My 300E was rear-ended a while ago, with significant cosmetic damage, and I had to play a bit of hardball with my insurance company regarding the rental replacement. They wanted me to drive a Tercel while my Benz was in the shop. Er, no. So I had to verbally navigate my way past the insurance company's filtering system until I got a manager on the phone (no small feat). They initially said that yes, I did own a Benz, but it was 13 years old. I then countered to the manager that it was in mint shape, perfectly maintained and they weren't charging me 13 year old premiums - the premiums were for the make and model, not the year. She acquiesced and I got a nicely loaded Volvo S60T for 28 days while my car was fixed.

As for the repair - I went with my insurance company's recommended dealer - this was the work is 100% guaranteed for as long as I own the car, on top of the dealer's warranty. They did an excellent job - the paint is flawless. I had the same concerns you did and I settled them by speaking directly to the manager of the shop and then the technician (artisan really) who was going to do the body work (one guy) and the painting (another specialist). I asked them about prepping, blending, etc. and the painter just smiled and said - if you can tell where I blended it, I'll repaint it until you are satisfied. I couldn't find the blended spot.

Good luck!

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon