Then I would replace the light and take the $3k and run. Nothing like driving a car for free and then being able to part it out after it is shot!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

The insurance company IS paying for it. They can either fix the car or pay for a new car and write off the old one. They are saying the value of the car is $3000 which is fair, and the cost of repairs is more than the car is worth.

I reread the post and no they aren't paying for fixing the car, just offering what they think the value of the car is. They would find themselves in court if it was mine as mine is worth a damned sight more than 3K. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

the door may be fine and the rear portion of the body may be pushed up. close the door and step away from the side and look at your shut lines. this will tell you if the body is distorted. if it is that is a major thing to straighten. in my earlier post on my 240 they charged me $600 to push out the sheet metal and make the trunk so it would seal, etc. the main body structure was straight. i am thinking i wouldnt try to put it back on the road with a twisted body. if the body is twisted it probably will throw off the alignment and affect handling tracking and tire wear. if the main body structure is straight, then i would only worry about keeping water out of the trunk... for a driver.

the insurance company has an obligation to either fix your car or replace it with an equal car or pay you an acceptable amount for your car. you dont have to take what they offer right away and can negotiate. they may try to wait you out. they will negotiate and will respond to facts that you provide which establishes a fair value for the car. if you can prove its value with paperwork that he can put in his file, you can get more $.

good luck.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

hell i seen them total out a car for the airbags just went off with just a front bumber hit which the bady damage was just cost about $300 to fix i dont know where you live but 3000 is a little high (you say BENZ it will cost ya $2500 lol) i have a guy that dose good work on body work he charge about$ 800 to fix damage like you have to fix the kinda of body damage you have the only thing that will be pricsee is the tail light the only reason it a BENZ i would buy the car back and check around to see how much it would cost to fix