That is just terrible, there is no S2000 for sale at 80k that I know of anywhere near $10,200. Nearly all of them are in $16k-$20k. Even a 'salvaged' title S2000 can go more than that.

I have yet to totaled a car, but your post is an awakening moment for me. I am going to ask my insurance company how much they will cover my S for and probably set a value.

 

I'm not sure about an accident where the other driver is clearly at fault should affect your policy, besides, the accident info will be available (and probably shared regardless). Different states have different insurance rules, but you always have the option to change companies. Where I've lived, I've only been asked about "At fault accidents".

Based on my experience, you shouldn't rely on someone else's insurance. My previous car ('04 Mazda RX8) was hit in the drive-side A pillar by a driver who made a left turn out of a parking lot. I suspected that the car would be totaled, so I reported a claim and had a damage appraisal done by my insurance. As I suspected, the other driver's company gave me a low ball offer that came in more than $1500 below that provided by my insurance company. I accepted the quote from my insurance and paid my deductible. When the claim was settled, I received a check reimbursing the deductible.

 

$10,200? I would not so politely reject this offer. There must be similar S2ks for sale within 500 miles of you for around $15k.

 

 

You do not have to settle for their first offer. Even if they total it, just the act of rejecting their first offer should get you a good bump. After that it gets a bit tricky but quite possible to get a fair value. The key is to find cars exactly like yours (same year same millage) that sold within a few weeks and use that as leverage. Ask to speak with the supervisors. The claims adjuster has little authority to move on offer beyond $500.

On my car when it was totaled. The first offer was 14k~. I politely said no. The second offer was 18K~. I ended up settling for 23k~. I don't remember the exact numbers but you can see how it goes.

My car as 04 with 50K miles or so in excellent condition.

 

The insurance company usually uses nada guide to get the value of the car. What you sent to them should be good enough, if you bombard them with a lot of information on how the car is valued higher they may reconsider.

The insurance companies use a 80% threshold in order to determine if the car is repairable or a total loss.
For example: The car is valued at $10,0000, repair cost = $7,000 (70% threshold),
Insurance company MAY total your car because the car may come back with a, "supplement" from the body shop, which will push the threshold to 80% or higher.