text: Insurance Company wants to total my 77 argosy MH - Airstream Forums
  Insurance Company wants to total my 77 argosy MH
  This my first posting ,, I purchased a 1977 Argosy in June of 2010 it has apox. 77,000 miles on it,, the interior is original and in very very good shape everything worked,, the exterior needs to be painted at some point but is in really nice shape,, the previous owners had all kept a running record of all repairs and trips it has ever been on so all mileage is accounted for... anyways, a tree branch fell on top of the motor home (stinking cottonwoods) it crushed the a/c and crushed the vent cover on refrigerator and toilet vent and also dented the Zip Dee awning cover... total repair cost is right at $2300.00 through a local repair shop...My insurance company just informed me that they want to total out the whole rv and give me $1200-$1500 as they made a few calls to 3 different rv dealerships and they all said that is what the Argosy is worth...After I calmed down and could talk to her in a more calm voice she said that if I could come up with ads or other info that showed the value was more in the $7000 up range that they would then consider doing the repairs.. (I paid $7500 for it and put in close to $2000.00 of tires and repairs) My question is, does anybody out there that knows of any ads on the internet or other sources could you please respond with them and I will print them off. I then have to fax them to the insurance adjuster...Also does anyone know of a Insurance company that lets you state the value of your R.V ? thanks so very much,,, steve
  10-08-2010, 12:36 PM #2
  Here is a thread about insurance research. I hope it helps. There are lots of threads if you go to search and use the google search. Good luck and happy trails. Post #12 is a good one.
  Originally Posted by fauxfinisher
  Hi Steve, You can find some in the classified section here. Classic Motorhomes (1972 - 1992) - Airstream Trailer Classifieds - Airstreams Trailers For Sale. You could also try e-bay and craigs list. Good luck!
  This is a good example of why vintage owners should try to have their vehicle appraised and get agreed value insurance ahead of time. Have they been charging you insurance assuming it was only a $1500 vehicle? It's tough to fight for a claim after the fact (not that you won't have to fight even if you do have an agreed value policy). Good luck, I hope you can prove it's worth to them. $1500 is ridiculous!
  If you don't prevail in convincing them of a realistic market price for a comparable moho, find out what they consider the salvage value. If that's small then you could take the $1500 less salvage and consider it a ~$1k deductible and a lesson learned if you're in a state that doesn't retitle a vehicle as "salvaged" which would ruin the resale value. It seems that in the very worst case, you're out the $2300 for the repair and you can then get an agreed-value policy once it's in good shape again.
  10-09-2010, 11:43 AM #6
  Here is a link to a craigslist ad that might be useful as a comp. for value purposes
  1978 Airstream Argosy 24' Motorhome
  10-11-2010, 10:19 AM #7
  Good News,,,, Just heard back from insurance company ,, they did some more research and decided to pay for all repairs ,,, Thank God!! thought this was going to be a nightmare but it worked out... I will start looking for a insurance company that will let me have a agreed value...Thanks everyone for the info.. It did help as I had found documentation to back up a higher resale price and was about to fax to insurance company... steve
  All insurance companies use clerks to value a loss items value and if the owner says oh ok then it's a home run for them. I had an adjuster value a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air at $800, the owner was stunned. I had to show them the antique car book values and we cut them a check for $5000.
  My insurance company valued my Argosy at $16,000 when I insured it last year,
  where was the tree that fell on yours?, maybe I can park it under one ;OP
  10-12-2010, 07:06 AM #9
  Steve - I'm glad to hear that your insurance company stepped up to the plate. I've started printing out ads that I find for trailers that are similar to ours, and keep them in a file just in case I ever need to try and prove value. I hope I never have to use them, but at least I have them. I also try to take a some pictures of the inside & outside of the trailer before each camping season, that way if the trailer is broken into or damaged, I have a better idea of what might be missing.
  Arcamedies - wow - what insurance company valued your Argosy at $16,000? I want a policy like that!
  10-12-2010, 08:57 AM #10
  We had $3200 repair done 2 years ago on our '66. Our insurance, Allstate', took care of everything including our deductable. Yes we set up the coverage as 'agreed value'.
  Good idwa. We are/have been doing the same.
  The Hartford, and before the ether wears off I'm hoping to find that killer tree, it'll be a home run
  It's for sale anyway wouldn't do me any good.
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