Bummer!!! Rear ended on the freeway...
01-07-17, 08:42 AM
#31
Lexus Fanatic
There's a difference between it being functionally as good as new, and as valuable as before the accident happened. I fully believe it can be made as functionally good as new. Value is another matter, and thats what the diminished value claim is for.
01-07-17, 10:58 AM
#32
Former Sponsor
I also believe that it *could* be repaired to functionally as good as new also. But my opinion is, that it is not likely to be repaired at that level. Because most shops don't mind trying to hide things they think they can get away with in order to reduce costs / increase margin ... or because they just plain suck at what they do (or both).
I have been exposed to a lot of car dealerships, service departments and repair shops. And while there are ALWAYS exceptions, I have never met anyone working at those facilities that was a rocket scientist. A considerably high percentage have a rather shady background. Yet locally I have found a diamond in the rough. A shop owner near me would strike most people as just a condescending term for a Mexican. But in fact, he is from Ecuador, and is quite a smart problem solver who does his best to solve the actual problem while actively trying to save his customers money. And for that, he gets lots of repeat customers and word of mouth recommendations. So they're out there but in short supply. He did some really great work for me that other shops wouldn't even touch.
Good luck whichever route you take.
I have been exposed to a lot of car dealerships, service departments and repair shops. And while there are ALWAYS exceptions, I have never met anyone working at those facilities that was a rocket scientist. A considerably high percentage have a rather shady background. Yet locally I have found a diamond in the rough. A shop owner near me would strike most people as just a condescending term for a Mexican. But in fact, he is from Ecuador, and is quite a smart problem solver who does his best to solve the actual problem while actively trying to save his customers money. And for that, he gets lots of repeat customers and word of mouth recommendations. So they're out there but in short supply. He did some really great work for me that other shops wouldn't even touch.
Good luck whichever route you take.
01-07-17, 11:01 AM
#33
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the feedback. I have complete trust in the body shop based on our past dealings. They have been told it is to be done "right" not fast....
The replacement rental Camry is acceptable (agreed, not an LS460 but she has access to the LS430). Way better than the Sentra; no contest.
We will bring up the diminished value topic with the adjuster and see where that goes. Very early in the process (according to what everyone that have had similar experiences are telling us...).
She will be going to her GP doctor on Monday (tried to get in yesterday but no appointments) as advised by AAA using their claim process. She is okay but not that motivated to get behind a wheel for a while.
The LS460 did it's job and protected her as designed. If you have to "get hit" always best to be in a bigger vehicle designed to absorb that type of impact...... The MB ML350 took a beating as well (I don't believe his airbags deployed, either) but they took him to Kaiser as he was quite shaken up and it was not good to see him walking when they decided to take him.
Horrible process to go through but safety is a high priority versus other aspects of cars.....
The replacement rental Camry is acceptable (agreed, not an LS460 but she has access to the LS430). Way better than the Sentra; no contest.
We will bring up the diminished value topic with the adjuster and see where that goes. Very early in the process (according to what everyone that have had similar experiences are telling us...).
She will be going to her GP doctor on Monday (tried to get in yesterday but no appointments) as advised by AAA using their claim process. She is okay but not that motivated to get behind a wheel for a while.
The LS460 did it's job and protected her as designed. If you have to "get hit" always best to be in a bigger vehicle designed to absorb that type of impact...... The MB ML350 took a beating as well (I don't believe his airbags deployed, either) but they took him to Kaiser as he was quite shaken up and it was not good to see him walking when they decided to take him.
Horrible process to go through but safety is a high priority versus other aspects of cars.....
01-12-17, 07:21 PM
#35
Racer
Thread Starter
Wife got a call today and the car was looked at by the adjuster (on Monday) and the shop started to disassemble and order parts. $12K and counting.
01-12-17, 08:18 PM
#36
Lexus Fanatic
Sounds about right...
It'll be way more when its all done.
It'll be way more when its all done.
01-12-17, 09:45 PM
#37
I just went through a diminished value situation. My wife was rear ended on the highway in our 2015 4 Runner. I just dealt with their insurance co. When I brought up the diminished value subject to the Geico rep handling my claim she said certainly, I will transfer you to our diminished value department. They e-mailed me a form to sign. Geico, Country(my ins.) and my real good body shop all said they don't report to Carfax. It never showed up on there. Bottom line Geico only offered me $200 diminished value because the whole body shop bill was only $2,000. I asked for $500 and the rep folded in a second and sent me the check. Your case should pay way more because of your big repair cost. For your case It might be smart to use a diminished value recovery company to prepare your demand letter etc. for a couple hundred dollars. They should pay you at least 10% of the value of your car. That's a week in Kaui.
The following users liked this post:
Junglequac (01-13-17)
01-13-17, 01:57 AM
#38
Lead Lap
I just went through a diminished value situation. My wife was rear ended on the highway in our 2015 4 Runner. I just dealt with their insurance co. When I brought up the diminished value subject to the Geico rep handling my claim she said certainly, I will transfer you to our diminished value department. They e-mailed me a form to sign. Geico, Country(my ins.) and my real good body shop all said they don't report to Carfax. It never showed up on there. Bottom line Geico only offered me $200 diminished value because the whole body shop bill was only $2,000. I asked for $500 and the rep folded in a second and sent me the check. Your case should pay way more because of your big repair cost. For your case It might be smart to use a diminished value recovery company to prepare your demand letter etc. for a couple hundred dollars. They should pay you at least 10% of the value of your car. That's a week in Kaui.
02-14-17, 10:53 PM
#39
Racer
Thread Starter
Finally got the car back..... Little over a month.
The repair tally came in at just over $15K ...... All paid for by the tow truck insurance company.
All new OEM parts and the paint match is spot on.... Car looks and drives/rides like new......
Horrible process and distracting....
The repair tally came in at just over $15K ...... All paid for by the tow truck insurance company.
All new OEM parts and the paint match is spot on.... Car looks and drives/rides like new......
Horrible process and distracting....
02-14-17, 11:07 PM
#40
Pole Position
Congrats on getting the car back in fine condition! Was there any damage to the frame? Did they have to stretch the frame to make everything fit precisely again? Notwithstanding the trying process of getting your car fixed, everyone is thankful your wife was not injured. That's the most important thing. Good luck and be safe.
02-15-17, 06:19 AM
#41
Lexus Fanatic
Glad it's back and all is well!
