In Seattle a long time ago they were doing road construction on the highway and there was a section where they ground down the pavement a couple of inches to repave. There were no signs or anything and no transition like they usually do, just a 2+ inch dropoff down and back up. I hit it at 65 mph and bent all 4 of my rims. Total cost $3500. I called the DOT and they said yep, they screwed up and forwarded me to their insurance. Their insurance said it was my fault and if I wanted to get paid I needed to sue them. It wasn't worth it so I didn't. But thats how insurance works.
Another time I had a car fire. Totaled. Car was a 1972 monte carlo. Worth between 5k and 30k. Mine was in great shape, but needed paint, but worth at least 5k. Insurance found what they said was a comparable car (on blocks, no engine, doors, nor interior) for $500. Not event close. So they said they were going to cut me a check for $500. I started law suit proceedings and they quickly cut me a check for $4k. They are assholes.