate of about $6000 to repair, and declared a total loss. They valued the van at $8257 minus $1602 "condition adjustment" + 6% vehicle tax of $399 for a final total of $7054. Maryland total loss threshold of 75% comes out to $5290.
My problem with Geico's value is the $1602 "condition adjustment". The van is in great shape, but they claimed the mechanical condition was below average - the exact comments are "Notes: dirt and grease in engine compartment Guideline: Transmission: Fluid dark brown. Numerous leaks evident. Engine: Oil black and thick. Numerous leaks. Belts and hoses worn. Dirt and grease cover parts of engine compartment."
If it weren't for this "condition adjustment" the valuation would not have exceeded the 75% total loss threshold.
The van has been maintained regularly (I have receipts) and I don't think the mechanical condition can be accurately determined just by seeing a dirty engine compartment. I would like to contest this. Please advise how you would go forward.
Thanks in advance.