All--my gorgeous silver 2008 Corvette (about a year and a half old and about 14,000 miles) was in a wreck last week. A woman made a left turn right in front of me while I was traveling down the road doing between 35-40 mph. When I first saw her starting to turn I laid on the horn and gave all the brakes I had--but she just kept coming. My Steering Wheel airbag went off and that along with my seatbelt prevented me from any injury other than a scraped knee and a stiff back and neck for a few days.

Anyway--I am working on the claim through her insurance company (she was issued a citation as I had the right of way). The damage appears to be about $21k plus whatever diminished/loss of value I would have in a trade-in situation. And the damage is located in the front end of the car. I think the radiator prevented too much engine damage but I don't know details yet. The Chevy Dealer's collision shop I believe will be doing the work (assuming her insurance company approves which I think they will as they are on the approved list)--and they guarantee their work for the life of the car as long as I am the driver. Is there anything else I should look out for? I am so concerned that my car will never be the same. My Father says I should get it fixed, trade it in, and buy a new one. But a year and a half later I really don't want to put the $ in to do that.

Thanks in advance for your input,

Dave

 

The collision shop should be able to check everything for you but you might get more input in the C6 section.

 

$21K in damage?
I would trade it in.....
some good deals at the moment.....

 

thats a big hit and the title will reflect it

 

Do not take it to the Chevy dealer. Take it to high end body shop in your area, I garuntee there is one. In fact try to find one that works on Vettes regularly-they get wrecked all the time and the C5 and C6 are very similiar so there are alot of shops out there that have done this before. Almost all body shops offer a lifetime garuntee on their work and you would do well to post here and on the regional board inquiring about reputable/recommended shops near you. The car won't be the same but a good shop can get it really close. A bad job done by an incompetent shop will cause you a ton of heartache/$ loss. It doesn't cost more to pick your shop and her insurance will pay for it with no complaint. It's the law. They want you to use shops on their list because they have discount deals set up with these guys-a good independent shop will get it done right without caring how much it costs the insurance company. Best of luck to you...

 

+1...
Trade it.....you don't need the worry.
Now's the time.

 

agreed. you are the victim and you have the right to select your place of repair. insurance companies are in the business of taking your money and not parting with it. as one of the previous posters said, look for a shop that specializes in Vette repair. However, regardless of where you have it repaired, please remember this:

DO NOT SIGN UNTIL COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THE REPAIR!!!

There's nothing that says you can't have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice after the repair is made, and before you sign.

You paid big money for this car with the knowledge and expectations that the car's reputation is known for. Don't settle or let the insurance company con you into a hlaf-fast repair. Best of luck.

 

That's a heck of a hit on your car - I would want it repaired at the best shop you can find. And after it is finished, I'd probably take your father's advice.

 

I also posted in the C6 forum. I appreciate the feedback. I am leaning more on trading the car in. It was hard even thinking about that a few days ago as I wanted to keep the car at least 4 years. Anyway it is what it is and I have to make the best of the situation.