T-boned, $9K in damage, some questions (making sure repairs are good)

[donmontalvo]

I got t-boned on the right side a few days ago. The the other car was very light, so pretty much bounced off my Jeep.

The damage I sustained appears to be the front/rear right tires (the car rotated and its left side slammed into the right side of my Jeep), the door is bent out of shape, the front and rear quarter panels are banged up.

Luckily I have all my mods insured:

Stereo ($1,000) <-- just in case it is stolen​

Lift kit ($1,500)​

Wheel kit ($1500)​

Skid plates ($1,500)​

Front Bump ($500)​

Rear Bump ($1000)​

Winch ($250)​

Rock slider ($300)​

The Insurance Adjuster let me know up front, he's only eye-balling things to provide an estimate, but the shop (that I chose) will provide the actual damage and costs. I have a $500 deductible. The insurance amounts is a bit low, but didn't want my bill to be too high due to the rider, so it's fine.

I gave the shop all the part numbers for the mods, to avoid them getting some cheap/knockoff mods, I'll only accept exact replacements, no wiggle room there.

I know I need to drive the Jeep, test all the electronics, including the off-road lights, the winch, etc.

I have a full steel belly skid plate (3/16") installed for my Moab/Rubicon trip, that I now have to postpone.

Is it reasonable to ask the shop the remove the skid plate and look down there for any damage, my concern is not sure they'd be able to put it back properly?

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[Some Random Guy]

I think if they can’t put it back that’s a sign there is more damage than you thought. If they pull it off, repair the jeep, and can’t put it back I’d think that means they repaired the frame after removing the skid plate.
I have no experience with insurance riders for aftermarket parts though.

 

[somedude922]

They should pull the aftermarket skids and check things out. I would just mention they are aftermarket skids and what kind and model, maybe even offer them the install directions. I have done this before on aftermarket parts at various shops and it never seems to be an issue, most shops are appreciative of the heads up.

what insurance do you have? I need a new one that insures mods.

 

[donmontalvo]

They should pull the aftermarket skids and check things out. I would just mention they are aftermarket skids and what kind and model, maybe even offer them the install directions. I have done this before on aftermarket parts at various shops and it never seems to be an issue, most shops are appreciative of the heads up.

what insurance do you have? I need a new one that insures mods.

Geico insured mods.

 

[Heimkehr]

Is it reasonable to ask the shop the remove the skid plate and look down there for any damage, my concern is not sure they'd be able to put it back properly?

Two things come to mind:

1. If the shop personnel who removed the skid plate can't then reinstall it properly in the absence of any discovered damage, can they or should they be trusted with repairing the damage that is plainly evident?

2. If damage is discovered and repaired, which then prevents the skid plate from being properly refitted, how would Geico proceed here? You say the skid plate is insured, but you don't mention that it was damaged in the collision. To what degree would you then be on the hook to pay for a solution here?

 

[Dyolfknip74]

Why are you paying deductible if you were the one hit?

 

[donmontalvo]

Two things come to mind:

1. If the shop personnel who removed the skid plate can't then reinstall it properly in the absence of any discovered damage, can they or should they be trusted with repairing the damage that is plainly evident?

2. If damage is discovered and repaired, which then prevents the skid plate from being properly refitted, how would Geico proceed here? You say the skid plate is insured, but you don't mention that it was damaged in the collision. To what degree would you then be on the hook to pay for a solution here?

Very sound advice, thanks!

 

[donmontalvo]

They should pull the aftermarket skids and check things out. I would just mention they are aftermarket skids and what kind and model, maybe even offer them the install directions. I have done this before on aftermarket parts at various shops and it never seems to be an issue, most shops are appreciative of the heads up.

what insurance do you have? I need a new one that insures mods.

Thanks, they’re removing the skids now.

 

[donmontalvo]

I think if they can’t put it back that’s a sign there is more damage than you thought. If they pull it off, repair the jeep, and can’t put it back I’d think that means they repaired the frame after removing the skid plate.
I have no experience with insurance riders for aftermarket parts though.

Wow never thought of that, thank you!

 

[SH556JL]

Why are you paying deductible if you were the one hit?

Could be be the other party is under insured. I know when my stepfather had his Corvette hit by a kid with shady insurance and state minimum. He ended up going through his insurance and paying the deductible because the other party was underinsured. I can't recall if they ever sent him the deductible back, I recall him saying Geico would if they could recover all the cost and I doubt they could from the kid or the General.

 

[brewdad]

Sell your Jeep after repairs are completed--it will never be right after major damage; used prices are crazy now so a good time to sell.

 

[Dyolfknip74]

Could be be the other party is under insured. I know when my stepfather had his Corvette hit by a kid with shady insurance and state minimum. He ended up going through his insurance and paying the deductible because the other party was underinsured. I can't recall if they ever sent him the deductible back, I recall him saying Geico would if they could recover all the cost and I doubt they could from the kid or the General.

Ahh. Insurance is a bit different up here in Canada I guess. Lol.

 

[The Pointer]

Always add coverage for uninsured drivers. It’s never a good idea to trust humans.

 

[donmontalvo]

Sell your Jeep after repairs are completed--it will never be right after major damage; used prices are crazy now so a good time to sell.

Thanks, checked with the insurance company, they told I can bring it back if there are any repair issues.

 

[NJJeep Guy]

My wife got lightly crashed by a woman driving drunk. Got my deductible back after the insurance companies worked it out. Sadly she is looking at real jail time. 2x DUI and hit and run charges.

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