Expert: Gary - 8/5/2008

Question
Recently my sport side truck was rear ended (ouch) I was told both fiberglass side panels would have to be replaced, but when the insurace shop did the work they only repaired and painted them. My question is was this a REALLY cheap way to fix it, or a perfectly acceptable method.
They also straightened the frame, and replaced the bumper all for about $2500.00US.  This seems pretty cheap to me.
Any help appreciated... thanks in adavance.

Answer
Hi Norma,

Often body shops will opt to repair panels instead of replace at the insistence of the insurance company. Many times if panels aren't repaired it would cause the repair costs to go so high that it would total the vehicle.

In my opinion, if it's a new vehicle I wouldn't accept that type of repair unless it is back by a lengthy warranty from either the shop or the insurance company.