12/31/04 What's the blue book value for a 74 Mercury Comet. The insurance adjuster said if the damages are more than the car is worth, I'll probably just get the blue book value. Anybody out there know? Ruben. Thanks.
About 15 years ago my '70 was only valued at $800. Now I don't think they even list them anymore. That's why collector car insurance is so important. Collector cars appreciate in value, Blue Book values depreciate over time. Some old guy who was in a hurry to get into a Hardee's cut right in front of me and I t-boned him. My Mav had $1300 damage, bumper, fender, hood. Because the damage exceeded the value, they totaled my car. Even after I explained that my seats cost more than that they still only gave me $800. Then I had to pay them over $100 dollars to buy my car back! When it was all said and done, I was out almost $600 for an accident that wasn't my fault. The guy who hit me wouldn't help, told me to fight it out with his insurance company. I found out he had just gotten his car back from the repair shop two weeks earlier because he had crossed over the line and hit a pickup truck head on. That old guy was dangerous! Might be too late to help you now but in the future consider collector car insurance where they pay you an "agreed value".
Yes, collector car insurance is the only way to go if you can put the car in the garage. [This is why I built my garage...well, not the only reason. lol ]
NADA puts out a book with collector car values. They use a low, average,and high value. "Old Cars Price Guide" which can be bought at news stands is another venue to get values. The problem with them is that they may have a 'book value' but do not accurately show the market value. Sometimes this is good like when they show a '72 Grabber worth $8000 and you need to file a claim. Selling the car is another matter entirely.
What are good Collector Car Insurance Companies? I am using Progressive for all three of my vehicles, and my worst fear is a fender bender (with 1970 bumpers) that would do severe damage to my car and not be covered.
The link below might take you there but if not go to www.nadaguides.com Click on classic cars and go through the motions. The Comet is listed in the passenger car section. http://www.nadaguides.com/uv/viewresults.aspx?LI=1-12-1-2031-0-0-0&Lnk=1&wSec=12&wPr=1&wPg=2032