Auto Insurance Claims: 1999 Integra in accident, rear end collisions, better business bureau

Question
if totsled..what book will they use and how will i know if fair?
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Followup To

Question -
my son's 1999 Integra LS 2 door was the 3rd car in a 3 car accident. Air bags did not deploy. Hood, bumper, smashed, both front fenders minimal. Body shop has not finished checking for damage but initial look think only cosmetic and fixable. Car has only 27,000 and we are second owner. Body shop is authorized from insurance co. We are in south florida. If thye fix it, body shop says ins. co. wants to use after market parts. If they total which price will they use Kelly blue book retail gives it a price of $10,000 but other such as trade in, etc way lower..Also, if only cosmetic it should be o.k. right...The body shop has been around for over 20 years, and we used them a few times in past, they seem to do very good work, and have no issues with better business bureau..Thanks in advance.

Steve

Answer -
Steve,

From what you're describing, I doubt it's a total.  Generally in rear end collisions, the front vehicle is in a nose dive which causes the rear vehicle's lower structure to go under.  You likely have damage to the upper portion of the front structure on the Acura but the lower rails are probably ok.  It will likely need a bumper cover, lamps, hood, part or all of the radiator support, A/C condenser, radiator and maybe fenders.  

The insurance policy is a contract that conforms to state law.  It states what the insurance company owes for as far as parts are concerned and likely states that they can use aftermarket parts.  However, they also have the duty to make sure that the parts are up to the same quality standards as OEM.  If the body shop can show the insurance company that the aftermarket parts are inferior, then the insurer has a duty to use a better product.  Being that the shop is a direct repair facility for the insurance company, both are on the hook for warranty and neither want to pay for the job twice so they will work out any part issues.  

As far as aftermarket crash parts are concerned there are some things that you want to keep in mind. The AM industry has changed allot over the last 20 years.  Due to computer aided design and manufacturing processes, high quality AM parts are really just as good as or better than most OEM.  When it comes to sheet metal (hood, fenders) they should only be using CAPA certified parts.  These parts are subject to continuous testing to assure OEM quality.  Bumper covers are made of plastic and have nothing to do with safety.  They either fit or they don't.  I've never had any problems with aftermarket Integra covers.  Structural parts such as the radiator support are only available from Acura.  Cooling parts such as the radiator and condenser are actually not made by the OEM manufactures.  Acura buys these parts from aftermarket suppliers and then sells them in Honda/Acura labeled boxes. Same thing with many other "OEM" parts such as brakes, hoses, belts, spark plugs, glass, batteries, bulbs, struts, shocks, bearings, etc.  Acura does not manufacture any of these items and for the most part, neither do any other OEM manufacturer.


There is also the option of using LKQ (used) parts for the sheet metal.  Keep in mind that these are not wear items.  Once it's been properly prepared and refinished, there is no difference between a new OEM hood and a used OEM hood.

The most important thing here is the shop and it sounds like you've already done your homework there and a good shop is not going to put bad parts on any car.

Good luck and I'd appreciate your feedback.


Answer
Generally, insurance companies do not use books because they do not represent the true cash value of a vehicle.  The insurance company will often use an independent firm with a data base to actually locate the same type of vehicles in your area that are either on the market or have sold in recent months.  The systems are very sophisticated and adjustments are made either up and down for equipment, mileage and condition.  This is the fairest way to value a vehicle.  

The books are actually a joke as the numbers are those reported by dealers off of sales contracts.  We all know how dealers will inflate that prices on vehicles to make trade ins look larger or to hide negative equity on a trade.  I was a licensed auto dealer myself and have otherwise bought and sold cars for 20 years.  Never once have I been able to sell a car for anywhere near the "book" value.  I have found one internet resource that gives values close to what cars are actually selling for is the "private party value" at kbb.com.  The suggested retail is only that,  a suggested asking price to start negotiations from.