Need Insurance imput from you guys

carrerajim · 07-14-2003, 03:49 AM

I hit a deer in my carrera on friday night. I know for sure the hood, passenger quarter, and headlight assembly need replaced. What is the best way to handle it. Car has full coverage (state farm ), but like most of you, i'd feel more comfortable buying the parts (from our host) and putting them on myself, then take it to get painted. I have a few questions......
+how well will the paint match (black)
+what can i expect as an estimate
+will they let me install the parts.
Any advice you have will be greatly appriciated.
thanks in advance

Neilk · 07-14-2003, 05:30 AM

Not sure that would really work. How is the body shop going to paint the area where the fender bolts to the car or apply undercoating? I think the only place you can save money is if you take off the damaged parts yourself.

Do you already have a good relationship with a bodyship? I am not sure that a good one will want to deal with a spray job only.

carrerajim · 07-14-2003, 06:01 AM

I would take the parts off myself. Had not thought about the undercoating and inside of the quarter. DAMN THAT DEAR!

carrerajim · 07-14-2003, 07:33 AM

bump.. for the east coast lunch group.

Alan Cottrill · Alan Cottrill's Garage

If there are no loss payees (loans) on the vehicle, the insurance company should write you a check based on estimates you obtain.

every city has a "very expensive" dealer body shop. usually a large GM dealer with a body shop. get an estimate from them because the claim adjuster is going to come in with a estimate on the other end of the spectrum. then negotiate from there.

If they mail you a check before you have agreed on a settlement, and it's not enough, don't cash it. call the adjuster and let him know the amount is not enough and you you want more money.

call your claims adjuster daily. get his cell number if you can. always keep your claim number with you. if he fails to return your calls in a reasonable amount of time call your agent tell him your adjusters name and your claim number. hint to the agent that the service is dissapointing and that you may have to look around if this is the type of service you get when you have a claim (throw the claims guy under the bus)

the only time you have to get the vehicle repaired is when there is a loan against the vehicle and the loss payee (bank) insists on having their collateral (your car) repaired.

you can take the money and do whatever you want. you don't even have to fix it.

when you get the dough, go around to reputable body shops. let them know your situation and ask if they'd be willing to work with you.

if you play it right you'll walk away with a properly repaired car and some cash in your pocket.

And we wonder why we pay so much for insurance!

SalazarS2K · 07-14-2003, 12:41 PM

Try calling Karosserie, they work on older Porsches and have a good reputation in the area. There are always nice cars parked outside with excellent work done.

Karosserie Limited
(703) 385-0035 3170 Draper Dr
Fairfax, VA

Good luck with the car.

Dan Owens · 07-14-2003, 01:54 PM

If you're close enough go to the WagonWorks on Jeff Davis Hwy in Alexandria/Arlington. You won't find a better shop and they will fix it right. If you have full coverage you'll hate yourself not to let it be fixed correctly by someone that knows what they are doing. They'll handle everything although they have a wait to get in to have work done.