spots350sl
Veteran
Date registered: Mar 2007
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Vehicle(s): 2003 G500, 1972 350SL
Posts: 223
| Looking for a G500 Appraiser Recommendation – Chicago/Illinois
TDLR - please let me know if you have an appraiser you could recommend to help me deal with my insurance company.
Long story/background -
Unfortunately, my 2003 G500 was rear-ended at high speed while I was stopped. I was not at fault, and the other driver's insurer has accepted liability.
The G was in very good condition before the accident, with 104,384 miles, a clean Carfax, no known material mechanical issues, and a number of OEM/aftermarket upgrades (off-road wheels/tires, later-style grille, upgraded headlights/taillights, factory brush guard, auxiliary lights, etc.).
The visible damage initially appeared relatively concentrated around the rear of the vehicle—primarily the rear bumper, fuel tank/fuel system components, and related areas. I have since had an opportunity to inspect the vehicle myself, including underneath it. I did not see anything that obviously suggested catastrophic structural damage, although I will defer to the experts once inspected.
The insurer immediately treated the G as a total loss without an inspection based largely on its age/model year and the initial information. After pushing back, they have now agreed to have the vehicle inspected to determine the actual extent of the damage.
The other issue is the valuation. The initial valuation I received appears to be at the extreme low end of the range of values I am seeing for comparable 2003 G500s, particularly when looking at actual completed Bring a Trailer sales. In fact, the valuation seems more consistent with what I would expect for a much higher-mileage example (e.g., those with 200,000 miles or more and pure stock).
I'm therefore looking for a qualified independent appraiser who understands G-Wagens and can provide an objective pre-loss valuation, and potentially help assess the vehicle/damage if appropriate (though my shop is supposed to do that). If possible, someone in the Chicago area or elsewhere in Illinois who has experience dealing with insurance total-loss/ACV disputes.
If anyone has used an appraiser they would personally recommend, particularly someone who knows W463s and understands the difference between valuing a generic 2003 SUV and valuing a properly maintained G500, I'd really appreciate a name/contact.
Thanks in advance!
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