How do we value our cars?

jhdeval said
The area below the cowl and into the engine had not been finished yet. There were still things that needed to be done but I did put a stated value. As I said I had about 9-10k into the car with parts factoring labor I figure another 3-4k. So my stated value of 18-20k is a little higher than the value. Hopefully I will be able to get enough back. I have found several places with the parts and hopefully a few more cars (parts or project or both).

That's kinda my point. The insurance adjuster will note that. When we got the good deal out of Allstate they basically wanted me gone and it's wasn't as much as they could have been out (or as much as they were out for the 99 Town Car that hit mine - this was in 2004). You may still come out ok, but expect to be lowballed.