Insurance help/strategy needed please.... got tagged

[billschroeder5842]

Yesterday was the day that we all dread; I was in an accident. Everyone was fine, the 16 year old got the ticket and I got the heart ache. I was obviously pissed, but that quickly tempered as my "dad" took over as she sat in her new (less than 1000 mile Honda) shaking and crying.

Long story short she "jumped through" three lanes of traffic from the middle turn lane in rush our traffic. I was in the middle of the three and the guy on the left of me locked up his brakes, I glanced over and there she was. I tee boned her as she was passing left to right direct in front of me. I mention this as I believe I have some frame damage (the steering is at 10:30) and the hood and front facia show signs of being "mushed sideways". She got an un-safe lane change violation.

This especially hurst as I got the car back (see other posts) last month from Steve Schroder at Cross Flags for some engine work and dyno. The car was REALLY running well.

I'd like some help with how to work with insurance companies with cars as special as ours. If this was my daughters car, I'd know what to do , but our cars are unique. I took it to my "go to" everyday body man. He said that the car faired better than he thought but the frame is slightly pushed-- but the car is 100% fixable barring time, parts, money. However the insurance company will most likely total the car based on age, value etc. He said that everything front of the radiator shroud would need repairing or fixing. Remarkably the shroud shows no signs of damage and the car ran home just fine.

He said to take it to a shop that specialises in Corvettes prior to the insurance company call for advise and to synch stories. I have an appointment Friday afternoon.

So, I have a few questions:
1) How does insurance companies estable the value of our classic cars?
2) How does and insurance company take into account the recent (I have all receipts) work done on upgrades?
3) What determines criteria for "condition?" This car has 80k but looks every bit of 20k. It is (was anyway) in remarkable condition as I got it from the original owner.
4) If "totalled" how does the "buy back" process work and how is a price established?
5) If totalled and bought, can I avoid a salvage title- I own the car free and clear?


Anything else? Any advise is appreciated.

(If totalled I'd like to somehow either keep to repair and/or make sure that it goes to someone in the club for donor and or parts car. It really is in great condition and I want to keep it in the family)