Hi, All - Well, mechanic just called and said adjuster missed many, many addt'l parts needed that were damaged, so more $$$ to fix. Mechanic will be in touch with insurance company rep and adjuster. ( I surmised from the onset the adjuster was clueless about Mini's.) I stand by my Mini -"Abbey" and if I have to spend some dollars out of my pocket, I will. I def understand that a "car" is just a car re: insurance, but in my case the sentimental value is real - My husband died when our son was 15. My son could have gotten into drugs or take the straight and narrow (Thankfully my son took the straight and narrow) At age 18 my precious son took me for a ride in his truck, (we have always been very close and tight) and ended up at a dealership with a Mini under the canopy and my son saying, "Mom, I love you and so appreciate all you've done for me, here's your mini - I've traded in my truck" ..brot absolute tears to my eyes. He also remembered when he was quite young I would often tell him my 'dream car' would be a British Racing Green Mini. This was in 2010. Tho, he bought her 'used' a 2006, she only had one previous owner - only 24,000 miles on her and checked her records thoroughly for mechanical and any body damage. None were found and I have found her to be in perfect condition since. (did do the airbag recall) I apologize for this long epistle but sometimes the sentimental value is more than just a dollar figure. Thot you all would appreciate knowing.

Abbey's Mom

 

Great story! Glad to see someone who grew up in the "it's all about me" generation breaks the stereotype thinks about others. It also shows what great Parents He's had.

The new expenses will probably keep it under a "total", but even if it goes over, it sounds like you should definitely buy the car back and pay for the additional repairs yourself. A salvage title is usually only an issue if you were ever going to sell the car, but it seems like you'll be keeping this car forever.

 

Well, I'm ticked off at Insurance company! Found out yesterday that they will only pay $45/hr labor charge! WHAT! My mini guy charges $90/hr - checked other's mini shops locally $98/hr and of course Mini dealership $120/hr. Have written insurance company this info - in addition, my life partner, Michael had his alternator blown on his dodge a few days ago and taking to local garage, they charged $90/ per hr. Thinking this insurance company is 'rating out' for body damage not mechanical damage, (which is the biggest expense) It seems to be the 'norm' here, regardless if a mini or not that on average any car labor charge per hour is about $90 -$100. Going to War!!! Will keep you posted.

Abbey's Mom

 

$45/hr is pretty customary for a body shop labor rate. Those $90/hr to $120/hr rates are typical for mechanics that work on mechanical stuff (engine, brakes, etc). I would start by making sure they are comparing apples to apples. Maybe it didn't get communicated clearly. If the car needs some mechanical repair, they should pay that rate for that part, but i don't imagine them paying the higher rate for the paint and body repairs

 

Dear DavidR53, TY for the info. Appraiser called me Friday and was a complete a....e to me, doubting my foreign motor mechanic's estimate (implying mechanic was lying) adding more than needed and when I mentioned to Appraiser he, himself missed a lot of things, his response was "all cars are the same". My response to him, "that's b.s"! He also accused my mechanic and me with other comments. He is now going to 'total' my mini BUT I emailed insurance rep and wrote him long epistle with Appraiser's comments. My 'mini' isn't dead yet - and my friends know me enough to say, "Melinda, you can be a barracuda wearing a calico dress" yup, so very true!!! Will know more on Monday. Will go to my mechanic, see what estimate went to appraiser and if I have to pay out of pocket $2-3K more, will do. Yes, this mechanic does not do body shop work and yes, they were only going to pay him $45 (body shop rate) as my mechanic told me this and was very upset. Will keep you all posted. May be worth 'totaling' (do not have to pay insurance anything to 'buy back', see what their 'totaling' price is, take the money, run like a thief and get my mini fixed at my foreign motor guy! Then go elsewhere and have minimal body damage fixed. Sorry to have vented...

 

If the appraiser has said anything inappropriate, which it sounds like he has, go back to the insurance company and very politely drop the dime. Ask for a new appraiser. I am sure they are not allowed to mouth off to the customers like that. Probably embarrassed to have his mistakes called out and easier to blame you then fess up. It's worth a try at least.

