[BigTex5]

The wreck doesn't look that bad. Mostly side damage. The left side tires are straight and there doesn't look to be frame damage. That's probably 3-4k in repairs which is a reasonable offer. I can't believe the insurance company would offer less for your car. They seem to be scamming you.

Was the body shop provided BY the insurance company?

[furquhart]

3-4K?

That'd be only for the cosmetic damage. Who knows what sort of shape the frame and the rest are in?

Write off @ Black Book.

[Alouette]

The body shop claims there was major frame and undercarriage damage and that the vehicle can't be repaired for less than 8K. The body shop belonged to the dealership where we bought the car.

The passenger side, front and rear look perfect.

I loved that car.

[afnamvet]

I agree. Take some pictures and check some honest body shops.

[InsureAmerica]

It looks totaled to me. One way to get an idea is go online and get a kelley blue book value. Get an estimate and if estimate is less than 75% of value you have a good case against totaling the loss. I just went through this after I hit a deer, first thing out of the (independent) adjusters mouth was 'yeah, looks like a total loss' I did enough research to back up my position and when I spoke to the insurance co first words out of my mouth - 'I absolutely will not accept this as a total loss'. After 3 weeks of argument they cut me a check. don't assume you can't argue your point and stand firm.

[middie]

As much as you may hate lawyers, there has been a class action that established the right of people in the same posture as you to: (1) get other estimates and (2) choose your own repair facility. There is a lawyer somewhere in your city you will be aware of the case.

[HairOfTheDog]

Heh.. You can't fix a fender bender for $4K anymore and restore it to original.
The car's a total.

[freedumb2003]

That is easily 10K worth of damage.

When is the last time you had body work done? Some idiot hit the side of my car and made a small dent behind the driver's-side door. $2,800 (I caught the idiot on film and is insurance paid).

Total it is exactly what the insurance company should do.

But I recommend a new car or at oldest a 2 yo used car. Cars lose the most value in the 1st 2 years.

And run CARFAX!!!!

[Kenny Bunk]

Alouette,

Take the money they offer you, and insist on keeping the car.

Then shop for repairs. I would be very surprised if a decent body man couldn't repair that damage for under $2 Grand retail. You need a good auto-recycler and a creative welder.

What happens to cars like this, is that body shops buy the salvage title, repair the damage, using used parts, which is OK, and then sell the vehicle to low-end dealers.

Whole 'nuther world out there. Have fun, and hope you and the other driver OK.