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a few avenues to explore before you throw in the towel. Do some homework. Check the homeowners policy, or if applicable, garage policy (since it was a detached structure, it may have a separate policy). Replacement value on automobiles should be covered in case of fire, if properly covered. Also, presuming the garage was your fathers and insured by him, and the z was in your name and insured by you, you may also look to your auto insurance for recovery if your father's homeowners is not working out. Since I can assume coverage is confirmed from one of the carriers through the $9800 offer, try to get the fair market value for your car. Find comparables out there for identical cars. If you have documentation on all upgrades/ modifications/ improvements put together a value that you think is fair market value or replacement value for your car. If you can support it, you can argue that $9800 will not replace your car. You will not get your full investment of $19k on the car, since depreciation has to be considered, but you will get more than blue book, or above $9800, if you can support it. Insurance companies usually "low ball" you with blue book estimates to reduce their losses on the claim at the outset. Very rarely do you ever take the first assessment. If the offer was sight unseen or through emailed pics of the site, then the adjuster is likely testing you and has higher authority. There is nothing wrong w/ politely telling the adjuster you are not happy with the assessment they placed on your car. He/she may just ask you what you think the value is, but be careful here. Make sure you did your homework on giving a real fair market or replacement value before speaking. They will use your value as the ceiling, so be somewhat more liberal on your assessment, but w/in reason. You want to be able to meet somewhere in the middle. If you are at an impasses, just politely tell them you want to check around and possibly consult an attorney. They will work with you as long as you are patient. It should only take a few phone calls and possibly a couple of letters outlining your terms. Take plenty of pics of your car.
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