Some body damage (pics), adjuster on the way. What to ask?

[stumpie]

Dang Tahoe backed out of their parking spot into my passenger side as I was passing behind her. Lots of nice rubber/plastic/paint transfer and some damage to quarter panel and both doors, and wheel has a scrape along the outer rim.

I'm not interested in getting screwed by insurance, so I want to make sure that the adjuster knows I am looking to have the repair done correctly. What are your suggestions for things to say/ask the adjuster to ensure I get best repair performed?

 

[OneFunGenesis]

Ask if they are going to quote to fix the panel or replace it. Ask them if they are quoting to skin the door or replace the door. Ask to choose your own body shop if you have one in mind. You can use their recommended one if you wish but it is illegal for them to force you to use a specific one (it is called "steering"). Hopefully this little bit of information helps.

 

[stumpie]

I definitely don't want fixed panels. Is there any way to make sure they quote to replace?

 

[stumpie]

I will also be pursuing a diminished value claim so perhaps that will persuade them to do a replace versus a bondo repair?

 

[OneFunGenesis]

Sometimes there is no way around it. To replace a rear quarter panel the damaged one would have to be cut out (normally at the door to trunk line) and then a new one welded in. It is more invasive than just fixing the damage.

As for the door: skins work just a well as long as the metal thickness is similar and there is no internal damage to the door.

 

[stumpie]

The adjuster guy says he will write an estimate to repair all three panels unless the shop I choose says it can't be repaired.

I told him it would be in their best interest to make it right in whatever fashion they choose to minimize diminished value, since that claim is coming next.

 

[Mark_888]

Over the last 15 years, I have had two fender benders like above fixed by State Farm. They gave me a list of "approved" body shops that I could use, and there is no negotiation at those shops because they direct bill State Farm for the entire amount. I did some research and found one that looked good, and results were excellent both times. Plus the shop detailed my car inside and out, so it looked better than before the accident.

If you use your own shop, then I guess that you have to negotiate the claim amount and get someone to fix it for that amount.

You are not going to get "screwed" just because they don't replace those panels. The trick is in the paint match, not so much the body panel itself. If you had structural or mechanical damage, then you should worry about what is being replaced vs repaired.

 

[stumpie]

Thanks, Mark. I will be taking it to a reputable collision center that sits on the same property as the Hyundai dealer, and is one the Hyundai dealer recommend. They do good work, and they don't cut corners. The adjuster that just left says they will be writing up an estimate based on panel repairs and will send me the check, which I then take to the collision center to pay for the repair. The estimator at the collision center says if they need any more $ they will work with the insurance company.

Thanks to OneFunGenesis, your comments helped me come to terms with the fact that a replacement Qp might well diminish the value further since all the weld points will have to be drilled out, sealant pulled and the existing panel sawed into parts just to use a new one. My concern, aside from paint-match, is those character lines around the wheel well and leading into the side panel. And I'm an OCD picky ass bastid. And I hate the idea of Bondo'ing a car I haven't even made the first payment on. I hope the collision repair folks feel the same.

 

[Gunkk]

Have a dealer inspect for mechanical damage. A body shop or adjuster might not notice that your rear Upper control arm is bent. Sometimes damage cannot be seen. Very similar thing happened to a friend of mine, and the fix cost oner $6k due to rear subframe damage under the quarter panel,and UCA was bent even though no visible damage was present on wheel or tire. Had to file a supplemental claim.

Good luck.

 

[stumpie]

Thanks Gunkk. Part of the estimate will be a 4 wheel alignment. I will have them inspect the subframe and suspension components before completing this. Now that I think of it, might want to throw some Uniq collars on there prior to delivering to the shop.

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[homeofstone]

Also include car rental for the repair time and insist on OEM parts and don't accept if the color or texture(orange peel) does not match. Don't accept car back if you find over spray or tape residue on it anywhere. Check entire car for over spray, rub you hand over it to check.

 

[stumpie]

Thanks homeofstone, as you can tell by my avatar, one thing I am so enamored by about my '09 is the quality of the paint job. I will certainly be using a scrutinizing eye and tools to detect any orange peel.

It doesn't sound like they'll be replacing any parts, but if they do, I think this collision center uses only OEM parts (when available).

 

[427435]

The adjuster guy says he will write an estimate to repair all three panels unless the shop I choose says it can't be repaired.

I told him it would be in their best interest to make it right in whatever fashion they choose to minimize diminished value, since that claim is coming next.

Don't accept the check. Tell the adjuster to deal with the body shop you choose to have it repaired at.