collision repair advice
 

So I was involved in this accident...language NSFW:

http://i.imgur.com/NEvL86U.jpg
The adverse driver is assuming 100% liability through their insurance.

My car is currently in the body shop and I want to make sure the repairs are done correct.

Does anyone know if the dealer is able to inspect the car and verify repairs have been made correctly? I want to make sure things like my air bag and axel are legit repaired and not taken from a junk yard, etc.

I already asked for them to provide me with receipts as they purchase parts.

Thanks!

sorry to see. u got good control of ur car. could've easily spun out if u over reacted.

as for dealers inspecting, im sure they can. but u are taking the car to a bodyshop of ur choice correct? dont let the other party's insurance dictate where to get the car fixed.

Weather the body shop uses OEM, used or aftermarket parts depends the insurance company. Each company has a different set of guidelines, I.E. cars less than 1 year old with less than Xxx,xxx miles are required to have all OEM. You can try talking to your ins company and insist they use OEM parts and they may if you're persistent. Most companies have an option where you pay a little more and it adds a clause to your policy that makes them replace/repair your vehicle with only OEM parts. Look into it for the future.

Dealerships don't offer the service you asked about. The best way to insure your car is fixed right is to have the body shop put it on the frame rack and measure, measure, measure. However this is not fail safe, older frame machines allow you to "cheat" the measurements which will make a car appear straight on paper, when they're not. Newer equipment won't let you cheat. If you use a reputable shop you should be ok. If you're not at a reputable shop, have your car taken to one. Don't let their insurance company strong arm you. They will try.

When looking at the 2016 370z fsm there are very specific instructions in the fsm that deal with the various metals on your car such as aluminum, steel and high strength steel with regards to attachment and disassembly. Also they indicate how to measure for misalignment of body parts and frame etc. I really wouldn't want anyone other than a reputable nissan dealer to fix that car...just suggesting

Securing receipts and knowing where it is puchased is a big deal. Watch out for refurbs. If your body shop can provide that to you that's great. It looks like you already have it in the shop. A visual inspection without a tear down will not give you the 100% assessment of damage. They need to take panels off and get your car up on a rack to see more. How many airbags were deployed?

Take your car to a good shop. Most dealers are prepared to sell you a car and do mechanical service but do not have a licensed collision repair shop. You can ask them for a recommendation on who they use. That will save you from 90% of the headaches of vehicle repair.

The more you nag the shop the more they will dislike you and feel rushed. Invoices will be available at the end of the repair but asking them for receipts every time they purchase a part makes you seem like a neurotic, entitled child. I'm sure plenty of people will talk tough and tell you otherwise, but shops are more likely to go above and beyond for a person that they see as a friend, rather than the impatient prick who will probably blast their yelp page the minute they find a pinhole in the paint.

Once you get the car back test drive it, and if you want to be really anal, you can compare it to another z. If you find a difference, document it with photos and bring it to the shops attention. The insurance company owes you to get your car back to pre-loss condition. Be persistent, be specific, but be nice, and the experience won't be half bad.

Sorry if this came off as harsh. I understand that you may not be very well versed in insurance/collision repair but it is an industry that I have a vast amount of professional experience in. Feel free to pm me with general questions.

Good luck.

A reputable shop will give you a lifetime warranty and stand behind their repairs. One more thing just because a Nissan dealership may have an in house body shop dose not mean they're going to do a better job.

I wouldn't trust the the dealer to be anything other than incompetent :twocents:

As suggested, take it to a reputable body shop that will do the work right the first time or at least stand behind their work and fix it if anything is wrong. Ask to see examples of their paint and body work beforehand if you are really concerned.

Hi all, the car's been totaled, thanks for all the tips!