kabam
12-25-07, 01:43 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NJ
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kabam
wife got T-boned; (08 RX ; 2000 ,miles) )luckily on passenger side. $9000 damage; Insurance Co won't pay for frame alignment; Body shop says needed. I do not plan on selling this car , but what is downside for handling and safety?
Puddintane
Puddintane
12-25-07, 01:55 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Great your ok--Dude go up the chain with the insurance company because thats what they are for!! If the body shop says you need a frame alignment you need one. Without one your car will never track true and your alignment will always be off--not very good for you or the car...Make the insurance company fix it right.
The other guys insurance should be paying for it right?????
The other guys insurance should be paying for it right?????
12-25-07, 06:47 PM
#3
Moderator
Irrespective of who is at fault, the insurance company is supposed to provide repairs based on coverage and deductible. or even provide an alternative vehicle of same value.
Insurance will like to pay the minimum, so you should not be in a hurry. Since the insurance coverage in mandatory, there is a state agency which regulates them. You can always knock at their door when they give you the run around or when they do not live up to their promise. The insurance company is supposed to mail you a leaflet every year, stating your rights.
Please be careful signing documents .. even checks as there may be an agreement statement.
Glad there was no one got injured.
Salim
ps: With frame (with unibody the term may not apply ... lets just say 4 wheels do not sit the same way as they should) damage, I would prefer going to a body shop that has the proper equipment ... better still I would prefer replacement vehicle (just be aware that you can get a demo vehicle too).
Insurance will like to pay the minimum, so you should not be in a hurry. Since the insurance coverage in mandatory, there is a state agency which regulates them. You can always knock at their door when they give you the run around or when they do not live up to their promise. The insurance company is supposed to mail you a leaflet every year, stating your rights.
Please be careful signing documents .. even checks as there may be an agreement statement.
Glad there was no one got injured.
Salim
ps: With frame (with unibody the term may not apply ... lets just say 4 wheels do not sit the same way as they should) damage, I would prefer going to a body shop that has the proper equipment ... better still I would prefer replacement vehicle (just be aware that you can get a demo vehicle too).
Last edited by salimshah; 12-25-07 at 06:55 PM.
12-26-07, 10:35 AM
#5
I can't imagine a frame alignment being that much more, but with the amount that will be paid out, you said you didn't want to replace this vehicle, but if the insurance company has to fork out too much for a "repair" they may find it better to 'total loss' it and just pay you bluebook value, which for an '08 would be much more... but crazier things have happened with insurance companies in NJ.
12-26-07, 10:53 AM
#6
Moderator
Since the vehicle is soo new, totaling may be out of question. The post repair condition (value) should be of more concern.
The vehicle is put on a rack and pulled and twisted to bring it in spec. The tolerances are tight and the metal not very compliant.
Salim
The vehicle is put on a rack and pulled and twisted to bring it in spec. The tolerances are tight and the metal not very compliant.
Salim
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12-26-07, 01:47 PM
#9
Intermediate
12-26-07, 05:17 PM
#10
Lexus Connoisseur
Frame alignment is usually not warranted if the subframe or unibody was not touched.
Can you take pics of the damage? It's kinda hard to judge without seeing the damages directly.
Can you take pics of the damage? It's kinda hard to judge without seeing the damages directly.
12-27-07, 07:21 AM
#13
Why not read your policy and see if they are required to return your car to like new condition. I don't believe that any insurance company is allowed to "cherry pick", that is, choose which portions of their contract with you that they are going to enforce.
I can't imagine a car getting broad sided and not having the unibody structure checked for proper alignment. I don't think we have a frame (we have a unibody), do we? Therefore a frame alignment is a misnomer. Just thinking out loud.
I can't imagine a car getting broad sided and not having the unibody structure checked for proper alignment. I don't think we have a frame (we have a unibody), do we? Therefore a frame alignment is a misnomer. Just thinking out loud.
12-27-07, 04:29 PM
#15
$9000.00 damage isn't much; maybe the insurance company is balking because the car is not bent? For this price, damage could be in the realm of "fender bender". Did the air bags go off?