2000 Runner hit :( advice?

[JohnInPA]

Welp, my wife was slammed into by a dumb F150 driver who wasn't paying attention. Initial looks at the rear didn't look THAT bad but taking into account that the F150 had to be towed, I'm worried about the repairs. Two estimates have been done, one at $2864 (nice shop, good rep), other at $3461 (sloppy shop, decent rep according to State Farm.)

The second shop said there was the possibility of frame damage. The first also acknowledged that their $2864 est. could jump as soon as that rear bumper comes off. I need the 4Runner to last and I'm praying for a good repair and that the truck is back to normal when it's all good. I haven't driven it yet but my wife, who's not mechanically inclined at all, says it feels a little funny, almost like not all the wheels are planted like before. NOT GOOD! I have to test drive tonight. Pics are below. Anyone care to share any advice before I pick a shop and proceed with the fix? (There's front bumper damage that requires replacement too, not shown.)

 

[Rescue84]

Ouch... while I have absolutely nothing constructive to offer, I'm sorry to see that and I hope all goes well.
I too live in the Philly burbs and on that note, I've worked with two collision places in the area and they've both been excellent. Grand Sport Auto Body and 3D Collision Centers... they both have multiple locations in the area and I've heard nothing but good things about them. I hope all goes well for you.

 

[JohnInPA]

Thanks for the recommendation. I will take the truck to the Skippack shop this week, once the inclement weather peels off. They do work w/ State Farm which is a bonus. I think a 3rd estimate is prudent just because of the variance btw the two estimates i have right now.

Ouch... while I have absolutely nothing constructive to offer, I'm sorry to see that and I hope all goes well.
I too live in the Philly burbs and on that note, I've worked with two collision places in the area and they've both been excellent. Grand Sport Auto Body and 3D Collision Centers... they both have multiple locations in the area and I've heard nothing but good things about them. I hope all goes well for you.

 

[JohnInPA]

lol...nevermind. told the wife I was taking it to Skippack for one more and she's like "it had better not be Grand Sport Auto in Skippack on 73." This is where her brand new accord a couple years ago was taken and it was never the same. Took multiple paint jobs. They returned it to her originally w/ paint on the inside of the door panels, dried up paint runs. Wow. Of course, it had frame damage too. Ack. I hate bad drivers.

 

[gapboi210]

With the hitch mounted to the frame that means the frame took a hit too.

 

[tarheeltp17]

The way I look at it is take it to the nicest shop you know of because you aren't paying for it. You have the right to OEM parts and 110% repair. Make sure you get your foot in the door because these insurance companies will put cheap Taiwan parts on your car if they think they can get by with it.

When I had a minor bump up my insurance company was insisting to the body shop to put on Taiwan lights and bumper even AFTER I told them that I demanded OEM parts. Luckily I knew the owner of the body shop and he stood firm to making them pay for OEM parts. If I'm paying for the insurance I'm pretty sure I should be entitled to OEM. And since this isn't even your fault, you should definitely get OEM parts.

 

[97Limited4Me]

Frame damage in a hit like that is very likely.

Good news. Frames get damaged all the time! They are 100% repairable. Don't get your panties in a bunch over it.

Your only wasting your time getting more estimate. That car needs to be taken apart to see all the damage. No estimate you get will ever be 100% accurate before the car comes apart. Just pick a shop you feel comfortable with and let them deal with the insuance for the rest.

Something else to think about. If you choose a shop recommended by your insurance company, chances are they will warranty the work for as long as you own the vehicle in addition to the shops warranty. Might want to consider that.

 

[97Limited4Me]

The way I look at it is take it to the nicest shop you know of because you aren't paying for it. You have the right to OEM parts and 110% repair. Make sure you get your foot in the door because these insurance companies will put cheap Taiwan parts on your car if they think they can get by with it.

When I had a minor bump up my insurance company was insisting to the body shop to put on Taiwan lights and bumper even AFTER I told them that I demanded OEM parts. Luckily I knew the owner of the body shop and he stood firm to making them pay for OEM parts. If I'm paying for the insurance I'm pretty sure I should be entitled to OEM. And since this isn't even your fault, you should definitely get OEM parts.

Yeah, well I have to be honest here. I worked for a very large insurance company as a damage estimator for 1.5 years. Unless your policy has an endorsement for OEM parts usage only, you are most likely going to get aftermarket parts... No matter how much you complain.

People used to complain to me all the time about aftermarket parts usage. Hell, I understood their concerns (When my 4Runner got rear ended, I paid out of pocket for the differences between aftermarket and OEM). But unless they wanted to pay the difference, too bad. You have no right to OEM parts unless your policy specifically states it. Even if you are the claimant.

And don't kill the messenger (me). Every insurance company I know of works this way. Generally, the only way you will get OEM is if:

1. Car is new (Generally less than 1 year or 12k miles)
2. There is no aftermarket part available
3. THe aftermarket part was ordered but did not fit correctly.

