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I was just in an accident in my '88 740 (only 94,000 miles) about 2 months ago -I did my homework and got what I thought was a pretty good settlement from the party at fault's insurance company.
1. Make sure you have values from KBB, Edmunds.com, and the NADA.
2. If the car is driveable, take it to a reputable body shop (get a reference from your local Volvo dealer) and have your own estimate done before the ins. co. does theirs. It's free and should only take about 30 minutes.
3. Search nearby sources for similar cars for sale and make sure that what the ins. co. offers you will replace your car.
4. Do not accept their first offer unless you think it will replace your car to your satisfaction.
5. Get them to provide a rental. It's their responsibility to pay for it.
6. They should also pay sales tax and registration. They're not legally required to in all states, but most reputable companies will if you just ask.
Ultimately, their responsibility is to put you back in a car that is as similar to what you were in as is possible. Let them know that you know that and they'll deal with you much more fairly. You don't have to accept their first offer. Don't get in a hurry!! If you do, you'll settle for less than you could. They also owe you a rental until you've received your settlement.
If their first offer is $1200 tell them there is no way you can get a '84 240 wagon in excellent condition for that amount of money. Average NADA retail on an 84 wagon is around $2300. Your mileage is a little higher than average and they may want to adjust a little for that.
Do your homework and don't settle for a less than fair amount and you'll be fine. If all else fails and you get desperate, threaten to call your lawyer - even if you're just bluffing. They DO NOT want to spend the money to go to court if they can just give you the extra thousand dollars and be done with it.
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