Our custom Chevy Express conversion van was totaled!

[TwoGingers]

We were rear ended by a tour bus, which drove us into the car in front of us! Our van is totaled. It was a 2005 Chevy Express AWD Cargo Van that we converted to a camper van. It has a high top that we put on, and all custom wood paneled interior and trim, pergo flooring, a bed with storage beneath, kitchen with sink, stove, and heater, and storage compartments built into the topper. We estimate it took about 80 hours to build out. If you look on Kelly Blue Book, the value of a 2005 Chevy Express AWD is not that awesome (~$5500). Do you guys know of any resources for putting a "real" value on a custom camper van? We need to be able to show the insurance company what the van is actually worth to get compensated fairly. Thanks!

 

[p nut]

May be a good idea to reach out to a custom van builder, especially a larger commercial operation, and get a bid from them to build one out similar to yours. They may also be able to send over some "comparable" sales of vans recently sold. Hopefully that suffices for your insurance co.

 

[Choff]

Did you take any pictures of when it was done ?? May help you fight your case.

I also own a 2005 GMC AWD Conversion Van, fully loaded and would not part with It for any less than $10,000
with 175,000 miles!!!

good luck !!!

 

[Trailboss]

Since you didn't mention it, it sounds like no one was injured, thankfully.

I'd wait until the insurance company gives you a number. If you don't agree with it, you don't have to accept it. You are doing right by trying to establish a value. Also scour the vans for sale in the Van Forum sticky, ebay, and locally to find something comparable as a price point to negotiate with. IMHO, Kelly is useless for modified or custom vehicles. Just like real estate, you need comparables, but it's up to you to find them.

 

[Buliwyf]

That sucks. That floor is worth more than an entire 2005 Express Van. We have to get rid of ours at 150,000 mile (3 years) to get anything back for them.

I suppose it depends if your insurance covers mods. I don't think mine does.

 

[superbuickguy]

There are lots of automobile appraisers, likely your best bet would be to call your local RV dealer and ask who they use to do appraisals. While it's great to have comparables, most insurance companies just ignore the number - they'll claim you hand-picked the numbers. Getting an appraiser solves that issue. It also helps to mention that you would look more favorably upon the insurance company if they quickly settled the van for a reasonable-to-you number. Of course, once they do get an attorney and take their home office away. In all cases, don't talk about the claim outside the van with the adjuster - what you say will be used against you later, even if what you said now has no relation to what they're claiming you said later.... insurance companies don't make money by paying claims. Remember that.


Also, you're pricing a custom van.... not an AWD Chevrolet van... there is a huge difference in value. Any of the major manufacturers charge at least a new van value to update/modify (thus a 40,000 van becomes an 80,000 van after they're done)