The expedition vehicle that handled tens of thousands of offroad adventure, was badly rear-ended this weekend at highway speeds(not my fault). The other vehicle smashed into the 305/55R20 Nitto Terra Grappler tire, the OEM bumper and the hitch receiver. The tire, Teraflex Tire Carrier did not suffer any damage. The bumper is ripped, but survived OK. The rear gate buckled in the middle and broke the rear window. The impact on the hitch receiver almost cut the cross section of the frame it is attached to. There is almost no damage to the body. The 2012 Jeep JKU has 90k miles, a brand new ProRock 44 front axle, and mods totaling over $30k. The insurance is coming to inspect the vehicle tomorrow. Given that the rear cross section of the frame is destroyed, it is possible this may prompt the insurance company to total the Jeep.

If the vehicle is totaled, I will want to buy it from the insurance company.

Does anyone have experience with insurance companies and seriously modified vehicles? Is it worth declaring all the modifications or is it better to just go with stock valuation. Will the insurance company insist on taking the vehicle? Can I strip the modifications if they will take the vehicle(I have given away most of the stock parts...). I know the frame can be straightened. Does anyone sell just the rear cross section? I always eyed the AEV rear bumper with water tank. I have a feeling if I had that in in place and did not have a hitch receiver I would not be writing this post.

Happy wheeling.

 

It was the other guy's fault, right? His insurance owes you for every penny of mods. If he didn't have coverage, or has insufficient coverage, then it will depend on what your insurance coverage is for uninsured motorist (varies by state). If you didn't declare mods on your policy, your carrier will probably limit what mods they cover. $1,000 is a common limit for mods. But first payer will be his insurer, and they can only limit to his liability coverage or your value, mods and all.

 

Most insurance companies will repair a frame/chassis before trying to replace it...and there's a chance that it won't total especially no air bags deployed...however I've seen adjusters (typically the other driver's insurance, who's at fault) try to be slick and give all oem parts and/or used parts because though they know that it is an aftermarket part that exceeds oem prices...I've had plenty of discussions with adjusters about this...so if you have any receipts of your parts, or even a print out at hand with where and how much it costs when you go get your estimate it might save you from a slick adjuster trying to look out for their company. I run a body shop in south fl and I've seen adjusters act as if the check is coming out of their pocket. As far as trying to save the total (if it gets totaled) it is possible...I've had clients who preferred to get their cars fixed and some companies will work with you...but you must be persistent with them, your jeep is more valuable to them then that check they'll cut you lol. Godspeed and good luck.

 

Like the others have said, other guys insurance is responsible for every part you've slapped on. In the event he lacks insurance, its a little trickier. Fortunately it sounds like all the damage is confined to factory components, with the exception of the tire carrier. New OEM jeep parts are oddly expensive so they'd be stroking you a considerable check regardless.

 

Just make sure u have proof of purchase/receipts for the upgrades/mods and they will be covered. Like mentioned, usually the OEM replacement parts cost are just as high if not higher than most aftermarket upgrades!! Doesn't make much sense but it is what it is!!!

 

It will not be totaled 0% chance. Just make sire you have a second shop check the frame when it is completed.

 

I believe that depends on the state in which you are insured. In Michigan we have this thing called "No Fault" insurance, I'm currently getting screwed by it because my son just got his license, got in an accident which was determined to not be his fault, but good ole All-State insurance is denying my claim because I didn't call them and notify them that I had an additional driver living at my residence and since I live in a "No Fault" state, I can't go after the driver's insurance that was at fault.

Isn't car insurance wonderful??? They're always finding ways of screwing you.

 

Does your situation involve property damage? Personal injury? Or, both? I was under the impression no-fault only covered the personal injury side of the equation.

 

this is a blow method! Just pay a lawyer to write you a strongly worded letter. You paid to insure the car regardless who was driving it. If his name was not specifically excluded then he was covered. They are jerking u off

 

This is my next step. The accident didn't happen in my JK but it's $4K-$6K in damage to my wife's Jeep Liberty. What you outlined was my understanding was as well, when I signed the policy. I asked my insurance agent when I got the insurance through All-state who was covered and he stated anyone that drives the vehicle. Then an accident happens and the claims department informs me of this clause written in my policy for their reason of denying the claim.

" To continue coverage under this policy, you must inform us within 30 days when:

3. any resident operators are added, including those that are newly licensed, or those that you tend to exclude as described in the excluded Drivers provision."

So this means I could have let my next door neighbor's kid borrow my car and they would have been covered but since my kid lives at my house he's not covered under the policy because I wasn't aware I needed to call them within 30 days of him getting his license.