Caught in accident, any suggestions?

[KodeRush]

Caught in an accident, any suggestions?

I was caught in a multi-vehicle collision a few days ago on my way to work. A Honda Civic two lanes away from me was hit by a semi and slid into my lane, hit the barrier and stopped. I couldn't avoid it:redbrick: and got rear-ended by a Honda Odyssey. The collision was on 100km/h city highway, luckily, no one was physically hurt.

My 2011 4Runner was hit pretty badly, especially in the back. The tail gate still opens and locks, but was pushed in. Half of the rear bumper was gone, and strangely, the exhaust pipe got a 2cm size hole on top of it's end. I confirmed with the police officer that I had ZERO fault, so next thing is to deal with the adjuster.

Talked to an adjuster yesterday, and she asked me to get the 4Runner to some generic all-brand body shops on her list(I had my 4Runner towed to my dealership's collision centre), and said may use some after market parts. This makes absolutely NO sense to me:rant:. I'm the owner and I don't need the insurance company to decide how to fix it. I may also lose the warranty if it's fixed by some random body shops.

Anyways, do you guys have any suggestions on how to deal with the adjuster and anything I should pay attention when getting the 4Runner repaired?

Thanks in advance!








The Odyssey hit me. Air bag fired off.

 

[El Diablo 82]

Glad to hear everyone is ok. My two cents is to not trust your truck at a no name body shop. Go where you are comfortable.

If its a leased vehicle you may not have a choice on where to take it. If you bought it and as you indicate you are not at fault take it where you want and let their insurance cover the bill.

As far as things to look out for I would make sure the frame isn't tweaked, have them confirm all suspension components are in the correct spec and do that bumper to bumper. Also when it is all said and done pay very close attention to new rattles, ride quality etc for your first few hundred miles. Anything doesn't seem right take it back.

Of course this might be a good time to replace any impacted items with aftermarket parts. New lift, nice rear bumper, winch bumper up front to ensure your safety from future incidents. : )

I am betting there are more knowledgable people then me on here that can add more. I am just passing a long stuff I have heard from a friend who works for an Insurance company.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

You were not at fault. So without being rude I would start by taking back control of the situation.

If you want to take your vehicle to a specific bodyshop that you have a realtionship with, or one that is located at a Toyota dealership explain that. If the rates are standard with other shops in the area you shouldn't have any problems.

Second have the shop check the frame very well. Based on the angle you were hit, you could very well have some frame damage. If the shop feels it can be fixed move on to the next step, if the shop doesn't... totaled.

Third I would explain that you want Toyota parts, both to the bodyshop and the adjustor. The insurance company is going to look for any way it can to save money, before you were hit you had Toyota parts, it should be the same after repairs.

Finally I would also discuss compensation for the devaluation your vehicle now has since it has an accident on it's record. No matter how good the repair is, you will not get the same money in private sale or trade that you would have before the accident, and you should be compensated for that fact.

Good luck! Keep in mind throughout this that you didn't do anything wrong, and subesequently shouldn't end up worse off than you were before.

 

[Antman]

Sorry to hear about your accident, but at least you are ok!

I'm not an insurance expert but I'm pretty sure you an decide where you would like to have it repaired. At least that's the way my insurance works.

BTW, the hole in your tailpipe- looks like the exhaust was pushed up into the rear bodymount bolt during the collision causing the hole. That was quite an impact! Make sure they inspect the entire exhaust system for bends or cracks.

Good luck.

 

[ZJumper]

Who is your insurance though?

Is the adjuster from your insurance co or from another (the at fault) insurance company?

I'm not in insurance (wife is an agent with State Farm) and have heard many, and also experienced a less than desirable experience when dealing with the "other" insurance company. I'm not an adjuster, but have worked with and learned some things from a few good ones.

It doesn't take much damage to made a collision very expensive. I had an 06 Jetta TDI that I hit a chunk of semi truck tire with...didn't look bad at all. It was the underlying damage to the components that made something really simple add up to around $3500.

Damage on your limited looks pretty extensive because it's the front and the back. Probably not enough to total it, but who knows once all the pieces and parts, labor, paint, rental car, diminished value etc. start to add up.

At a minimum you're looking at on the rear:
1. Rear lift gate and potentially the surrounding structure it mates to
a. Any damage to the trim pieces on the inside of the gate?
b. Any damage to the sill plate inside?
c. Rear liftgate speaker?
2. Rear bumper and underlying bumper support
3. Right rear frame area may be tweaked/bent
4. New exhaust tailpipe. Looks like it was bent up into the rear body mount. This could translate into more damage upstream in the exhaust...cracks bends, tweaks etc. Also may be damage/tweak to the body mount
5. Looks like the rear hitch took the brunt of some damage. It may be tweaked.
6. Metal structure under rear taillight is damaged
7. Taillight clear section appears to be cracked or is it just the lighting?

