I have a question for you all.

My 03 cooper was wrecked several weeks ago. I was hit on the left fron wheel by a jeep. The impact broke the jeep up pretty good and cracked open his transfer case.

Mine took some body damage as well as suspension and tranny. My insurance guys won't total it. Long story.

Here's the question. They are replacing the left side suspension, including strut, drop links, bearings and bushings etc. My car has 41k miles. I am insisting that the replace the strut and bushings on both sides to keep the steering and suspension balanced. My insurance guy says he has never heard of such a thing.

Am I being un-reasonable?

 

Sounds like a good idea to me....at 41k miles it would be well worth it so there is no other damage later on because they didnt replace it. Residual damages should more than cover the replacement of those parts

 

Sorry to hear about your accident. Hope everyone is OK. You are right, it is a safety issue. There is a reason that things like shocks, struts and springs are only changed in pairs. Doing so keeps the suspension balanced otherwise the car is less predictable, each side will react differntly to road conditions and therfore, less safe.

Ask the body shop to help in your fight and they can pressure the insurance company. If your insurance company still resists, I would tell them you want something in writing confirming that not changing the strut on the other side comforms with accepted practice and they will be responsible if the handling is not balanced making the car unsafe.

 

^ +1 ask the bodyshop to tell them that you need it.