Car Insurance Claim --Used parts

[jams]

I learned something new. I had my Dodge pickup repaired after a minor accident. The bill said they replaced the radiator...I called the Ins. Company and gave them a heads up that the radiator was not replaced. They said it was probably replaced with a salvaged radiator. They said with any car over 2 years old, they can use salvaged parts.

It turns out it does not look like the radiator was replaced (with a new or salvaged one) and I think the body shop either made a mistake or scammed the inc. company. I can't find any marks that would indicate that the radiator was touched. They replaced the lower hose, so I think that was the problem all along!

What if my seat was damaged, would a get a salvaged seat some guy was farting in for the past few years!!

[jhv48]

If you are concerned that the body shop did not do all the work that they claimed they did, contact your insurance claim's adjustor and show him your concerns. If true, they need to know. Then let him handle it from there. You've done your part.

As to the use of "used" parts, it is the insurance companie's job to make your car whole, or return it to its condition prior to the accident.

If you have a two year old car, the fender is also two years old and used. It is very possible you could get a non-new fender to replace your non-new fender during the repair process.

But, you would never know the difference. It will fit properly, be prepped and painted and will look like brand new. The work will usually be guaranteed for the life of the car as well.

You won't know the difference.

[mrmustang]

Jams,

Contact your insurance company and ask them to send out an adjuster for a "reinspection" of the car after it was repaired. It's his job to make sure the insurance company did not pay for items not replaced (when written for replacement). As for used parts, yes, depending on how your policy is written the insurance company has the right to insist that a "CAPA" (meaning direct fit aftermarket) or used part be used for repair of your vehicle.

Bill S.

[jams]

I am actually waiting for a reinspection. I have New Jersey Manufacturers Inc. They have been very good to me over the years, so I thought it was a good idea to give them a heads up.

I have no problem with fenders and body parts. I was more shocked about mechanical parts like...radiators. Things that can break or wear out. I just assumed they were replaced with new parts.

You know what they say when you assume!

[raclaims]

NJM is a great company.
Too bad more people aren't as honest and helpful as you are.
Fraud (if this is fraud...it very well may not be)...is the main cause of our huge insurance rates.

[jams]

They are actually coming on Monday to reinspect. I will see what they think.

I don't think it is fraud but worth looking into! I'm an optimist.