Finally Got The Estimate.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
About 2 weeks ago posted pics of my vert after some Jacka$$ rearended me at a stop light. His insurance co. (Allstate) finally went to see my car. Can't complain too much. They are replacing the rear fascia, lower valance, Borla exhaust, LED brake light, and repairing half inch crack in quarter panel. $3970.00 in damages. Now hopefully the parts will come in quickly. All these sunny 70 deg days are killing me with winter just around the corner.
BTW, is the insurance co. giving you a car to get around in? maybe a caddy?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 193
From: By The Hook NJ
Yeah,, his insurance co. gave me a Pontiac G6 complete with seats that smell like someone pi$$ed on them.
You other guys got me thinking more about the fender repair, so I called the body shop mgr today. He told me not to worry about the repair, that they guarantee and stand behind their work and that the section of the fender involved is not a stress point. They probably do more vette repairs than anyone else, so I'll take his word.
You other guys got me thinking more about the fender repair, so I called the body shop mgr today. He told me not to worry about the repair, that they guarantee and stand behind their work and that the section of the fender involved is not a stress point. They probably do more vette repairs than anyone else, so I'll take his word.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 13
From: Pasadena, CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
From: The Lost Borough, NYC
You other guys got me thinking more about the fender repair, so I called the body shop mgr today. He told me not to worry about the repair, that they guarantee and stand behind their work and that the section of the fender involved is not a stress point. They probably do more vette repairs than anyone else, so I'll take his word.
He is only telling you that because the price or the job is already set. Replacing the entire fender is more money, so if he does do it he has to notify the insurance company and tell them the new cost. So naturally he will tell you not to worry! I would get him to replace the fender, every part of a car is a stress point... maybe not a stress point of body flex but what about bumps and rough roads?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 356
Likes: 3
From: Pembroke Pines FL
Bring your own parts
I don't believe you will ever be able to bring your own panel into a body shop. They just don't allow that since they don't make a mark up on it. I had the same problem once when the insurance company wanted a repair only and I wanted a new part. I regulary purchased parts at a discount at the same dealership but they wouldn't even let me buy it at their own dealership and carry it over to the body shop. They insisted I pony up for the "body shop price". I ended up paying the difference. At least with State Farm, they said they would guarantee a repair forever but I just didn't want to go that way. A little cash tip (in advance) to the body shop manager can work wonders for those little extras.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 193
From: By The Hook NJ
Thought you replace the fender guys would like to know. Just got the written estimate from Allstate and they guarantee the repair for as long as I own the car. Guess I can live with that.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I know because it happened to me two months ago. My car was involved in an accident (wasn't my fault) where it sustainded 9k in damages. now my car is worth much less than a before the accident.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,658
From: Las Vegas NV
Yes, yes, yes...we all agree that the panel SHOULD be replaced. BUT, Allstate ISN'T going to pay for it. C6roadster is correct - Allstate will agree to repair the crack. Since Kerbeck is telling the OP that their repair will be fine, why should Allstate pay for anything more? Bottom line - they won't.
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When you are dealing with your OWN insurance company, or if you are the one at fault, you don't have a lot of choice. But when you are dealing with another company who is covering the fault of the other driver, you have a lot more leverage bc you can always take the client who hit you to court if you are not happy with the settlement offered by the other insurance company.. It isn't like the OP is asking for a new car... the price difference between repairing the crack and replacing the panel is *maybe* a couple hundred dollars, tops. Not worth the Insurance company's time to fight it for that tiny amount.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
WOW that seems very skimpy! So if your car got 15 grand worth of damage you would only get 3 grand of DV? Not saying your wrong only it doesn't seem enough... I would want a lot more off than 3 grand on a car that had 15 grand worth of damage..........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,658
From: Las Vegas NV
Unless the damage is enough to garner a 'repaired' mark/brand on the title in which case the value can drop by as much as 50%. In the states I've seen, this is earned by having more than $3000 damage in a single accident, although lately there seems to be a push to raise this level to $4000 or $5000 in a single accident.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 933
Likes: 0
From: FL
Yes, yes, yes...we all agree that the panel SHOULD be replaced. BUT, Allstate ISN'T going to pay for it. C6roadster is correct - Allstate will agree to repair the crack. Since Kerbeck is telling the OP that their repair will be fine, why should Allstate pay for anything more? Bottom line - they won't.
