Melanie writes:

Subject: Thanks

Thank you for this information. I have just finished negotiating my total loss claim and after providing supports (used car ads and repair receipts) we have received $500 more than we were prepared to settle for. My only advice would be to be very organized. Stick to the facts so there is less for them to refute during negotiations and keep records of everything you've done to your car. Even though the adjuster told me the few items that would qualify for consideration, I faxed them every receipt since we bought the car. It helped to prove that we have kept up the maintenance, which was necessary for a higher settlement.