No one in their right mind would pay 10-15K for an 89 XJ, it's a 3K vehicle at best. I wouldn't pay more than 6K for any year XJ the newest one is 17 years old.

 

Get an estimate on how much to get it fixed at a shop. Get 3 and submit those.
You want your XJ back to how it was prior to the accident. That's all no more.


You don't want it 'totaled' you want it fixed back to pre accident condition.
It will be a tough fight.
Find similar year and condition XJs for price comparison, NO full size Wagoneers.


There are independent appraisers that can write you up for value of your vehicle. Costs about $500.
I did this for my modified Syclone when it got stolen and stripped and got the value up to $32k and bought it back for $2k and sold the rest for $5k. Mine was unique and only 2 others in the country of similar build and conditions. I had receipts and pictures to support my value, not just ads.


Accidents suck at best. You never make out better, usually always worse.


My son rear ended a car in my XJ. Destroyed the POS small car, trunk into back seat. XJ with 'bigass' front bumper required some touch up with black spray can.

 

"it is my first accident and im feeling my way through this."

You didn't feel the need to carry collision coverage on this vehicle?

 

I don't carry collision on my 00. It's not worth anything to insurance and I know it. If it gets wrecked, I transfer the good parts to another vehicle. Something I live with to not have a monthly payment and cheap insurance. The downside will be if I get hit.

For classics, you can get agreed value insurance. Maybe on XJ's too sooner or later.

 

This is exactly how I see it. Save the money on premiums and take the long-term gamble.

 

If an insured motorist damages your vehicle by hitting it with their vehicle, it is typically their liability coverage that repairs your vehicle. It doesn't matter whether you carry collision or not.

Carrying collision is useful for when the other motorist is not insured, or depending on your state's no-fault/fault laws, you can make a claim directly with your own insurance company and not have to deal with the other driver's insurance company at all (the insurance companies will typically settle up between themselves behind the scenes). Which can speed things up considerably, and get you repaired and back on the road a lot faster. (of course all of this is subject to your own specific policy details).

 

Well, I had the same situation. The other guy was a limo driver who fell asleep at the wheel, missed a curve, and plowed broadside into my parked and locked Cherokee. He had the (expletive) nerve to try to tell the cops that my vehicle had been making an illegal u-turn in front of him. After the cops stopped laughing, they handed me a form to provide to the other guy's insurer. Maya Insurance -- never heard of it before or since -- insisted on book value which was a fraction of what the car was worth to me. My alternative was go to court. I did consult a lawyer who basically told me I was screwed. So be it. No comfort I know, but anyway fyi take what you can get. I hope you have more success than I did.

 

That's the part that sucks... our XJ's are worth far more than what an INS company will pay... probably less than other vehicles.. but you can't expect to fight city hall and win.

Makes me wish I was back in Australia. You can't have a vehicle on the road without ins, because rego (registration) also includes liability ins for every car.

 

Part of the reason I put JCR bumpers and armor on my DD. That plus frame stiffeners and at least my Jeep has a fighting chance when hit parked or even rear ended when its not my fault.

 

I'd like to weld big fat menacing metal spikes to the front and back of mine... but law enforcement generally frowns upon those types of modifications... I mean enhancements

 

the spikes need to be on the steering wheel facing the driver. perhaps safe(r) driving habits would then be employed.

 

"Collision" coverage is really pretty cheap. I carry it on my 30 year old Chevy and my 2000 WJ. That aside. I believe you have the option of not dealing with the drivers insurance company and take them to court to settle. I don't believe that you can do both, but I'd check with your insurance person. This cell phone stuff is way off the hook. I hate em.