My C3 was rear ended. Now what?

[x77-69z28]

Darren, they can't tell you where to get your car repaired. They may make it sound like you have to take it to their shop, but you have the right to have it repaired at a shop of your choice. Also, have the car inspected at the shop where it will be repaired. Don't let them come to your house or go to a drive in location. Your body shop wil hash it out with the adjuster and make sure he gets enough money to fix the car properly.
Buddy

[DarrenX33]

And I just realized that Classic Motors is 13 miles from my house. Nice.

[MosportGreen66]

Darren - what Buddy said. And... in NYS it is even a law the insurance company cannot demand you bring a car to a specific shop while holding payment for the job ransom. The insurance company may demand you bring the car to a certified SF affiliate for an inspection but that hardly means much. Make sure you're allow to accept or reject the estimate contingent on additional findings when the car is apart - frame rail damage, bird cage damage, bump brackets, etc. Other key notes to mention - I suggest having the body shop will ultimately do the work write a report on their letter head explaining that the fiberglass was no-hit prior to the accident and all of the panels were factory original. No pre-existing conditions with the glass. This may save you in the long run. Make sure the note is dated appropriately. We'll cover all this and more when you call.

Dan

[olredalert]

----Darren,,,I understand your feelings, but don't let your insurance co. dictate things weather you go to Classic or someone else. By the way, this damage, while devastating to you, can be fixed fairly easily. Changing the color back to original will take substantially more to do correctly. My humble suggestion would be to paint it up to the doors black again so as to get the car back on the road for the summer, for both you and your son.......Bill S

[Zman1969]

Darren, they can't make you use one of their shops, YOU can decide on who you want to fix it! although it may take a little longer, most body shops know how it works so it shouldn't be an issue. Glad your OK

[TimG]

Darren, the State Farm preferred shops won't touch your car. I was in the same boat with my '70 Z28 when another driver smashed it. You can take it to a shop of your choice. The in and out shops want quick work that they know and understand. Your car is a money looser for the typical insurance shops.

[TimG]

Allstate also offered me a rental car, but I refused it. I let them know that my Z28 was a rarely driven classic and valuable car. I had my other full time car available to me. When they are paying for a rental, the carrier is more inclined to "push" the car through the repair system. Take your time with the repairs

[SupremeDeluxe]

Darren,

That completely sucks. This is the reason I took my 67 off the road for good, too many idiots driving around Chicago.

I rarely make recommendations on anything, but I would advise you to go see John Zankowski at Royal Coach in Bartlett. He is an expert on Corvettes and will restore this to as-new condition with no shortcuts. He did some spot-repairs on the red 67 and has done work on daily drivers for me several times.

EDIT: The recommendation on Classic Motors and Bob Zimmerman is rock-solid as well.

[olredalert]

----I did a lot of business with Royal Coach when I was at Classic and they have always been a good place for Corvette work. They would be second to Bob but not by much. I haven't seen John for quite a while but Ill bet nothing has changed......Bill S