My 1987 Firebird Formula 350 just got hit by a large pick up truck. I got a good estimate from a Camaro/Firebird dealer at $2,500.00 to repair damages. The insurance agency has offered me $600.00 and have stated that this is the "True Market Value" for my car in good condition. Because Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds do not show TMV estimates for any car older than 1990, where else can I go to find the REAL true market value??? HELP! Thanks. Karen

You have to do your homework. You know what you paid for your car and what extras it has and the work that you have done to it to make it better. Sorry maintainance doesn't count. Find classified ads for cars that are similar to yours to see what they are selling for. You could also hire an auto appraiser to come up with a pre accident value. I assume your a claimant, and are dealing with the other guys insurance. What does your insurance company say?

Is the car in a tow yard? If so, leave it there until the issue is resolved. The insurance company is on the hook for yard fees until you settle. Do not authorize them to move it until they have satisfactorily settled your claim or you give up the only leverage you have. The insurance company needs to do a survey of the cost to replace your vehicle and pay you accordingly. They will talk a lot about 'their policy is to do this or that' but none of that matters until you settle. If they don't do right, do your own homework as 1piece@atime stated and threaten to take them to small claims (all the while with your car at the tow yard). In most states, the insurance company cannot legally abandon your vehicle. This should provide enough incentive for them to do right. Good Luck.

I can get you a BLACK BOOK value for your car. I am ordering a book for myself. I have access to black book for newer cars and trucks just not for the years that you need. It may take a few days to get. But most insurance companies look at black book before blue book. Black book is a wholesales/dealer book. It NOT for the general public. i love walking into a dealer with ablackbook when i wanna buy something. They DO NOT like seeing a regular NON dealer with that book in their hand. Ive save myself THOUSANDS of dollars when im looking for a used/new car.

Thank You for your reply.
If you are purchasing a Kelley Black Book for yourself and are abel to forward me any information, it would be greatly appreciated! I've had my car for years, have put so much into it....I actually would like to get the repairs done. $600 isn't going to cut it though! Please write back here if you have a chance or my email address: nowheregirl@hotmail.com

While your statement is a little vague about fault or, who's insurance is fitting the bill.....

This doesn't mean it "true value" but...NADA stated this....