How do you value a computer that's been damaged in an auto accident?

[Chief Rick]

I've had a laptop for several years now, GP62MVR 7RFX Leopard Pro.

 

I was involved in an auto accident last week (I was rear-ended while sitting at a red traffic light) that damaged the laptop and the screen is now flickering.

 

Do I try to assign a value or does the insurance company?  The at-fault insurance company is not my company, if it matters.

 

This laptop is discontinued and I can't find an original MSRP.

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

I doubt that you will anything interesting for it.

[Barry Sloe]

The value should be no less than what it would cost to repair or replace it. 

 

BS

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

I think that it would depend on how your policy is written. Something that is part of the car, (radio, for instance) would be covered if stolen. But a toolbox would not unless it was a specific item on the policy. Just because it was in the car and damaged by the accident might not matter. 

[Texas Joker]

Consistently showing as over a grand used. Here is an example

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234225860235?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&google_free_listing_action=view_item

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

49 minutes ago, Texas Joker said:

Consistently showing as over a grand used. Here is an example

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234225860235?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&google_free_listing_action=view_item

Asking price is not necessarily selling price.

[Texas Joker]

He needs valuation for an insurance company.  Multiple sale prices at a certain point provide valuation.  The RAM chips for that machine are.going foe $200+

[Rip Snorter]

Another issue is cost of data retrieval and transfer to the new device.

[Chief Rick]

3 hours ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

I think that it would depend on how your policy is written. Something that is part of the car, (radio, for instance) would be covered if stolen. But a toolbox would not unless it was a specific item on the policy. Just because it was in the car and damaged by the accident might not matter. 

Not my policy - I was not at fault.

[Chief Rick]

2 hours ago, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said:

Asking price is not necessarily selling price.

I'm not trying to sell - I now need to replace it after it was damaged in a vehicle accident in which I was not at fault.

[Rip Snorter]

You need to grit your teeth and keep fighting.  I had a similar deal, though both with the same carrier.  October to February to be resolved.  They totaled a minty collector car, then paid more than the estimate to have it repaired.  They claimed it was inspected but no one ever saw it, way out on a ranch well off the road, 3 watchdogs.  Some months later, I got an additional check.  Strange days!

[Badlands Bob #61228]

Find something comparable that is currently being sold.  Most insurance companies are not going to fight you over the small stuff.  Especially if it is reasonable.  Their big worry is in medical/disability claims.  Not in the cost of a laptop computer.  

[Pat Riot]

Insist on getting the replacement cost, not what it’s worth. They will balk, but stick to your guns. 
And @Rip Snorter has a good point. Add data retrieval to your price. 
 

 

[Pat Riot]

I forgot to add that when I had a bike accident in 2017 the insurance company wanted to give me Blue Book value for my bike. I insisted on replacement costs and found examples online of what my bike would cost to replace it with the same one and sent the links to them. 
They gave me the replacement cost which was $2000 higher than the Blue Book they used. 

[bgavin]

Replacement should include the labor to transfer old data to the new machine.
 

This is not inconsequential.

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

On 1/24/2025 at 5:15 PM, Texas Joker said:

Consistently showing as over a grand used. Here is an example

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234225860235?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&google_free_listing_action=view_item

 

On 1/24/2025 at 6:05 PM, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said:

Asking price is not necessarily selling price.

For example, after looking at an example, eBay sent me an email asking me to make an offer.