A question for auto body mechanics?
Question:
My 1990 Plymouth Sundance was recently in an accident and hit in the rear end. The car is still 100% safe and driveable, but quite a bit of damage was done to the point that the rear passenger doors are jammed shut. Basically, the entire rear 1/3 of the car needs to be replaced (both rear fenders, the rear bumper, bumper supports, and bumper cover, hatchback tailgate, right tail light, and the fuel filler neck need to be replaced, along with various other small associated parts.)
I assumed that my insurance company would total the car given it's 16yr. old age, but they decided to pay to fix it instead because it's only got 23,000 original miles and is in very good shape. They say it should cost about $2,300 to fix and I thought this amount was low considering all the damage done to the car. So, does this amount sound about right or do you think it will cost significantly more to fix?
Answer:
the amount is right because you can find most of theses parts at a salvage yard even the rear fenders and seeing that its not a popular car there a dime a dozen and your liky to find an insurance company to insure it so if there going to pay for it then do it no matter what the cost is
somehow that doesn't sound right, I would check a little further into that if I was you.
More like $5500.
YOU ARE RIGHT THEY WILL FIND MORE WRONG ONCE CAR IS TORN DOWN AND I THINK THEY WILL USE USED PARTS FOR REPAIRS NOT A BAD THING UNLESS THE BODYMAN DOES POOR WORK
From what you are describing your car has frame damage as well. If it was hit hard enough, you will also notice some damage to the roof. It may be just a small dent but it shows how far the damage has traveled. Sounds like vehicle needs to go to another shop or have a more experienced appraiser come out and look at the car. Just an FYI if it does has frame damage it is not 100% safe as is because it will not protect you as intended in another crash. Will need to be fixed properly first.
I think they would total it but if they said 2300.00 this is the amount the adjuster is probably going to give you to fix it because that was what you wanted .I say it would cost more than that unless you find a junk car with all the parts and a really cheep body man. more than likely they Will total it if it runs more money.
Does this include the labor co$t to have all these kin parts put back on your tin-Lissy.?
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