Questions GEICO and Bodyshop

[Gman1135]

I hit a deer a few days ago. Damage: front cowl, upper gille, Headlight, marker, turn signal, bowtie cracked,all needs to be replaced. Lower gille and running lights ok. The hood is rolled down on the front edge about 12ins. long, and core-support is bent under the hood there. Right side fender is pushed back away from the hood gap 1/4in. and buckled a litte above the center of tire, paint is chipped there. I would like Geico to replace the hood and fender with new parts. Because the car I insured with them does not have any filler in it, I want what i had before this. I'm taking my car to the Geico adjuster tuesday, it is a 2011 2SS with 651miles on it. Maybe he will replace the hood and fender , but I,m thinking he will try to lowball me.
QUESTIONS: How can I get Geico to replace the hood and fender with new parts or is it like, I just don't have a say in it??
Is there any thing I should bring up when talking the adjuster or bodyshop??
I will update this thread as my schedule allows,about dealing with Geico and Bill DeFouw Chevrolet bodyshop of Lafayette, IN where the repairs will be made.
All Comments and Suggestions will be Appreciated, Thanks Guys..
Its been a bad week some before pics , I,ll post some when its fixed .

[daveagogo1]

Due to the fender being warped it will most likely be replaced as it would cost less to just replace and paint. As for the hood. All depends on the cost to repair versus new hood.

[Ladybugsmom]

Get estimates on the difference between replace and repair. If GEICO wants to only go the cheaper route, work out a deal with the body shop to do what you want, then pay the difference, if it's reasonable.

[RAYSRT8]

I am in the insurance industry and I am very familiar with this process. Based on the photos that you posted they should replace the front numper cover, Right Fender, Hood, Rt headlamp and mounting panel, blend right door and left fender and replace the stripes. There maybe more damage, but that is all I could see in the photos.

Hope this helps.

[Gman1135]

Originally Posted by Ray2SS

I am in the insurance industry and I am very familiar with this process. Based on the photos that you posted they should replace the front numper cover, Right Fender, Hood, Rt headlamp and mounting panel, blend right door and left fender and replace the stripes. There maybe more damage, but that is all I could see in the photos.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Ray and all that sounds great!! I Hope they will replace all damage parts and pull or strighten the core-support .

[mfr1950]

I have no dealings with Geico... Defouw Chevrolet has serviced my Camaro for 21 months I have had it and I have been quite satisfied with their services....

[the Kolektor]

PRice a Heritage Grill instead of stock, of course if thats what you want.

[wrbear]

Can this be an opportunity to get a new after market hood and still have insurance pay for the paint? Opportunity knocking?

[nomadicdogg]

They have the right to decide how it gets fixed to be honest... however you have the right to choose which body shop does the work.
Find a friend and there are ways to move numbers around to be sure you get new metal and not filler....
or worst case, you can arbitrate their decision or very worst case, pay the difference out of your own pocket.
pick the shop first though. dont wait to see what they do before picking the shop. Its your baby, make sure they will treat it that way
best of luck

[RAYSRT8]

Originally Posted by Gman1135

Thanks Ray and all that sounds great!! I Hope they will replace all damage parts and pull or strighten the core-support .

NP... Also remember that you can choose any shop f your choice and never let an insurance company steer you to any shop. Any body shop will work off of the insurance companies estimate and if supplemental damages are discovered after the vehicle is torn down then the insurance company will send and estimater out to the shop to write-up the supplemental damages.

[stso634]

If you have a good relationship with your dealer, they can really help with the insurance company. My wife hit a deer about a year ago in her 2009 Impala. Didn't look like much damage until the Body Shop tore it down. They worked with the insurance company to get the job done right.
Good luck.

[RAYSRT8]

Originally Posted by wrbear

Can this be an opportunity to get a new after market hood and still have insurance pay for the paint? Opportunity knocking?

Being in the industry the owner can take the amount that was alotted for the hood and replace it with an aftermarket hood. Worst case scenario is the body shop will have the owner to sign a paper stating that they requested the aftermarket hood.

[TOMS1SS]

I had similar damage on mine last year and had to replace the front bumper, I also had Geico. Your right Geico will try to lowball you on the repairs, in fact they reimburised me some money because my claims guy effed up and said the bumper could be repaired. You should know that its Geico policy to use aftermarket parts if they are available which, will hurt your resale value. The good news is there really isn't a lot of non-OEM parts out so you should be fine with replacements. I really don't think you'll have a problem with getting the go-ahead for replacements due to the damage being substantial. Geico will let you pick your own shop but you'll get a lifetime warranty if you use a Geico Repair Express sponsored shop. If you got a good shop that is Geico sponsored definately go there, but you'll have to do your homework first.

[RAYSRT8]

Originally Posted by Ladybugsmom

Get estimates on the difference between replace and repair. If GEICO wants to only go the cheaper route, work out a deal with the body shop to do what you want, then pay the difference, if it's reasonable.

There is no need to chase estimates. Let the insurance company write it and if the shop does not agree with what's on the estimate then they will call a supplement in for the insurance company to come back out and write what it needs. The shop and/or insurance company should update you with any changes.