Hit and Run, I could use some advice.

[Banjo1]

http://i.imgur.com/chgm4sK.jpg

So last night I received a call from a very courteous young police officer asking if I was the owner of a "black pontiac", after a few minutes of chatting I was filled in on the details... my 1986 GN was the victim of a hit and run in my apartment complex by a neighbor in a red F150. There was an eyewitness who came forward but was unable to get a solid ID or plate ID on the individual.

As you can see in the photo the damage is pretty rough, the ball on the truck went through the grille breaking some brackets and hardware on the way, the hood has a slight indentation, and the front plastics are pretty much shot. I have full insurance through allstate on both my cars and in the past they have been fairly helpful with getting body work done, however today they started off offering to tow it to copart as they just imagined it was an old worn out buick... I informed them I still owe a bit on the car and it only has 80k miles. I know all the engine goodies aren't going to be covered or considered, but I don't want to end up being upside down on this car after putting 500 miles on it and a couple grand of upgrades into it.

I've never had to deal with anything this extensive or with parts not being readily available, so my question to the community is "where should I go first for the parts and know-how locally?" and "Have any of you been able to resolve a similar situation?"

I grew up around these cars, but I stuck to helping my grandad tinker on Model A's and first gen mustangs with unlimited parts and knowledge. It's my dream car and a good bit of stress relief so I don't mind going into my wallet a bit to get things straight for sentimental reasons...

Long story short I need to figure out how i'm going to get my company to not only help with finding a body and paint specialist, but someone who does worth work on these turbo buicks.


All help is appreciated, if you want to help directly feel free to email me at Hemiscatpak@yahoo.com

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

First stop is Gbodyparts. Call them and look for an original GN header panel.

 

[87GNT]

Sorry to hear that bud. I'm not condoning violence but I'd go see the owner of the truck and press him. Also try Rockauto

 

[NY_GN]

Just went through this two months ago, but it was a taxi that hit mine. I declined to use the collision shops my insurance company suggested(they all wanted to use junkyard parts and after the winter we just had; F*@k no.

I paid the deductible, then my insurance company cut me a check and I went through a reputable paint shop and showed them where to order all the parts. Gbody parts is a good one. Also parts for sale on this forum.

 

[m3x1c0]

Hit up the groups on FB too. There's a guy named Michael Mccoy who has a bunch of stuff. I also know of an 85 that is being parted out locally but has chrome bumper. Sorry to hear. Go have a "chat" with your neighbor.

 

[Banjo1]

Update: Claims adjuster came without calling beforehand and was quite surprised when I walked up to him with the keys, my front is pretty well gnashed up top and the intercooler is ruined. I also love how everyone I speak to regarding the matter wants to consider the vehicle totalled until I bring up book values and other information on the car. This was discussed and addressed when purchasing the policy... ugh. I do have uninsured motorist coverage so theoretically I won't be totally screwed.


I'm not going to physically accost the guy but I will be keeping a lookout for that truck and it's license plate.

 

[fastblackracing]

Update: Claims adjuster came without calling beforehand and was quite surprised when I walked up to him with the keys, my front is pretty well gnashed up top and the intercooler is ruined. I also love how everyone I speak to regarding the matter wants to consider the vehicle totalled until I bring up book values and other information on the car. This was discussed and addressed when purchasing the policy... ugh. I do have uninsured motorist coverage so theoretically I won't be totally screwed.


I'm not going to physically accost the guy but I will be keeping a lookout for that truck and it's license plate.

stand your ground on this and do your homework, print off postings of similar cars on here that are for sale and to help establish value do the leg work on getting prices on the pieces with documentation for your insurance company. They will not put that effort out but if you lay it out for them it will go better for you........I feel your pain man I am in the same boat at the present time and will gladly accompany you on a curbstomp beatdown of the ftard. There is one on my list as well........http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/th...m-my-turbo-buick-brothers-and-sisters.431483/

 

[turbofrank]

I went thru a similar experience with 87 gn . Most companies classify it a Regal let them no its a Gn. All receipts will help greatly If they offer you a price not agreeable just say no more than likely they will send a letter in reference to offer and purpose a counter . Just hold out and don't rush things

This was discussed and addressed when purchasing the policy... ugh. I do have uninsured motorist coverage so theoretically I won't be totally screwed.
If you do not have this in writing guess what i bet u lose

Keep us informed good luck

 

[turbotroy]

Guys, "collector car" insurance is so freakin cheap that these threads shouldn't happen. There are so many different options out there that I hate to feel one of you guys grieve over your wounded car. I know about wounded cars
OK, if you live in an apartment, then yeah, your options are kinda limited.

My policy with American Modern is about $200 a year for "agreed value"of $18K on a 40K mile Limited I bought. I have to rent an enclosed storage spot ($110 a month) to get this inexpensive coverage, and I can drive it 2500 miles a year. The options on 5K, 10K, aren't that much of a deal breaker, if you want to drive it. I'll drive it more as soon as I can.

Had to say this, back to the op's subject.

 

[chris kirk]

http://i.imgur.com/chgm4sK.jpg

So last night I received a call from a very courteous young police officer asking if I was the owner of a "black pontiac", after a few minutes of chatting I was filled in on the details... my 1986 GN was the victim of a hit and run in my apartment complex by a neighbor in a red F150. There was an eyewitness who came forward but was unable to get a solid ID or plate ID on the individual.

