A piece of metal dislodged and struck the driver's side rear door. I received an estimate from Toyota/Lexus with their approved collision center for the repairs. It's going to cost $6500 to replace the door shell, and repair the gash on the door jam. Hoping there isn't further rust eating away beneath. Claim is open with T*$&@ insurance, the adjuster asked if I was going to pay first and then get reimbursed OR have them pay directly to the collision center once repairs are completed. Does it matter if I pay first?

 

Damn shame! I'd let the insurance company pay them directly so you don't have to wait around for them to reimburse you.

 

I second this statement. You don’t want to wait weeks or even months for $6500 to be returned to you.