insurance claim, how do I determine the cost of parts that are NLA?

[mfp4073]

Got rearended. Broke the tail light, housing, etc. The housing and reflector are no longer available, the lens is at around $60. So how do I justify a price for them to pay out? Its not my insurance company, but the other drivers that I am dealing with.

[robtg]

Originally Posted by mfp4073

Got rearended. Broke the tail light, housing, etc. The housing and reflector are no longer available, the lens is at around $60. So how do I justify a price for them to pay out? Its not my insurance company, but the other drivers that I am dealing with.

Determine the amount of compensation you would be comfortable with . Then tell them you would sign off the medical release if they paid that amount. If they do not agree, tell them you will get back to them after
you and your medical insurance have there are no long term problems.

[mfp4073]

Anyone know what the current BMW hourly labor charge is?

[Harry Backer]

Depends on the shop. local is 70 another close is 90.

[ddavidv]

Can you find the parts on eBay? Try searching for "completed auctions"; that will give you an accurate price on the replacement cost.

The other thing I've done on claims (it's what I do) is use the last list price for the part when it was still available, but that information may not be readily available (or, it's been so long the price is absurdly low).

[mfp4073]

The parts I am looking for prices are the tail light housing and reflector (internal part) of the tail light. Am seeing about $60 for the lens itself. This is for my 74/6. Where would I find prices for obsolete stuff at last available price?

[mfp4073]

well the adjuster was just here. Pretty nice guy. He was at it from the angle that the other guy (owner) is an idiot and wants to make me whole. Showed him print outs of prices from ebay, maxbmw, and other documentation. I think because I did a lot of his homework for him he was really happy to work with me. Going to give me time (shop time) for repainting the fender, R/R of the light, paint etc. Probably about 4 hours worth. The local BMW dealer is charging $91/hr for service. I printed out the address/phone/rate/ect and handed it to him, again he just went with it because I had done all the leg work.

Mercury is the name of the company. I so far have been impressed with their employees and service.