Prius Structure Shouldn’t Be Repaired With Junkyard Parts
Filed under: Auto Parts, Body Shop, Diminished Value, IIHS, Prius, Salvage Parts, Toyota
Do insurance companies really repair seriously damaged cars by splicing in reinforcement parts from other damaged cars? And if so, how would a person ever know that their car had been repaired safely and would not collapse if wrecked again?
A few weeks ago I was involved in an auto accident that caused a lot of damage to my Prius. The insurance company at first wanted to replace the reinforcement panels behind the fenders, bumper and other front sheet metal panels with parts that had been salvaged from previously wrecked cars like mine. I was told the salvaged parts could be welded to the structure just like the originals and the car would be a safe as ever following repairs.
I wasn’t convinced that this repair technique was sound even though the adjuster said it was routine. So, I balked at the notion that my car would be repaired in such a questionable fashion. A few days later, I got word my car would be totaled out.
Do insurance companies really repair seriously damaged cars by splicing in reinforcement parts from other damaged cars? And if so, how would a person ever know that their car had been repaired safely and would not collapse if wrecked again? This seems like a horrid way to do things.
Kenny
Batavia, OH
Cell Phone Use Not Illegal While Driving In Ohio
Filed under: Cell Phone, IIHS, Ohio, State Specific Information, West Virginia