As you can see in the photo the damage is pretty rough, the ball on the truck went through the grille breaking some brackets and hardware on the way, the hood has a slight indentation, and the front plastics are pretty much shot. I have full insurance through allstate on both my cars and in the past they have been fairly helpful with getting body work done, however today they started off offering to tow it to copart as they just imagined it was an old worn out buick... I informed them I still owe a bit on the car and it only has 80k miles. I know all the engine goodies aren't going to be covered or considered, but I don't want to end up being upside down on this car after putting 500 miles on it and a couple grand of upgrades into it.

I've never had to deal with anything this extensive or with parts not being readily available, so my question to the community is "where should I go first for the parts and know-how locally?" and "Have any of you been able to resolve a similar situation?"

I grew up around these cars, but I stuck to helping my grandad tinker on Model A's and first gen mustangs with unlimited parts and knowledge. It's my dream car and a good bit of stress relief so I don't mind going into my wallet a bit to get things straight for sentimental reasons...

Long story short I need to figure out how i'm going to get my company to not only help with finding a body and paint specialist, but someone who does worth work on these turbo buicks.


All help is appreciated, if you want to help directly feel free to email me at Hemiscatpak@yahoo.com

IMO if you have a shop that knows what they're dealing with you'll be okay. When my car got hit (hit and run) I took it to an excellent body/restoration shop (also a friend) and he is very skilled in dealing with insurance adjusters when it comes to cars that are classic/projects/money pits.... If you're doing it on your own, they won't give you shit, you'll get about half of what you would get if you had/have a good restoration shop working for you. An experienced shop will know how to handle the insurance co. When they came out to look at my car, the shop owner told him that for the paint to match correctly he would have to paint the entire car and therefore the entire body would have to be done, too. And that's about what they ended up paying out for the damage that was done. From there I ended up doing a full frame restoration. Also, you mentioned damaged engine parts. Anything damaged to the engine would/should be covered. Here's a couple of pictures of damage that was done to mine. Nothing significant, but to my advantage, my car was in excellent condition and already had a lot of work done to it. Good luck.

 

[Banjo1]

Guys, "collector car" insurance is so freakin cheap that these threads shouldn't happen. There are so many different options out there that I hate to feel one of you guys grieve over your wounded car. I know about wounded cars
OK, if you live in an apartment, then yeah, your options are kinda limited.

My policy with American Modern is about $200 a year for "agreed value"of $18K on a 40K mile Limited I bought. I have to rent an enclosed storage spot ($110 a month) to get this inexpensive coverage, and I can drive it 2500 miles a year. The options on 5K, 10K, aren't that much of a deal breaker, if you want to drive it. I'll drive it more as soon as I can.

Had to say this, back to the op's subject.

You make an excellent point, and if my complex offered garage units I would certainly have one with collector insurance as it would beat what I am paying now.

 

[Banjo1]

IMO if you have a shop that knows what they're dealing with you'll be okay. When my car got hit (hit and run) I took it to an excellent body/restoration shop (also a friend) and he is very skilled in dealing with insurance adjusters when it comes to cars that are classic/projects/money pits.... If you're doing it on your own, they won't give you shit, you'll get about half of what you would get if you had/have a good restoration shop working for you. An experienced shop will know how to handle the insurance co. When they came out to look at my car, the shop owner told him that for the paint to match correctly he would have to paint the entire car and therefore the entire body would have to be done, too. And that's about what they ended up paying out for the damage that was done. From there I ended up doing a full frame restoration. Also, you mentioned damaged engine parts. Anything damaged to the engine would/should be covered. Here's a couple of pictures of damage that was done to mine. Nothing significant, but to my advantage, my car was in excellent condition and already had a lot of work done to it. Good luck.

I'm currently looking for shops that would be qualified in my area. I know that Quality auto in Garner could do the engine work, and there's a local startup that does fantastic paint work...but they are separate units. If anyone knows of an all-in-one shop in central NC who can handle a turbo Buick properly i'll owe you many beers.
I really would rather the shop do some fighting for me so I can leave my lawyer out of this, adjusters and insurance are enough of a headache as-is.

 

[Banjo1]

Update:

Quote to repair completely is running about 7.5k, which is verging on totaling the car. That's not counting the fuel pump that mysteriously fried during all of this. Having the independent adjuster visit the shop so they can compare later in the week.

 

[m3x1c0]

Guys, "collector car" insurance is so freakin cheap that these threads shouldn't happen. There are so many different options out there that I hate to feel one of you guys grieve over your wounded car. I know about wounded cars
OK, if you live in an apartment, then yeah, your options are kinda limited.

My policy with American Modern is about $200 a year for "agreed value"of $18K on a 40K mile Limited I bought. I have to rent an enclosed storage spot ($110 a month) to get this inexpensive coverage, and I can drive it 2500 miles a year. The options on 5K, 10K, aren't that much of a deal breaker, if you want to drive it. I'll drive it more as soon as I can.

Had to say this, back to the op's subject.

Its impossible for most anyone under the age of 30 to qualify. I apply quarterly but not having my own garage, being single, being 25, and having a bad record has shut me out of every single one. I'm saving my money and putting in overtime to afford a house with a garage someday.

 

[chris kirk]

I've mentioned this before on the board. This is the best and easiest way to insure a classic car. You can insure it for whatever you want. No appraisals, garages..... It's very easy.
https://www.hagerty.com/

 

[m3x1c0]

I've mentioned this before on the board. This is the best and easiest way to insure a classic car. You can insure it for whatever you want. No appraisals, garages..... It's very easy.
https://www.hagerty.com/

This looks familiar: