Hey y'all. I'm having a stupid issue with my insurance company, and hoping one of you knowlegable folks can help me out. First time caller, long time listener, you know the deal.

I totalled my ranger. It was a 98, with suicide rear doors. My research indicates this option was rolled out late in 98, and the VIN code (depending on who you ask) lists it as either a supercab, with no number of doors, or as a two door.
My insurance wants to pay me for two. We all know the four door option is worth more money.
Ford hq didn't have any info one way or another. After talking to three Ford employees, in three countries, I come to you all for some desperate help.
Anybody? I'm just trying to get something approaching the market value of my truck. She had 251k on the clock, but only 55k on the motor, 40k on the trans. I've rebuilt the front and rear end in the last six months, and she was ready for at least another 100k in my estimation. They want to give me a check for 3k, which wouldn't even buy me a two door around here...

 

Can you provide photos of the rear doors showing that they hinge?

 

Their adjuster examined it, and took pictures of the rear doors. They're claiming the VIN says two doors, and the rear don't count as doors because the handle is not outside of the vehicle.

If I shaved my door handles, would that make it a zero doored vehicle?

 

They may actually be correct in that the rear doors aren't standard doors (versus a crew/quad cab). That doesn't mean you're out of luck. Do some research on comparable vehicles in local listings and save copies of the listings. Also pull up NADA and KBB values for your records.

Just curious - what company are you fighting with?

 

Kelly blue book and nada guide use to be the bible for insurance adjusters in my state. I still use them myself to determine values. The way they get a value now, they find 3 similar vehicle for sale and average them for a value. Good luck

 

When I was searching the Internet for the truck I have now, I was finding some listings stating "extended cab (3 door)". To my knowledge, there was NEVER any 3 door Ranger. As for the 4-door extended cab, I have seen a butt-load of them. Mine, unfortunately, is not. And yes, the 4-door version is quite a bit more expensive.

 

I had a two door previously, the rear doors were amazingly helpful. With my two door there was no good way to properly utilize the "back seat", with the four door, I could stack 6+ action Packers back there, meaning I was filling the back seat to the brim, and allowing my pooch walk through access to the camper shell.
I have a mention of a four door supercab in a ford owners guide that came with my truck.
Ford seemed to think the company was being ******** but wasn't able to give me any firepower.

My insurance Co is called Wawanesa, they're out of San Diego.
I would really recommend that anyone with a four door work the issue out w their insurance Co immediately, rather than after the potential accident.

 

Well, you know how it goes. The company takes your premium religiously. The moment the money needs to go the other direction, there is always an excuse for why they shouldn't pay (or pay enough). Best of luck to you on this battle!

 

They don't make money by giving money away...

 

That is true. The sad part is that this entire country is owned by insurance companies, healthcare providers and banking institutions.

 

Ford 5th, 6th, 7th VIN numbers
R10 — Ranger 4x2 (regular cab)
R11 — Ranger 4x4 (regular cab)
R14 — Ranger 4x2 (2-door SuperCab)
R15 — Ranger 4x4 (2-door SuperCab)
R18 — Ranger 4x2 (4-door SuperCab)
R19 — Ranger 4x4 (4-door SuperCab)

Replacement or pay out value is not solely based on VIN, or miles or any one thing
If you have receipts for new engine and trans it helps
Or newer tires

Bottom line is just like YOU, the insurance company doesn't want to overpay for a used vehicle.
Not a conspiracy, lol, they are the same as any one, they want the best deal they can get, because unlike you "they" can be fired for not getting the best deal