It wouldn't break my heart to walk away with some loot and live with some dents. But right now I'm shooting for getting the thing fixed right without being out of pocket. I intend to keep this truck for life.
Bill93, post: 331605, member: 87 wrote: The only thing wrong with this is that, in my experience, some insurance companies refuse to do it. They will only write the check for damages to a repair place, or a check to you if it is totaled.
I could see how they might do that. However when they pay a repair shop, it is not a time/materials based reimbursement. They have rates and allowable costs for every item of work. If the shop can do it quicker and find parts cheaper, they pocket the difference.
I see no reason why a person should not be able to repair their own car the same way. The end result is that the claim is settled.
imaudigger, post: 331710, member: 7286 wrote: I could see how they might do that. However when they pay a repair shop, it is not a time/materials based reimbursement. They have rates and allowable costs for every item of work. If the shop can do it quicker and find parts cheaper, they pocket the difference
This was my experience; the insurance company paid more than the quote; the body shop kept the difference.
:-S
🙁
:-@
Jim Frame, post: 331440, member: 10 wrote: I'll add another item to the pot: don't agree to the use of cheap aftermarket parts. Some years ago I got backed into and the radiator on my Honda was destroyed. The body shop said that the other guy's insurance company wouldn't pay for a Honda radiator, only a low-cost aftermarket one. I didn't protest - a radiator is a radiator, right? - and the new radiator seemed to work fine for maybe 5 years. Then it developed a leak that none of us detected, and one recent hot day the coolant got low enough and the engine temp high enough to blow the head gasket. The cost to weld the head, replace the radiator with a high-quality aftermarket model (OEM, but not carrying the Honda name), and button everything up was about $3,200.00. The mechanic said the one that leaked was a cheap brand with a poor reputation, and they won't sell them.
Lesson learned.
Jim.
I was told about 30 yrs. ago that California had made it illegal to use aftermarket parts. I was told this by a repair shop and by a dealer. Have things changed since then?
Jim in AZ, post: 331722, member: 249 wrote: Jim.
... illegal to use aftermarket parts ...
that would be totally insane!
that would only "protect" the original vendor, eliminate competition, and would Not assist the consumer.
PS: perhaps disclosure of the use of "non OEM", perhaps...
Jim in AZ, post: 331722, member: 249 wrote: Jim.
I was told about 30 yrs. ago that California had made it illegal to use aftermarket parts. I was told this by a repair shop and by a dealer. Have things changed since then?
Another significant difference is purchasing used parts instead of new OEM parts. That is many times at the discretion of the body shop as well (adding to their profit margin).
You have the right to decide where you want your car repaired..i.e. give me the money so I can find a shop and have it repaired.
You are learning why Insurance is the only consistently profitable business in America.
Why have you not asked your/a local shark attorney?
partychief3, post: 332097, member: 9053 wrote: You are learning why Insurance is the only consistently profitable business in America.
Why have you not asked your/a local
sharkattorney?
Because sharks bite.
partychief3, post: 332097, member: 9053 wrote: You are learning why Insurance is the only consistently profitable business in America.
Why have you not asked your/a local
sharkattorney?
Years ago when my 92 Toyota pickup was just a young pup an older man made a last second left in front of me as I topped a hill. He was driving an Oldsmobile Delta 88 and turned so late that we hit head-on. He was at fault and the damage to my truck was extensive (nearly totaled). Normally my insurance company would've paid to have it fixed with factory parts and passed the bill to his carrier with no questions asked but it turned out that we both had insurance with the same company.
I had the truck towed to the local dealer and their body shop gave me an estimate. When the insurance adjuster gave me his version of the estimate, it was full of aftermarket sheet metal, extensively damaged panels repaired with bondo, etc. I called the adjuster and let him know that there was no way I was going to accept what he was proposing. I said "My truck was 100% Toyota prior to the wreck and it will be after it's repaired or else", his response was "You don't have any choice, it's our call". I tried calling my agent (sympathetic but not allowed to get involved), tried going over his head in the claims department (brick wall), and finally made calls to a couple of local attorneys to see if it was worth fighting (had to leave messages). When the adjuster called the next day, I still had not heard from either of the lawyers, but I figured he didn't need to know that. I quoted him the difference in price between the two estimates, told him I had contacted my attorney, and that I was certain that I could cost them at least the difference in the two quotes in legal fees alone. The mere threat of an attorney caused the adjuster to cave like a wet cardboard box. I had a check for the full dealer quote that afternoon with a clause stating that if the dealer found additional damage that I could file an amended claim.
Lawyers can be useful after all.
Just picked up my truck from the body shop. Seems to be good as new.
When I dropped the vehicle off I told them about the insurance company's check and they told me not to worry. They got the truck apart to inspect the damage in greater detail and brought the insurance company adjuster into their shop for a show and tell. Insurance company paid the shop directly for the remaining balance. Total repair bill was $3441. While all this was going on (3 weeks +/-) I had a rental car at the insurance company's expense.
Truck fixed and I'm not out a dollar. Which is what I wanted.
About 5 years ago I got hit from behind in my 6 month old truck. This guy missed my receiver hitch. I took it to the dealer that I bought it from to have it repaired. They refused to put OEM parts on it so I took my new Ford truck to the local Dodge dealer and $3,600 later they returned my truck with a new bumper, bumper mounts, back up sensors and a new bed side. While they were fixing my 2008 Ford, I was driving a 2009 Ford with permission to pull a trailer with it. I was in the process of moving and needed a tow vehicle. They took care of all the bills. I just told them what they were going to do and they did it. Don't get in a hurry. If they don't settle a claim quickly it becomes a black mark on their record.