Back and forth with CSAA adjuster on value of 09 TRD sport

Recently had my 1 owner 09 DCLB sport totaled. 150K and in very good shape considering age and mileage They tow it to Copart without me signing anything to release it to them. I was told they would call so I could get a few things off the truck. Today I get a call from the adjuster in CA , I'm in NJ. He first goes on about the truck being a base model , where I correct him that it is a Sport. He calls back later and Gives me a value where I net about $12,000. I ask him for comps and he is stuck on the year, not the model . He even put a SB and basemodel in the comps. I shot back that we should also consider exact replacement DCLB sports of newer years since that is only what i find in the market and deduct for year and mileage. Any thoughts? I haven't been through this before and don't want to get short changed on value

 

I have an 09 DCSB with 122k miles so you made me curious. I used my Ohio zip code and checked NADA since I don’t usually trust KBB. They didn’t even give me an option for the bed length but I did add the TRD Sport and SR5 packages.



It seems they’re definitely low balling you. I’d expect at least $15k for my truck, and I’d fight for more than that seeing as there’s no way I’d be able to replace it for that low. You’re just going to have to find comparable vehicles for sale and show them to the adjuster. And if they aren’t willing to come up on that $12k number, a letter or phone call from an attorney can usually help persuade them. Good luck!

 

Thanks, Ill do the KBB thing.

 

I had a 03 Tacoma Extracab with 236k. It was totaled in 2018.I just had replaced the original clutch,cat,tires and muffler. I got 10,200 from insurance in PA. I consider that a good claim.

 

Literally am 8 pages deep in KBB with no limit on range of dealership location picking out all 09 TRDSports low and high mileage range from $15K to 22K. A wisconsin DCLBsport with the rust eating through the rear bumper 188,000 miles $14700 another Texas truck with 190K advertised as "NOT A MISPRINT" $14800. He wanted comps I'll give him 40. I am pissed though, I got mine new in 09 for $9900 after the gen1 frame recall

 

Like I said, if it were me, I’d be targeting $15k at a minimum for “realistic replacement value”. You’re on the right track, just gotta stay persistent. Unfortunately, it’s his job to settle for as little as possible so it’s gonna be a battle...

 

Thanks, I have the time to wait him out, Ill use my RL or my e350 work van until I get a reasonable value

 

I had to go through this last year when my daughters Corolla was totaled. She was not at fault, FWIW, and fortunately no one was injured.
I had to hire a vehicle appraiser to do an assessment of the vehicle and the insurance company did their own separate assessment. I was able to get close to the amount I wanted but it was disappointing to see the BS from my own insurance company.
Do not trust anyone that owes you money. Keep records of communication and get names of persons who you speak to. Good luck.

 

OP, you say "net". What does that mean? Do you still owe something on an 11 year old truck? That number would clearly effect the dollar amount. Thx

 

I had the same question. Does net mean they withhold money for your deductible? If that's it, how much is your deductible?

 

No. Are you kidding me, I owed $9900 for the truck brand new in Jan 2009 after my 01 was bought back with frame recall. I will net that after my $1000 Deductible and sales tax added in. They are pegging the value of the truck @ 12 g's

 

Just got a call today. after my multitude of emails with same year 09 TRDSPORT trucks, both SB and LB throughout the country. He seemed a bit peeved and told me most are out of my market, I told him a base model manual trans is not a fair comparison either regardless of it being 26 miles from my home. and a 2009 TRD SPORT is my comp vehicle no matter where it sits. He is submitting it to an additional appraisal using most of the trucks I attached to him. It was a little contentious, maybe he is not used to people not accepting their first offer. He knows where I want to be

 

Good for you. You’ve definitely done the leg work and found several similar vehicles for comparison, something that the insurance agent hasn’t done.

 

Probably going to settle for a value of $15800 plus sales tax, less my deductible. I will net about that same number. Spoke to the unit manager in Colorado ( the values of these trucks is probably highest there). Although I calculated a higher value, NJ law dictates they dont have to look outward for values, so I hit the limit without litigation. Onward to a new Tacoma for me

 

Not bad at all. Much better than $12k.

Good luck on your hunt for the next Tacoma!

 

Thanks Nick, your suggestion surely helped.