At a minimum you're looking at on the front:
1. Left front fender
2. Front bumper plastic
3. Grille
4. Lower spoiler area
5. Left front fog light housing
6. Hard to tell in the pic but the left front headlight could have scratches etc.
7. Hood lip looks like it has slight damage. Probably cheaper to replace than try to fix.
8. How's the AC condenser in the front?
9. Radiator core support could be and probably is tweaked.
10. Front end alignment needed.

First off, your insurance company--especially true if working with the other insurance co-- is going to try and steer you to one of their cheaper places or "preferred provider." You don't have to use them for the repair.

I'd recommend getting a few estimates and quotes (3 is better) from different body shops.

1. Have them show in writing anything and everything that is damaged. If you can, be there for the writeup so you can point out things you see also.
2. Have them show in writing how long it's going to take to receive parts. Insist on OEM replacment parts.
3. Have them show in writing how long the repair will take once all parts are received.
4. Take this information of estimate and all the expenses you will incur to your insurance company. Don't work with the other company as they will likely try to get it over and done with as quickly as possible. Let your insurance company pay for the repair or total and go after the other company for reimbursment. You'll get it done quicker this way.

Edit: I failed to realize you're located in Canada. I don't know how Canadian insurance rules differ from those in the US. As with any insurance claim, insurance is responsible to putting you back in pre accident condition no matter what.

 

[GMZ]

This just happened to me and I found it much easier to go through my insurance company. It was the other guys fault so my rates didn't go up.

Absolutely insist on taking it to a Toyota body shop and OEM components. Do not settle for less.

 

[TN_4runner]

Good nobody was hurt...that runner is filthy man, you need to wash that 1st thing..ha just kidding

Shouldn't the insurance of the other vehicle at fault be covering your damage? If not you should be going through them not yours.

From my experience when I had damage that was not my fault, the "other" insurance company requested 3 quotes from 3 different repair shops of my choice. I wasn't trying to be a a$$ or anything but I went to good repair shops for estimates, the ones using OEM parts. Basically the insurance was going to choose the cheaper of the 3 estimates so why not get my factory parts back, and good quality work of course.

If you are dealing with the "other" insurance and they're giving you the run around, I would get you insurance involved and then see what happens :whipping2

 

[KodeRush]

Thank you guys very much for the prompt help! Especially ZJumper for such a detailed check list.:thumb3: You guys make me feel much more confident in dealing with the adjuster.

A couple of things regarding to some questions:
- The guy rear-ended me is with the same insurance company as me, it's TD Insurance(Meloche Monnex). So basically, "their" insurance company is mine:redbrick:
- The Civic I hit should take most of the responsibility and that's insured by another company. My adjuster said she will contact them for the front fix.
- I own this vehicle, it's not leased.
- The vehicle was towed immediately from the scene so I didn't have a chance to inspect thoroughly.

I will stick to the collision centre I feel comfortable with. I was thinking of upgrading bumper and stuff too, but I'm afraid it'll make things more complicated. I just want my runner back!

Will keep you guys posted. Thanks again.

 

[dadigab]

Use a Body shop you can trust or recommended by many. I have worked in dealer body shops, that doesn't make them better just more familiar with Toyota makes and models. I have seen major problems with inexperienced techs repairing vehicles. One that sticks out was a full sized SUV with quarter panel replaced. After repair vehicle was driven across field and welds just started popping apart. Owner said sounded like pop corn popping. A good weld is stronger than medal being welded almost always. If this vehicle was involved in second collision without noticing problems could have most certainly been a fatality. Look for things like I-CAR certified or ASE certified these are American certifications but Canada has the same or similar certifications I'm sure.

Get your insurance agent involved to resolve aftermarket parts issue. They did not crash aftermarket parts so don't except them. Many are not as safe (Hoods) nor perform like OEM (lights). They definitively do not fit like OEM. The only thing aftermarket I would except would be a winch bumper or things of the like.

Good luck with repairs, remember if you don't like the work don't except it. Again get your agent to go to bat for you if needed.
If you want after market bumpers talk with body shop not insurance company and pay any cost differences and should not be a problem.

 

[homeyclaus]

OP, glad you're alright.

I would ask the adjuster whom he is representing. Even the fact that two of three participants here were insured by the same company should not matter. In their account, there are three policies involved.

