Re: What's the value of a 745i (archive)

There are several posts on the e28 forum concerning this same question...fair value. Go over there and do a search for "insurance". You'll find a couple of posts with good links. Also, I just bought a Euro 735i from the manager of a body shop and he told me that insurance companies typically undervalue gray market cars and are prone to total loss them at a low value. From the posts I read on the e28 forum, my understanding is you do not have to accept their appraisal if you feel it is unfair. You will need to get a list of comparable cars that have sold recently as well as the amount paid for them. You can use these $ amounts as a bargaining point with the insurance company. If they still do not agree with you, you can go into litigation. 2 years ago, my mother's car, much like yours, was rear-ended. And, like yours, the damage was minimal. The insurance company (of the person who hit her) wanted to pay her way less than what was required to repair the damage. When she expressed her disappointment with the amount, they said tough...take it or leave it. Instead she got a lawyer and received $7000 for damages instead of $1500.

I do believe most insurance companies try to be fair...you just have to "help" them sometimes.

Good luck!

Jerry

In reference to the postings I made below (my 745 was rear ended), I have to have my 745i appraised; because the insurance company (the company of the person who hit me) needs an approximate value. It is an 85' 745i Executive 1A,
just completely rebuilt, in excellent condition. This one was imported after about three years use in Germany (hence all its controls are in German and was fedralized poorly). Also has big/little headlights and washers. All powers etc. no body damage, until now.
What should I expect for this appraisal ($) as so I know I'm not being cheated (the appraiser works for the insurance company). I'm sure they like to say it's worth $1000 and total it. How can I reference it's actual value, considering the KBB has no records of 745i's existing, and the value of the 735i is probally somewhat less than the 745i.
TIA
Adam T. L. Delecki

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