fighting allstate over cars value, help me keep my car Options

[bradtho]

I got hit recently. the other drivers insurance has accepted full liability (yay!) but now they are trying to declare my car a total loss.

the good news:
- they aren't arguing condition, they are categorizing it excellent
- we're in the ballpark, they are valuing it at about the amount of the repair estimate, $22k

the bad news:
- they still want to total it

I don't want to allow it to be totaled because if I buy it back and repair it and am hit again I figure it really hurts my value for the next claim (which hopefully never happens, but...).

I can find plenty of threads on choosing an insurance provider, but didn't find much on arguing value. So
- any tips/help with establishing value for cars that are in excellent shape?
- any tips/help for strategy on fighting (and winning) with one of the major insurance providers?

I'm looking to collect comps in the $28k+ range (since that's what I need to avoid the total declaration). And yes, I've got the recent $93k car from monterery!

I'm also looking into lawyer options, figuring that can't hurt. Not sure how to go about finding a good lawyer to help with an unusual car value.

any help appreciated.

[My 914]

Get a lawyer to deal with the insurance issues for you. They know the insurance and outs and will argue your case. You will do better than on your own. Many personal injury firms have someone who only deals with insurance companies.