Auto Insurance Claims: Rear end damage and repairs, auto collision repairs

Question
I was recently in a pretty intense rear-end accident and the shop I took my 2004 chevy avalanche to estimated the damage at 5600.00 and stated to me that they are going to cut the frame and bolt on replacement parts they are going to get from Chevrolet.  I am just so worried about the cutting the frame part of what he told me.  Are my worries warranted?

Answer
Hello Bill,

No worries if they do it correctly. If you are worried, then either take the truck to a frame specialty shop (many larger cities have frame specialty shops)to have it inspected after you pick up the truck when repairs are done, or, insist that the shop you are using send your truck to the frame specialty shop during repairs, to increase the chance of a better repair.

You could also take someone from the frame shop or another body shop with you when you go to pick up the truck and have them do a "visual" inspection, and possibly take a quick 5 minute "X Check" measurement with a tape measure. You should offer to pay whoever goes with you for this. Most shops usually charge 2 hours to do a complete measurement and evaluation of the frame, which involves hanging gages and laser measurements. Your insurer would not cover a reinspection cost, unless the 2nd shop discovered improper repair by a shop that your insurer recommended (one reason to use the insurers body shop).

The insurer will not replace an entire frame if only part of it is damaged.