 

"I'm really happy with insurance company X, and was totally shocked when the appraiser, mr Y, said "....". I hope you see how bad that looks for your company. I don't see how I can deal with him anymore. I would like you to send out a different appraiser. "

Sweet as honey...

 

TY, David R53 - TY for your advice. I did already email Insurance rep with all details and comments from Appraiser. I was 'professional' when writing email to Ins rep with 'only the facts mam' - only the facts. I will call company ins rep tomorrow and be very pleasant taking your advice, requesting a different appraiser. TY, David R53

 

Just saw this thread...
Yeah...I miss my r53....
Good to hear they agreed to fix it!!

Read further down...
Yeah..it can be a battle...
$45 is common for body shops....
Good luck!!

 

+ 1 for David.R53's response to your insurance issues. Your post brought back past bad experiences with bad insurance companies; didn't want to re-live and ruin my Sunday . Definitely do not settle for what the appraiser is telling you if you are not happy. a bad/incompetent appraiser will always blame the shop for over-charging when they dont want to pay.

I had a "cut rate" insurance company on my HD (i dont know if that is your situation), and they are great....until you have a claim. good luck

 

Thank you All for your support and responses! Today is Wednesday 5/25. Monday, I called the Supervisor of the insurance rep. Rep called me after and I reamed him out re: the appraiser and his outrageous lies and missing so many issues. I did not mince any words. (sorry David.R53 - had to be a Strong Advocate) Finally Mini re-appraised, Tuesday, and agreed to pay foreign motor guy $$$ amount as well appropriate labor rate. Have to laugh, my mini foreign motor guy was told by appraiser yesterday "all parts are made in China" ...Foreign Motor guy responded with "No, all parts are made in Germany" ...YIKES! Can you say Clueless re: appraiser. Seems to be ALL taken care of now, with mechanical damage. Thank Goodness - and body shop covered at a different shop thru insurance. So, my beloved Mini - "Abbey" will be on the road within a few weeks!!! I am ELATED! I may be a woman, but somewhat car savvy! (Actually have always worked on cars and helped my son re-build an old Harley Sportster engine) So, some men, who I've been referring to in post re: Insurance peeps, who think I know nothing about cars, being a female, had another thing coming! LOL! Thank ALL of you for your wonderful support and advice. Vastly appreciated. Have a Great Memorial long week-end. Abbey's Mom <3

 

Glad it worked out. Always have to play these things by ear.

 

Hi, All - RE: My 2006 Mini Cooper S. Abbey is finally completed mechanically and will go to body shop in near future. Big Question: Now when I turn on ignition I hear a small humming noise (sounds like wire or something, tiny revving noise) at 1500 - 2000 rpm. Once moving, humming noise sounds constant, then when beginning to turn off engine, the same tiny revving noise. Doesn't do when turning or stopping at stop signs. No noise when ignition shut off. Lifting hood after driving (maybe a mile or less locally), engine off, this black piece that says Mini on it, (valve cover?) left side when looking front on, back of it is so hot can't even keep fingers on it ..that hot. Checked power steering fluid, oil and anti-freeze levels and all OK. Trying to send a pic but don't know how to. Any thots? Most Sincerely, Abbey's Mom

 

Here's a pic of where I'm talking about. Hope this helps.

This is where becomes so hot to touch (valve cover?) under most recent post re:2006 Mini Copper S 'revving noises'.

 

Thats the valve cover. Hot oil is flung from the valves up onto the cover. very common for it to be extremely hot. If I had to guess the humming noise is your power steering fan.

Also I had my insurance total my 05 S. I bought it back and fixed it (mechanic at a Land Rover dealer). Your damage wasnt extensive at all. Your adjuster must be on crack if he totaled that..

If you need a new fender check eBay for one from a low mileage color matched car in the factory color. Saves a ton of money and it matches very well.