The exterior-only, visual inspection showed $2800 in damage, but the inspector said it would probably show more when they started pulling parts off. On the way home from work today, since I pass right by the shop, I decided to stop in and see the car. It was already in the bay. I had a long time to look at it and take pics. I didn't know much of what I was looking at, but they had highlighted what they were concerned about, and even I could see dents in the back panel and an actual split in the metal behind the passenger side taillight, stress mark at the window edge above the gas cap, and what looked like just scratches on the frame in the back but I guess are worse since they were highlighted and the guy told me he wasn't sure they could pull that out.

I got a mixed message because the bad news was BAD -- the guy said they might not be able to fix the passenger side quarter panel; they might have to CUT IT OUT and replace it (!?!?) and same with that part of the frame, not sure it'll pull out -- but he also promised me they'll get it right (and other forum members have used this guy with wonderful results), he said it is NOT totalled, and that it's actually one of their easier jobs compared to a lot of stuff they see there.

But still... and and god help me living with my HHR (aka Mooooo!)


On the upside, when they're done they're going to install my side skirts and fog kit, so my car will actually be coming back to me better than when she left

 

glad to hear it's going to get fixed!

 

That's good it's not totaled. I know when mine got fixed it was around 4500 for just the passenger doors/rocker panel. So I know what you are going through, but in time it will all be better once your back in your baby. I'm gonna send you a vid soon, hope you like.

 

Gonna try to recover cost of diminished value, too.

https://www.rx8club.com/lounge-4/insurance-claim-diminished-value-after-being-hit-198398/

 

The shop told you its not totalled even with the newly discovered damage, but has the insurance looked it again?

 

Not yet, this was just discovered late Friday then everything shut down for the weekend.

 

That's a good thought and worth checking out (sounds like you're on top of it already though) because obviously the shop doesn't want to have the car totaled - they don't want to lose the business. Insurance might have a different perspective, given the new damage.

Good luck getting your car fixed, good you have a member recommended shop.

 

Yeah, I dont want to make you lose faith Steno, but as Myriad said the shop is in it for the business no matter how good they come across to you. They will try to milk your insurance for good money.

Usually if the frame damage is significant enough or in a certain way the insurance company will immediately total it.

 

All of a sudden I'm having trouble getting more info. The adjuster was a real biotch today when I finally got her on the phone. She said they approved another $3300 in repairs and cut the check already, but she couldn't say if anyone went to see the car again or if that's just based on a call from the collision shop.

It'll be two weeks tomorrow and not a single repair done yet

 

to lighten the mood i'm going to post the video that this thread keeps making me think of

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB92Dm6OLnk

 

"oww, my back really has been hurting, I'm going to see a doctor tomorrow"

:D

 

O gawd, can't wait to see that video... but I better not watch it at work. lol

 

as long as the sound isnt really high you should be ok

 

Um, yeah, good thing I didn't watch that at my job at the COURTHOUSE. lol And, yeah, after I wrote the thread title I knew I should've changed it. I'm impressed at how everyone's pretty much kept on topic with that title out there.

 

Three weeks, three days, and still counting... the final count came to $7700. They're replacing the rails, which means replacing the FLOOR for petes sake They started some of the patching and sanding on the driver's side, and the back window was even out last time I stopped in to visit. I can't believe how much damage was done.

So, considering the fact that YES, my neck really does hurt, every day now, and I'm going to get stuck with paying for the rental car for the days I go over 30, and now they're refusing the diminished value claim, I'm going to take Shelldude's and other's advice and get a lawyer. Since I'm tripping over them all day at work, it shouldn't be too hard to find one.

 

hey beth, I'm glad to see the car is coming along.