It was a million to one shot, doc, a million to one.

Less than a week after I took delivery of my car, I had an encounter with some road debris. A piece of aluminum shrapnel, most likely from a ladder, was barreling down the highway, and managed to lodge itself into my lower grill, displacing about a 1" row of fins on the A/C condenser.

The dealer estimate was roughly $1000, $500 for the new condenser, $50 for a new grill, $50 for a new air dam (can't see the damage from the front), 3 hours of labor, and the R-134a recharge.

I just got my insurance estimate today, $279. Half price on all of the body components, and instead of replacing the condenser, they only want to patch it. ($45!?!?) How can you possibly patch a tiny aluminum component, that operates under pressure? Will this void the A/C warranty? Should I just cash their check and buy a condenser from somewhere on the internet, and take it in the shorts on the recharge?

 

first, read your policy. if it has the words LKQ in it for replacement parts, its a tough one. LKQ= Like, Kind AND Quality. they insert these little letters to allow them to do repairs to stuff that should be replaced and to allow use of wrecking yard parts in place of new. DO NOT cash thier check until you have it sorted out-you should be able to take the car to a reputable bodyshop and get it repaired CORRECTLY with new parts (as it is a brand new car) without much hassle. IF you live in California, you have some consumer rights concerning the actual repairs. START with a major complaint to your agent.

 

and don't leave until you have satisfaction. Usually, they'll try to brush you off, just refuse to go. Don't sign, return the check, make a stink. Next they will tell you that if it goes above the adjusters estimate, have the repair place submit a bill and it will be covered. Get it in writing, go to your dealer (or a place that might be even more expensive ) and get the work done.

There is no way that they can claim used parts are as good as what came off a new car, so you have rights there. But it's a pain to get them recognized.

Sometimes being an obstinant, ornary bast*rd has it's place. And dealing with insurance companies is one of those places.

Matt