Expert: Michael Kakuk - 10/6/2009

Question
it sounds like the other insurance company is going to total our 2001 ford windstar. by appearance all that looks wrong is the rear hatch, bumper, and one rear tail light casing. so my question is this how can we find out for ourselves if the rear compartment needs to be replaced? if rear door will need to be pried off how do you do it? what tools are required? how much would it cost at an auto repair shop? how do I know if my rear bumper has the back-up sensors? how long does this process normally take it's been more than a month.

Answer
TRINA.......IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT IF YOUR VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS ASK THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR A COPY OF THE ESTIMATE AND CONTACT THE BODY SHOP IF IT IS AT A SHOP.
IT WON'T DO YOU TO MUCH GOOD TO TRY AND DIOGNOSE THE DAMAGES YOURSELF DUE TO THE COMPLEXITIES OF THE REPAIR PROCESS.
IN ORDER TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE REAR GATE OPENING THE GATE WILL HAVE TO BE CUT OPEN AND THE LATCH
EXPOSED.THIS SHOULD BE DONE BY A QUALIFIED BODY SHOP ONLY.

IF YOUR REAR BUMPER HAS LITTLE CIRCLE LIKE PLUGS IN THE REAR BUMPER YOU HAVE BACK UP SENSORS,

GENERALLY SPEAKING THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS TO COMPLETE THE INVESTIGATION AND THIS SHOULDN'T TAKE MORE THAN A WEEK AT BEST. THERE MAY BE SOME EXCEPTIONS.