(yes, I searched... everything I saw was more than 2 years old, so I am making a new thread)
Vehicle in question: '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V8 4.7L
Curr KBB Value: ~$4600 - $5050

I am new to the getting $$ from another person's insurance to fix my car situation... so if any of you have experience, please fill me in on the process and your experience.

The guy's insurance is with Farm Bureau, and I have been instructed to get pictures and an estimate. So far I have gotten one estimate, but it is only for cosmetic problems and does not include anything about the wobble that my car now has (yes, it had one in the front end before and moparnum5 and I fixed it) This is clearly coming from either mal-alignment or something in the rear end got tweaked and/or broken from the impact.

I know for a fact that the rear bumper cover has to be replaced, and that at least part of the drivers rear quarter panel must be replaced. So far, the estimate I have for that work equates to just under $2600.

Do you all have any suggestions about how to tell the shop about the wobble without them ignoring my concern? The last wobble took $3k and two months on jack stands to fix, so I need someone to take this seriously - this should not be coming out of our pockets again because it was working GREAT until yesterday's incident.

If you have any suggestions about places to take it, let me know. Right now, my insurance and the Jeep dealer on Capital Blvd. have both suggested Mini City Auto Body. Should they be assessing the mechanical issues, too? Or should I be starting off at a dealer?

I would prefer to get an estimate, and then have the insurance give me the check so I can possibly get a used bumper cover instead of a new one - since the new ones look drastically different from my aged front bumper and cladding.

/novel
Thanks TWW Garage

(P.S. If anyone has a cut-off wheel and generator I could use to go cut out a section of quarter panel at LKQ on Monday, let me know. I scoped them out today, and I found a great contender. However, all of our tools are with moparnum5 in Florida )

5/15/2010 4:46:51 PM

5/15/2010 6:03:59 PM

why do people turn the camera sideways to take pictures

from the shitty picture is doesnt look like hit has to be replaced either.


[Edited on May 16, 2010 at 11:01 AM. Reason : htrge]

5/16/2010 10:59:45 AM

It may be common sense, but don't say a damn word about fixing the wobble before you got into the wreck. They'll try to fuck you over and say it was a pre-existing condition. Tell the mechanic/inspector with the same emphasis and importance that you have cosmetic and mechanical damage and explain in detail (a written note left behind at whatever places you have estimate the damage help the actual technician discern what the salesman/manager actually said was true or could have been distorted) what you are hearing/feeling/seeing from the wobble. Let them know a friend said it could be x is fucked up and it will take y to fix it (y=whatever you and your buddy did to fix it the first time). If they're worth their salt, they'll test drive it with you. Ask both a body shop and an alignment shop to check for frame/driveline damage.

5/16/2010 11:27:43 PM

^Thanks for your response, Chief.

Repair ended up being valued >75% of vehicle value, so it was 'totaled.'
Bought it back from the insur. co and repairing the more sensible way...

[Edited on May 27, 2010 at 8:24 AM. Reason : ]

5/27/2010 8:24:23 AM

Call your insurance agent for advice - it doesn't cost anything.

5/27/2010 8:56:08 AM