Question for those of you who had accidents and body work done...
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 553
From: Texas
Question for those of you who had accidents and body work done...
So I was hit by a beverage delivery truck last Thursday (refer to this link for pics) and today their companies insurance company came by today to give me an estimate.
Their estimate includes the replacement of my drivers side/front fender and my 1 wheel. It appears they want to use a "Quality Replacement Parts" from a company called Keystone in Lubbock, TX and they want to replace my 18" polished aluminum wheel with a "reconditioned" version from Wheels America.
I'm guesing most repairs are actually done with these types of parts. Anyone have any problems with these parts? Or have you harrassed the insurance company to use only new Ford parts?
Their estimate includes the replacement of my drivers side/front fender and my 1 wheel. It appears they want to use a "Quality Replacement Parts" from a company called Keystone in Lubbock, TX and they want to replace my 18" polished aluminum wheel with a "reconditioned" version from Wheels America.
I'm guesing most repairs are actually done with these types of parts. Anyone have any problems with these parts? Or have you harrassed the insurance company to use only new Ford parts?
S197 Section Modder-ator
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 13,373
From: Orlando FL
Yeah, sadly the law allows them to use aftermarket parts (Keystone) and reconditioned facilities for wheels.
Or even used parts (Quality recycled parts)when available.
On a car of less than 2 years old (your case), you have grounds to bitch and ask for OEM parts.
On your fender, the inside edge under the hood is kinda gross compared to the Ford fender and it doesn't carry the oval logo.
Most people don't care but you can tell right away, that you have an aftermarket fender when you open the hood.
For what it's worth, the fit is good...
Or even used parts (Quality recycled parts)when available.
On a car of less than 2 years old (your case), you have grounds to bitch and ask for OEM parts.
On your fender, the inside edge under the hood is kinda gross compared to the Ford fender and it doesn't carry the oval logo.
Most people don't care but you can tell right away, that you have an aftermarket fender when you open the hood.
For what it's worth, the fit is good...
5th Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,211
From: Hawaii
they are at fault
you do not have to use their #'s...especially as the $$$ can go up significantly when the car starts getting torn into
I was rear-ended back in February. State Farm tried to buy me off for $1,500. I took the SUV to a reputeable shop my insurance (USAA) recommended.
all said and done, it was $3,000+ for repairs.
you do not have to use their #'s...especially as the $$$ can go up significantly when the car starts getting torn into
I was rear-ended back in February. State Farm tried to buy me off for $1,500. I took the SUV to a reputeable shop my insurance (USAA) recommended.
all said and done, it was $3,000+ for repairs.
DO NOT SETTLE FOR A SETTLEMENT. TAKE YOUR CAR TO A BODY SHOP. The Company who hit you can pay for the repairs. If you accept their deal...you are screwed over if it costs you any more money.
If nothing else, make a claim using your Insurance Company, and then sic' them onto the other company. It sucks, but if you just lay down and take it, your car won't get fixed properly.
If nothing else, make a claim using your Insurance Company, and then sic' them onto the other company. It sucks, but if you just lay down and take it, your car won't get fixed properly.
also, I would raise a stink about the depreciation your vehicle will undergo due to this accident.
especially since you are not at fault.
A Carfax will show the accident, and your value will drop accordingly. many insurance companies have provisions to re-imburse for the value drop
especially since you are not at fault.
A Carfax will show the accident, and your value will drop accordingly. many insurance companies have provisions to re-imburse for the value drop
4th Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,636
From: Henry County, Georgia
I was rear ended a while back aswell and the insurance company wanted to put a reconditioned bumper on. I just paid the difference of $150 or so and got a GT/CS bumper put on. Id try to take advantage of the insurance money and look at some after market fenders or if your really worried about it and they wont budge, just pay the difference and have the oem ones put on
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 586
From: Fort Worth Texas
I have been rear ended twice now, both times i told the other insurance that I wanted the car repaired at the dealer ship where I bought the car. I never had an argument from them. If you let them they will try to get away as cheap as they can, stand your ground. And do not sign anything until you are 100% satisfied.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 553
From: Texas
I did take it to the dealership. As far as the damaged wheel goes, they actually do the same thing (Wheel America) and have the wheel either repaired for between $127 and $155 (depending on who's estimate you go by) or replace it with one that has been repaired if mine is not repairable. For the heck of it, I inquired about replacing it with a new wheel and I was a bit suprised. If i recall what their estimate said, I believe, a new polished aluminum 18" wheel was about $755.
As far as the fender goes, The difference is about $60 between the cheaper aftermarket version vs the ford oem part.
I learned from both insurance companies (I have Travelers and they have Nationwide) that if the car is less than 2 years old, then they are required to use oem parts. I also let them know how I felt about the depreciation. This being the case, I think I still have an argument with them since the accident happened on 10/1/9 and it was manufactured in 10/2007. I just have to contact the dealership (hopefully that is all it takes) to get the actual date in October. I'm certainly not done with them.
As far as the fender goes, The difference is about $60 between the cheaper aftermarket version vs the ford oem part.
I learned from both insurance companies (I have Travelers and they have Nationwide) that if the car is less than 2 years old, then they are required to use oem parts. I also let them know how I felt about the depreciation. This being the case, I think I still have an argument with them since the accident happened on 10/1/9 and it was manufactured in 10/2007. I just have to contact the dealership (hopefully that is all it takes) to get the actual date in October. I'm certainly not done with them.
Last edited by Murphdog; Oct 10, 2009 at 09:52 PM.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 763
From: Pa
I was in an accident and the insurance company went thru 7 (and thats not a typo, 7 as in seven) reconditioned rims trying to get 2 good ones. If the accident wasn't your fault, stick to your guns and tell them "OE parts, or you can discuss this with my lawyer." 9 times out of 10, your insurance will relay this message to the tool who hit ya, and you won't hafta ask twice.