 

[Rescue84]

lol...nevermind. told the wife I was taking it to Skippack for one more and she's like "it had better not be Grand Sport Auto in Skippack on 73." This is where her brand new accord a couple years ago was taken and it was never the same. Took multiple paint jobs. They returned it to her originally w/ paint on the inside of the door panels, dried up paint runs. Wow. Of course, it had frame damage too. Ack. I hate bad drivers.

Hmm... that's no good. If you're willing to risk my advice again there's a 3D in Spring City. I should add my personal experience with Grand Sport was only for glass, but two friends of mine have had body work done there... :bash:

 

[gapboi210]

3. THe aftermarket part was ordered but did not fit correctly.

I help out at my buddys shop and sometimes when this is the case, insurance will say "well make it fit!"

 

[tomhaney1]

Yeah, well I have to be honest here. I worked for a very large insurance company as a damage estimator for 1.5 years. Unless your policy has an endorsement for OEM parts usage only, you are most likely going to get aftermarket parts... No matter how much you complain.

People used to complain to me all the time about aftermarket parts usage. Hell, I understood their concerns (When my 4Runner got rear ended, I paid out of pocket for the differences between aftermarket and OEM). But unless they wanted to pay the difference, too bad. You have no right to OEM parts unless your policy specifically states it. Even if you are the claimant.

And don't kill the messenger (me). Every insurance company I know of works this way. Generally, the only way you will get OEM is if:

1. Car is new (Generally less than 1 year or 12k miles)
2. There is no aftermarket part available
3. THe aftermarket part was ordered but did not fit correctly.

Mine (USAA) does 48 months or I can fight them if the vehicle is in exceptional shape. I guess you have no right to original parts, but then again you have the right to your neck starting to hurt really bad... I would fight it with all I have- it is their fault and their responsibility to make things right. There are no "accidents" in terms of automobiles, just someone too lazy to be on top of things.

 

[gapboi210]

I work for USAA lol.

 

[tomhaney1]

I work for USAA lol.

That's funny...I bet you hear it all!!

 

[gapboi210]

I work for the financial side.

 

[peter78]

Yeah, well I have to be honest here. I worked for a very large insurance company as a damage estimator for 1.5 years. Unless your policy has an endorsement for OEM parts usage only, you are most likely going to get aftermarket parts... No matter how much you complain.

People used to complain to me all the time about aftermarket parts usage. Hell, I understood their concerns (When my 4Runner got rear ended, I paid out of pocket for the differences between aftermarket and OEM). But unless they wanted to pay the difference, too bad. You have no right to OEM parts unless your policy specifically states it. Even if you are the claimant.

And don't kill the messenger (me). Every insurance company I know of works this way. Generally, the only way you will get OEM is if:

1. Car is new (Generally less than 1 year or 12k miles)
2. There is no aftermarket part available
3. THe aftermarket part was ordered but did not fit correctly.

I have had a few wrecks over the years, aways someone elses fault and they will never pay for OEM. On one they guaranted the parts, but when I complained about the fit, they stop taking my calls. After that I did what you said, I pay the difference for OEM parts. The shop likes it better too, since they fit better they are easier to work with and make the repair quicker. So, when I get hit by some A hole, I figure I will be out a few bucks for his mistake.

 

[tarheeltp17]

apparantly I have that on my plan then...

Thats a big scam though, I think if you pay for insurance to cover your ass in a wreck, you should be entitled to having your car repaired 110%. Even more if it wasn't your fault... why should your car be given crappy aftermarket junk that doesn't fit well if it wasn't even your fault?

If i'm ever hit and they deny me the right to get the damaged parts with original OEM, I'll be in on my way to fill out a lawsuit.

 

[gapboi210]

i wouldn't worry about it too much. Doesn't look there is much to be replaces besides the bumper. Anyways it has to look good so it not like they can fix it with aftermarket and get it back to you with dangling tailights and dragging bumper. Aftermarket has come a long way and most of it is CAPA certified. Just don't settle for it looking bad.

 

[tomhaney1]

apparantly I have that on my plan then...

Thats a big scam though, I think if you pay for insurance to cover your ass in a wreck, you should be entitled to having your car repaired 110%. Even more if it wasn't your fault... why should your car be given crappy aftermarket junk that doesn't fit well if it wasn't even your fault?

If i'm ever hit and they deny me the right to get the damaged parts with original OEM, I'll be in on my way to fill out a lawsuit.

I AGREE!!

 

[peter78]

If i'm ever hit and they deny me the right to get the damaged parts with original OEM, I'll be in on my way to fill out a lawsuit.

Huh??? Appartenly you have never been in a wreck. I am sure different states are different, but what "97Limited4Me" is basically correct. Does it suck, sure it does. The insurance company will say the after market parts have gotten better and they will say you will be satisfied with the part. Consumer Reports did a big article about it. Bottom line, Insurance compaines gets the laws changed to back them up and they have lots of lawyers.

Sorry to get off subject, I am real sorry about your 4Runner. To me it looks like it can be repaired. Hopefully the frame will be in good shape, the shop will know when they look at the truck.

 

[tarheeltp17]

I just don't see how they can throw some cheap aftermarket part on your car when it wasn't your fault, and even when you pay for your insurance you are paying to insure you car, not make it a cheap aftermarket rip-off if you have an accident.