While I am the first person to jump on an insurance company for their shady dealings, I am also the first person to jump on people for their assumption that insurance will buy them a brand new ride. It won't. The repair shop will warranty their work, so if it cracks again (and I think it probably will), they will have to fix it. Once Allstate writes a check, they are out of it.
Also, why is everyone so insistent that the Vette is some magical beast that cannot be repaired by a mere mortal? There isn't anything special or unusual about the car - its uses some fancy materials, but beyond that, it's JUST A CAR. Granted, a nice car, a car that I happen to love, but still....it's JUST A CAR. It can be fixed. Everyone needs to calm down a little.
While I am the first person to jump on an insurance company for their shady dealings, I am also the first person to jump on people for their assumption that insurance will buy them a brand new ride. It won't. The repair shop will warranty their work, so if it cracks again (and I think it probably will), they will have to fix it. Once Allstate writes a check, they are out of it.
Also, why is everyone so insistent that the Vette is some magical beast that cannot be repaired by a mere mortal? There isn't anything special or unusual about the car - its uses some fancy materials, but beyond that, it's JUST A CAR. Granted, a nice car, a car that I happen to love, but still....it's JUST A CAR. It can be fixed. Everyone needs to calm down a little.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,114
Likes: 931
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
They dont need to buy the guy a new car,just put it back the way it was before it got smacked,did it have a crack in the quarter before it got smacked?I didnt think so.It amazes me how people let insurance companies walk all over them.The insurance company does not dictate how the repair is made,YOU DO.Get a new quarter panel or you will regret it.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 4
From: Mililani HI
That is a BIG 
Get the entire 1/4 panel replaced, not reparied!
And when it cracks again (and 98% it will), guess what?
The insurance company will never pay you again for it!
Once you accept payment that is it. So if the crack appears in the exact same spot lets say 2 weeks later, they (the insurance company) isnt held responsible anymore. And that crack isnt on a flat spot, its in a corner, and for sure it will crack again.
Get the entire 1/4 panel replaced, not reparied!
And when it cracks again (and 98% it will), guess what?
The insurance company will never pay you again for it!
Once you accept payment that is it. So if the crack appears in the exact same spot lets say 2 weeks later, they (the insurance company) isnt held responsible anymore. And that crack isnt on a flat spot, its in a corner, and for sure it will crack again.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Just to add my 2 cents on the crack issue.....
The crack wasn't there before the crash and a repaired crack should not be there afterwards. Too bad for the guy that hit you and his insurance company. No way would I allow this. If they bitch so what. The guy shouldn't have hit you. If his insurance company does not pay, for the replacement of the entire panel, then file a personal suit against him for the damages.
The crack wasn't there before the crash and a repaired crack should not be there afterwards. Too bad for the guy that hit you and his insurance company. No way would I allow this. If they bitch so what. The guy shouldn't have hit you. If his insurance company does not pay, for the replacement of the entire panel, then file a personal suit against him for the damages.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 911
From: Carlsbad Ca
If it cracks somewhere down the road, I'll go for a new panel. Right now, I want as little of the car repainted as possible. Getting a new (used) panel from one of the forum members is cheap enough. Right now I don't have the time to get the panel, drive it 115miles to AC, and hope that just painting the panel will match. I appreciate the concern but I am happy with the appraisal. I don't think I got screwed. When I can't stand looking at the Orange Peel anymore and decide to get the whole car repainted, I'll replace the quaterpanel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
From: The Lost Borough, NYC
As far as the problem coming back, the insurance company will guarntee the work for the time you own the car. So if that crack happens again you will have it fixed free of charge.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 193
From: By The Hook NJ
Guys, I posted an update on this after the repair work was done.
First of all, the crack in the quarter, was only a surface crack. It didn't go completely through. Kerbeck stands behind their repair.
I'm very happy with the final results.
Secondly, Allstate(his insurance) does not insure their drivers for diminished value in NY. I was told that I would have to go after the person on my own.
I figured that $4000 of damage was not worth hiring a lawyer. The damage to my car was mostly to the exhaust system and rear fascia.
I put this issue behind me and got back to enjoying my vette.
First of all, the crack in the quarter, was only a surface crack. It didn't go completely through. Kerbeck stands behind their repair.
I'm very happy with the final results.
Secondly, Allstate(his insurance) does not insure their drivers for diminished value in NY. I was told that I would have to go after the person on my own.
I figured that $4000 of damage was not worth hiring a lawyer. The damage to my car was mostly to the exhaust system and rear fascia.
I put this issue behind me and got back to enjoying my vette.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 193
From: By The Hook NJ