On Wed, 18 Jun 2014 03:44:50 -0700, DerbyDad03
wrote:

Situation: 10 YO vehicle, 160k miles, excellent condition, inside and
out.
Hood, windshield, fender, etc. is crushed by fallen tree during a storm.
Vehicle has comprehensive coverage. Ins Co has not seen the vehicle yet,
but based on the age and damage, the owner assumes his Ins Co will say
the
vehicle is totaled.

Are there any special strategies for dealing with the Ins Co? Obviously
the
settlement won't be enough for a new vehicle, but can a higher settlement
be negotiated based on the previous good condition of vehicle? Anything
specific to say (or not to say) to the adjuster?

Somewhat similar. Tree was 'topped' and left. Trunk then rotted out, then
fell onto car flattening it! Trunk was 3 ft diameter or so. Very heavy.

Insurance company said here's your check. Awfully small. So went and did
some homework. I had a car, don't have a car, need a car. pay me more,
went back and forth, sat in their office for hours bothering them, until
received a better check,about twice what first check was.

Argument based upon 'replacement' value [must use words carefully] do NOT
use words 'loss', because loss value is NOTHING! Now, replacement value,
that costs some money. Keep repeating, I had a car, I don't have a car
now. Again, do not EVER say, loss, or I lost the car, because loss value
is based upon nothing.