Had to choose between a full quarter panel or just a section repair on a 2018 Civic with rear damage

The customer's insurance wanted the cheaper section, but I knew the inner structure was bent and pushed for the full panel replacement, which took an extra two days but saved them from future rust issues. It worked out because the shop owner backed me up and we got the supplement approved after showing the adjuster the hidden damage. Do you guys usually fight for the full panel or take the insurance company's first estimate?

3 comments

3 Comments

grayc274d ago

Honestly, "inner structure was bent" on a 2018? That's wild they even argued for a section. I've seen that exact shortcut come back in under a year with seams already weeping. Good on your boss for backing you up, because most times they just want the car turned. Showing the adjuster the real damage is the only way, they never believe the sheet metal is lying.

casey_harris3d ago

Man, I used to think a good section was just fine to save a car. Then I saw a quarter panel we patched start to rust at the seam in like, eight months. The customer came back furious, and the whole thing had to be redone right. That stuff just doesn't hold up. Now I get why you gotta push for the full replacement when the damage is deep. Seeing it fail in person changes your whole view.

fox.derek3d ago

Yeah, "they never believe the sheet metal is lying" until you show them the rust already starting inside the weld.