You have paid the insurance to:
- represent your interests if you're the injured party
- repair damage as specified in your policy, 'good as new'
- extend credit to your policy for repair costs until such costs can be recovered from the at-fault party/parties

Your policy charges repairs against the at-fault policies - even internally that's how accounting handles it. Even in single-insurer provinces like BC, where everyone's base policy is from one provider, the adjusters at least make you feel like they're on your side if you're the party not at fault, and don't seem to mind racking up costs against someone elses' policy in that case.

 

[Foques]

Dunno about the Canada, but in US you get to take your car to any shop you desire to take it to.
However, I did have cheap coverages which would specify which shop I must take my car to.

 

[scanny]

I would insist to take vehicle to shop of my choice. Personally I would take it to the dealer since a dealer presumable is qualified to fully check damage and replace with proper parts. especially is your truck is still under warranty. Most dealerships are certified by insurance company, I dealt with TD (Primmum) once in the past, they didn't have any problem with any bodyshop as soon as it not a questionable business they never heard of.

 

[d_clark]

Bet if you read your policy, it states that replacement parts can be used, or non-oem parts.

See if you can force the issue, that the other policy should replace with OEM parts. Might be a losing battle.

 

[Ukie]

Bet if you read your policy, it states that replacement parts can be used, or non-oem parts.

That's how majority of insurance polices are written up in the US. With my insurance I can buy ACE, Added Coverage Endorsement which pays for OEM parts when replacement parts are required due to a covered accident.

Considering how high Canadian auto insurance premium is, you have to look through your policy to find out what it covers.

See if you can force the issue, that the other policy should replace with OEM parts.

That's a way to go! Force them to use OEM parts!

 

[dadigab]

I would insist to take vehicle to shop of my choice. Personally I would take it to the dealer since a dealer presumable is qualified to fully check damage and replace with proper parts. especially is your truck is still under warranty. Most dealerships are certified by insurance company, I dealt with TD (Primmum) once in the past, they didn't have any problem with any bodyshop as soon as it not a questionable business they never heard of.

Ever seen an insurance company certify a shop? Requirements are; internet access, frame straightening equipment, frame measuring equipment and a paint booth and shop estimator must take 20 min online course on how to write estimates to insurance co. standards. Our shop was certified in 15 mins. Funny thing is that how long it takes to get their quote too. It doesn't affect warranties in most cases. reliable shops are what is most important!

 

[westwind77]

Glad everyone was fine...but this is why I miss vehicles like my 90' Bronco with REAL bumpers that extend the full width of the vehicle!

*Not my old one, just a grab from the net.

 

[Intruder]

Thank you guys very much for the prompt help! Especially ZJumper for such a detailed check list.:thumb3: You guys make me feel much more confident in dealing with the adjuster.

A couple of things regarding to some questions:
- The guy rear-ended me is with the same insurance company as me, it's TD Insurance(Meloche Monnex). So basically, "their" insurance company is mine:redbrick:
- The Civic I hit should take most of the responsibility and that's insured by another company. My adjuster said she will contact them for the front fix.
- I own this vehicle, it's not leased.
- The vehicle was towed immediately from the scene so I didn't have a chance to inspect thoroughly.

I will stick to the collision centre I feel comfortable with. I was thinking of upgrading bumper and stuff too, but I'm afraid it'll make things more complicated. I just want my runner back!

Will keep you guys posted. Thanks again.

Ugh, I'm guessing that's Deerfoot? I avoid it as much as possibly at this time of year for exactly that reason. Not a rush hour goes by without some multi-vehicle accident on it.

So here's the thing. The Civic is probably going to be responsible for your front end damage. The Oddyssey is going to be responsible for your rear end damage because he was following you too closely and didn't leave enough room to stop in an emergency such as this. That's why your insurance company is trying to cheap out on your repairs. Fight them on it tooth and nail like others have said.

As for the Toyota collision centre, it looks like you've got a Country Hills sticker on your truck so I'm guessing that's where it is. In all honesty, I haven't heard anything good about that place, but it's your choice. If you want a bumper or anything else, talk to the body shop manager about it and not your insurance company.

 

[ZJumper]

The Civic is probably going to be responsible for your front end damage. The Oddyssey is going to be responsible for your rear end damage because he was following you too closely and didn't leave enough room to stop in an emergency such as this. That's why your insurance company is trying to cheap out on your repairs. Fight them on it tooth and nail like others have said.

That sucks...one insurance for the front and one for the back, uhhhgg.

Speaking from past experience, here's what I would do. Also conferred with the insurance agent/wife on this one and she is in agreement.

