update: dropped the z at the body shop and got a '10 mazda 3 rental (nice little cars). i miss the 332 horses in the zed right about now.

after the teardown, they determined there was another $3k in damages so the total is up to $13000. crazy how fast parts add up on this car.

"It just needs an alignment. Steering vibrates a bit"

Are you SURE there is no frame damage................(shudder)<shudder></shudder>

if there is, it's very minimal. they have a frame machine and will double check to be sure. i'll let you guys know if theres anything serious.

just out of curiosity, can you refuse a car from your insurance if there is frame damage or anything serious? can you ask them to pay you off for the car and they can acquire it for themselves, fix, and sell? just wondering because i would have a hard time accepting driving a car w/ frame damage

Only if it exceeds their "Totalled" threshhold. This is usually at 50% or more of the cars worth ...Every insurance Co. will be different here...If the car is repairable, their obligation is to repair it under the terms of your coverage. You can't just decide you don't want it anymore. You can also have the insurance Co. Pay you cash on a Diminished value claim after the car is repaired.
In my case it was 30% of the repair cost. This basically compensates you for the reduced value of the car since it now has an accident/repair on it's Carfax. This is available even if the car was repaired perfectly with absolutely no evidence it was ever damaged (as my car was)

would i be eligible for that even if it was a hit and run? i have allstate.