Toyota Repair: 2000 Toyota Sienna Cat Converter Flex Hose, cat converter, flex hose

Question
Recently, I was unable to avoid something on the highway and I ran it over.  Since then, my Sienna has sounded louder than normal.  I brought it into the shop and they say that the flex hose in the cat converter has a rip in it and has to be replaced - and it's about $1300 just for that hose.  So I was going to put it through my insurance as an accident, because I have a $100 deductible.  After assessing the damage, they are stating that part of the damage is wear and tear and they are only willing to pay half.  I bought the car in NY and just moved to California 1 year and a half ago.  I will be up for emmissions testing in March.  

Do you know if this wear and tear is normal or if there have been any issues with the 2000 sienna?  I don't know what to do at this point.  

Thank you for your response.

Answer
No, it sounds to me like you hit something which caused the damage but since I'm not there to inspect it I can't say for sure, if something hit the pipe and caused it to rupture then you have a case but if nothing hit that part of the exhaust it should be obvious and the pipe broke from normal use.