Expert: Laren Laws - 9/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
My new car is going in for body work as I was rear ended, and I am wondering what is actually done to the body under the panels, how is this repaired as it seems to be one big piece for the whole car.
thanks.

ANSWER: Michael, without seeing the car its hard for me to answer correctly.The best thing to do is ask the estimator at the shop where your car is being repaired.Are they replacing the rear floor or just the rear body panel? If it is a good quality shop they should put your car back to factory specs you should be able to look under the car and it should look just like it did prior to your accident. Thanks Laren

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, I found out there is about $8,000-$10,000 in damages to the rear end of my car and that it will need a chassis alignment, being a sports car I am particular about how well the chassis can be aligned. I understand there are new machines such as car-o-liner and then there are older style ones, what questions should I ask the workshop to make sure they are using one of the later, more accurate machine?

Answer
Michael, ask the repair shop if they are I-CAR certified. Then ask them to show you around there facility. Make sure they are certified to work on your vehicle. I.E. Toyota certified or GM certified etc. The bottom line is it is your choice where you get your car fixed! Thanks Laren