[QUOTE=BerlinaBlackS2kguy,Jan 20 2006, 03:15 PM]- i take it once the estimate is made/approved, the insurance company will cut me a check, and then i'm free to supply the parts myself (assuming the shop goes along with it?)

 

Sorry to hear that, hope everything works out well. Lucky it wasn't any worse and you can out unharmed. I've heard nothing but good things about D&V! Let us know how it all goes!

 

Forgot to mention that this is not true. Whether your shop deals directly with the insurance company or not, you can still talk to the body shop and work it with them. There is nothing stopping you from asking. My thing was never about whether or not oem parts were being used, but rather a way to offset deductible costs or costs of upgrades.

Sometimes, however, it's not worth the hassle. Shipping a fender is not as easy as shipping a door. The fenders are way more flexible. Btw, the rear quarter panel is welded in. They'll have to disassemble part of your softtop in order to replace the fender. You can't drive the car with an employee in the car, but definitely drive the car at speed with someone in it afterwards to make sure your top seals properly after the repairs.

If you were thinking of adding anything aftermarket body-wise, now is the time to do it. You'll save on prep-time and down-time. And as w1ngman stated... digital camera is your friend.

 

Oh, and even if you're not at fault, let your insurance company know about the accident. They are happy to help you when it is of no expense to them!!!

 

But a reminder to everyone driving an S: We are practically invisible to tractor-trailers and big trucks out on the highway. I spoke to a trucker on my cb handheld on I-95 several years ago and he clued me then: he had no idea I was anywhere nearby (I was right beside him) until I radioed. Be careful folks. I'm really, really sorry to hear of this accident and hope all goes well for you.

 

thanks for all the support and advice! my baby is going to d & v this week and hopefully will be good as new again soon.

and now ladies and gents, here are some photos, for your viewing displeasure ...














and if all goes well, hopefully this is what it'll look like again soon (old photo of passenger side, not actual side that was damaged):

 

Yikes.. that's some serious body damage. Good luck with it.

 

I hope everything turns out great.

 

Doesn't look too bad(it's all relative, Peter ). Bet it scared the piss outta ya though.