Body Damage problems need advice!! PLEASE!!!

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Shamus O'Hire - 04 Sep 2004 03:36 GMT

We have an 2003 S-Type and we were rear ended on Wendsday. I have pics if
interested.
Anyway, we were not hit very hard and we were told by the body shop that
they are going to replace the trunk ( rear boot cover) trunk latck, badging
and crome, bumper, 2 backing up senors.

Not here is my question, They mentioned that they might want to replace the
rear body. What does this mean? Are they going to cut off the rear of the
car and weld on a new rear end? ( I know a crude explation)

I lived in California.

Any help would be great!!

Thanks in advance.

Shamus

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C B - 04 Sep 2004 05:34 GMT

Why don't you ask them?

> We have an 2003 S-Type and we were rear ended on Wendsday. I have pics if
> interested.
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Shamus

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T.G. Lambach - 05 Sep 2004 00:46 GMT

First look at the CA Insurance Code's automotive section (law) so you
know your rights vs. the insurance co. It's on-line.

You can choose the body shop that will repair the car; some ins. co's
have preferred shops whose bill they pay in full without negotiation.
Understand how payment will be made. A rental car should be provided by
the ins. co. while your car is in the shop or off the road. Don't
overlook that.

Do all the car's doors open and close as before? If not then the damage
extends into the unibody and the body must be pulled back to its
original dimensions. The car's body is then somewhat compromised, IMHO.

Choose a body shop that gives you confidence in their workmanship for
you're trusting them to do a good job. Tour their shop, ask questions.
What's their warranty? What's their adjustment period (for fit & finish
adjustments and rattle elimination)? They're done with you after that.

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Blake Dodson - 08 Sep 2004 18:01 GMT

> First look at the CA Insurance Code's automotive section (law) so you
> know your rights vs. the insurance co. It's on-line.
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> What's their warranty? What's their adjustment period (for fit & finish
> adjustments and rattle elimination)? They're done with you after that.

And don't forget to ask-
Will my title have a rebuild label?
Will my car suffer from diminished value?

In either case your resale value will plummet because there will be a
record of your car being in an accident.

Now about replacing the rear body: It sounds as if the impact bent the
rear unitbody downwards. What they are going to do is drill out all
of the spotwelds and replace the rear half of the car. A good shop can
make your car look like new, but you diminshed resale is going to
remain.

Personally I would demand that the insurance company total your car
and find you a replacement. You did not buy a wrecked car and why
should you have one now?

Regards,
B.D.

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