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  #1  
Old 04-14-2005, 02:41 PM
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Got rear ended, insurance advice please

I got rear ended in the Passat Wagon last Friday by this Dodge truck. Anyway, took it to the dealer and they told me $2,600 and change. The State Farm adjuster came and told me they'd cut me a check for almost $1,700. He said the rear lid did not need to be replaced. WTF? The car is one year old.

On one hand, I see that the rear lid can be fixed. This is what's driving up insurance costs for everyone. On the other hand, this car is practically new. I want it back to new again. No bondo!

I have the right to have it fixed the way I want it done correct?

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Old 04-14-2005, 02:44 PM
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In the state of Virginia....you take the car to any shop you want.....they have to pay that estimate....they will try otherwise...but only a fool will sign a check befor ethe work is done.....that usualy means their obligation is over...what if hidden damage is found....what if you wake up with back problems next week....
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Old 04-14-2005, 02:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kuan
I got rear ended in the Passat Wagon last Friday by this Dodge truck. Anyway, took it to the dealer and they told me $2,600 and change. The State Farm adjuster came and told me they'd cut me a check for almost $1,700. He said the rear lid did not need to be replaced. WTF? The car is one year old.

On one hand, I see that the rear lid can be fixed. This is what's driving up insurance costs for everyone. On the other hand, this car is practically new. I want it back to new again. No bondo!

I have the right to have it fixed the way I want it done correct?
Why are you paying for it at all? If they smacked you, they should be picking up the tab.
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  #4  
Old 04-14-2005, 02:50 PM
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That's the way insurance companies work,,, if it can be fixed, they will pay to fix it. Without seeing your's, I can't really comment on your situation, but a lot of new stuff is repaired rather than replaced, and if done properly, it should never present a problem. One way to look at it is if the lid can be repaired, and the paint blended within the panel, then the 1/4 panels should not have to be touched. If a new lid is put on, chances are that the 1/4's will have to be blended, and if that is the case, will the rear window have to be pulled ? The roof would even have to be painted if there is no dividing line somewhere. It's really a good thing if the repairs and paintwork are kept to a minimum. Just ask around and find a good reputable shop.
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Old 04-14-2005, 02:57 PM
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Talk to an Independant body shop and ask them what the law is in your state.

The shop by brother used to manage had a BIG sign spelling out your rights becasue the insurance companies tried to get you to believe otherwise so often...they rip you off on premiums...and they try to rip you off from fixing you car correctly when a accident happens....You have the right for your car to be fixed to the same condition and quality it was prior to the accident.

Settle for nothing less. I would find a very good shop and make it clear to them what you want....have them deal with the insurance in case hidden structural damage is found. THat way their responsibility is not done until the car is done to your satisfaction....check in to the shop while the work is being done...and do NOT take it to a shop recomended by the insurance company...they recomend shops who will cut corners with chinese parts and such to save them money...not to fix your car to the standard it was before the accident. Been there done that a few times.
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1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Old 04-14-2005, 03:09 PM
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I'm not paying a single thing for it. State farm wants me to believe that the $1,700 will cover it.

It's nothing major, just a dent in the bumper and the rear lid has a basketball sized depression about an two inches deep.

On one hand, I really know that it can be fixed for a lot less. But I really want a new rear lid.

Screw it, State Farm will have to cough it up.
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Old 04-14-2005, 03:09 PM
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Kuan, first check your policy and if SF is the other driver's policy, ask for a copy of the binder. What does that lovely ISO standard language say about the quality and nature of repairs? The policy may limit the type of repair and may also authorize the use of "OEM quality" vs. OEM parts.

Second, either web search or contact your state's insurance commissioner's or other regulatory agency to see if your state has specific regulations about repair claims. Different states have different standards. Some allow CAPA parts, some don't, some have provisions for reduction in value, etc.

Do get estimates from quality independent shops.

The other option is to have your carrier do the repair, then have them institute a subrogation action against SF via inter-company binding arb.
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  #8  
Old 04-14-2005, 05:20 PM
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Go to your friendly state farm agent,

And make 100% CERTAIN you are wearing your neck brace.

They'll be happy to fix your car the way you want it fixed, IF they think you have been hurt in the accident. I am NOT saying sue them for neck damages, but if you make them THINK you are hurt, they'll be happy to fix your car the way you want it fixed.
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  #9  
Old 04-14-2005, 05:27 PM
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Well I'm not gonna try and lie to them. The guy was here already and we had a chat. I know he was just doing his job.

My problem is finding a reputable shop. I used to know of one when I lived in Los Angeles, I don't know anyone in MPLS.
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  #10  
Old 04-18-2005, 01:29 PM
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Sorry to hear someone bashed you. Hope it all works out okay...
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  #11  
Old 04-18-2005, 07:32 PM
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Make them wear condoms.
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  #12  
Old 04-19-2005, 06:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by w126
The name escapes me, but there is (or was) a good shop over by Wally McCarthy's Olds. Near the Lyndale exit -- memory is not serving me well right now.
That area now houses Best Buy's corporate headquarters. WM's Olds is long gone (but is immortalized in the movie "Fargo").

I'm in the MSP area and have had good luck with Lehman's ((612) 827-5431). They're a big, multishop entity but they've always done good work for my family (and we've cracked up plenty). Also Mulroy's (612) 823-7257) and New Central (612) 827-2589 on Nicollet. I believe New Central handles all of Feldmann Mercedes' body work. Good luck.

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