So 2 months ago my car was struck by a drunk driver while it was parked. The total damages to my 09 C4S was around 18k (mostly suspension bits, body work and labor). So my insurance is offering me a dim value payout of 14k, does this sound about right

 

Doesn't sound right to me...unless I'm not under standing. The insurance company should be paying you for the full value of the car prior to the accident. If the car was worth 60k prior to the accident they should be cutting you a check for 60k.

Sorry in advance if I just not getting it...

 

Te also paying for the car to get fixed, should be getting it back in 2 weeks. The 14k was their estimate of the value difference after the accident.

 

I am not sure I can speak to the fairness of the amount, but you are fortunate enough to get a diminished payout, so if the choice is to take the check, or to not take the check...well that's a no brainer. I suppose you could negotiate for more, but I am not sure how you would demonstrate to the insurer your loss in excess of $14K.

If the car is repaired and you are satisfied I'd probably just take the cash, and possibly sell the hit car and find a clean replacement if having a collision on it disturbs you.

 

Did the other guy have insurance? If so, they will go after his company but they should cover the full cost of repair, was not your fault, car was parked, etc.. I would speak to an attorney.

I just had a claim with State Farm, they originally quoted non-oem parts but I fought with them to get OEM parts covered ($400 difference).

 

The insurance IS paying for the repair of the car. Diminished value payout is an additional amount given to compensate the claimant for the future diminished market value of the car due to the collision.

 

The other party did not have insurance. The city of Seattle is currently pursuing criminal charges against the person. I've been going through my insurance (allstate) and they have been fantastic. They are (obviously) paying for the damages 18k and giving me 14k for personal loss. Was thinking of getting rid of the car, but decided to keep it. Not much else out in my price range that really excites me.

 

14K seems reasonable to me for diminished value. Actually, I'm surprised they offered that much.

 

How long do you plan on keeping your car? If it is 1 more year, then you may be short, if it is 10 years more, you are laughing.

I had a diminished value issue, and had to sell the vehicle to crystallize the loss.

You could tell them you are selling it in the next few months, and see how much more you can get.

 

I'm also surprised that they offered that much.

In my experience you have to fight to get anything for diminished value.

 

They were very quick and upfront. They had an "independent" forensic evaluator estimate the loss and started the check process within a business week. At this point I'm just going to keep the car, it's still a pretty cool car.

 

You are very lucky. DV fights are usually lost unless, as NorthVan did , you sell the car to "crystallize" the loss.
Good for you, keep it, run it to the ground and use the DV for "car fund"