-Get the 3 estimates

-Go with the body shop you feel most confident in. Ask questions...a lot of them. Find out who is going to be the lead guy repairing your truck. See if you can get the manager to steer the most experienced or the best guy to your vehicle. Talk with the guy he recommends. BS with said guy for a while. Find out what the repair guy likes to drink/eat. Be discreet about it. I've learned a 12 pack/bottle/restaraunt gift card "pre thanks" to a guy doing work on your ride gets way better service on just about everything car/boat/motorcycle related. Ask to see some of the stuff they have recently fixed. Look for a car in the shop that is complete and ready for pickup. Ask to see the collision photos (they wil have them on file) and ask if you can take a look at the car. A good shop will be more than happy to show you all the things that were jacked up, what they fixed, where they painted etc. A good repair wil be seamless and very hard to identify. One of the easiest things to ID if it's a crappy repair is overspray or trim, door gaskets, wheel wells, etc.

-Don't think that just because they are a "dealer repair shop" that they're going to be the best. I got T-Boned in my 06 Jetta. I wanted it done "right" so I insisted on the dealer body shop doing it. WRONG ANSWER. Long story short, just about everything they did was shoddy. I was excited to have the hoopty back, signed for the car and took off. in about 5 minutes I found out everything was crap. Bad gaps, trim pieces not lined up right, leaking water, leaking air, doors not closing right., rattles...nightmare. I returned the car back to the body shopt. It was in and out of the shop from Feb until May trying to get things straightened out. It never was right after that hit. When I smacked the semi tire, the car was fixed properly the first time and in 3 days as it was done at a State Farm preferred shop. Much better result. Anyway, back on subject. Talk with and select who you think is better.

-If they decide to repair it, DO NOT take possession of the car unti it's 100% right. Once you sign for it the body shop is on their way to getting their final check. If you come back, they aren't going to be as apt to help you out as now they're working on their dime. Again, do not sign until you're satisfied. Keep your rental car...go and inspect. If you find something wrong, let the shop manager know verbally. Also send him an e-mail and cc your insurance company and walk away. After it's fixed again, same thing. Inspect...if you find something wrong, notify verbally/writing and walk. Don't inspect and try to find everything all at once as this isn't your job...aka don't try to help the body shop fix their incompetence if they have any. If you have a digital camera, take pics and attach them to the email. Check all the rubber to metal seals. A good trick is to use a $1 bill or a $100 if you're rich. Stick the bill against the area metal or rubber that is going to contact metal or rubber. Watch your fingers. Close the door. That bill should not pull out easily anywhere it's properly sealed. A poor seal will be identified when you pull out the bill with minimal or no resistance. I know it gets dark early up there is Canada these days, but try to inspect during a bright sunny day so any variation/blemish/error in the paint etc will stand out.

-Diminished value. With the advent of CarFax and all the other sites out there like this, a hit like this on your car will probably show up on a report. Regardless if the hit was minor and the repair was 100%, everyone knows the vehicle is going to be worth less. Example: Value of a never been wrecked car vs CarFax "hey this car has been in a wreck" before value at trade in or private sale. The virgin car will always be worth more money. You can be compensated for the diminished value your car now has.

-Your insurance company/the other company isn't going to let you know about this, but it's out there. The insurance company (yours and/or theirs) will try and tell you there isn't such a thing. It only applies to salvage vehicles. They don't do that. Blah blah blah. Yes, they do. Don't rely on the insurance departments figure, as it will ALWAYS be lower. Do some research on your own. Go to (best option) and or call as many Toyota dealers as well as independent car dealers as you can stand. Get your VIN. Ask for top dollar trade in/retail value of your truck and get it in writing. Also ask for top dollar/trade in value of your repaired vehicle and get it in writing. The difference between the two figures is your approximate diminished value. I did this with my VW. Insurance (other company) offered me around $700 --I declined. I then gave them all the paperwork and staked my claim of an average of $4000 diminished value. This figure was an accurate average of the pre/post collision value of the car I had. After it was all said and done, because of the extensive documentation, they offered $2500. I said No again. They then threatened to retract the offer entirely. I threatened a lawyer. They became more enlightened and offered $4000 which I took.

That is all for tonights tidbits in insurance.

 

[simonj]

I live in Canada - while provincial insurance rules vary, at a minimum, you absolutely have the right to take it to whatever body shop you want.....no question.

If you want to guarantee OEM parts, why not take it to the Toyota dealer collision shop?

 

[Boaz]

This just happened to me and I found it much easier to go through my insurance company. It was the other guys fault so my rates didn't go up.

Absolutely insist on taking it to a Toyota body shop and OEM components. Do not settle for less.

This. I used my uninsured motorist coverage last year for this same reason. Using my insurance company keeps "the ball in my court" so to speak. It sucks to deal with this stuff. My wife got rear ended twice in our 2004 4Runner years ago, and both times I was nervous about how the lift gate would be repaired. Both times it worked flawlessly and looked better than factory.