Auto body repair & detailing: Was my auto repaired correctly?, rear quarter panel, seam sealer

Question
I received my vehicle back from the private auto body repair shop yesterday. The insurance co. required OEM replacement parts were as the vehicle is new. The repair shop replaced the left rear quarter panel. When I picked up my vehicle,the shop manager gave me a small piece of metal with the original OEM VIN bar code sticker attached to it. He said that I had to take this piece to the car dealer and have them order it. I didn't understand why I had to,but I did just that. The dealer stated they do not replace this sticker and it is unavailable as a part? The body shop offered to try and make a copy and attach it to the jam. Is this an acceptable practice or should I contact my ins. co. Would it still be considered repaired to it's factory condition without it? If I may add one more note. When the seam sealer is applied to the trunk seam,should it look like it was applied using a finger or should it be a uniform bead of sealer resembling the factory sealer? Thank you for any assistance you can add.

Answer
Lynne-
I have never heard of replacing a vin sticker on a panel in 11 years. I have never known them to be available from the dealer or copied and reapplied. The whole intent of the sticker is to verify that the original panel is on the car. Once the panel is damaged and replaced and the sticker is gone it is the easiest way to tell the car has been repaired. Other indications such as the seam sealer are a bit less noticeable but to a trained eye they are very noticeable. Many methods are used to replicate factory seam sealer, and some shops will go to greater lengths than others. The bottom line here is that while you hear things such as "pre loss condition" or "factory condition" it just isn't possible to produce a undetectable repair. Even the highest quality repairs are easily detectable to the trained eye. If the car is newer you should look into the possibility of collecting for diminished value from the insurance company if you are a claimant. You may be able to collect over and above the cost of repairs.

Good Luck!
Mark