thats what it is then i cant get on flikr or photobucket on our computers at work, ill just do it when i get home

 

I would tell the insurance company that because of the extent of the damage you want the dealer to fix it. I know I've had real good luck with the body shop at my dealer, and they have access to WAY more parts for your truck than any "blue/green /orange/pink" ribbon shop.
I don't think that is un-reasonable especially if you have to do a cab off fix, there is a lot of sensitive electrical stuff to deal with, you don't want some chimp with a claw hammer "fixing" !!!!!

 

http://s870.photobucket.com/albums/ab267/THORrider350/

 

I would push to have it totaled.....some insurance companies will total a vehicle if there is major damage to more than 3 body panels....if the A pillars are toasted I would see to have it totaled...

next time light it on fire or set off the airbags before you call anyone....( you didn't hear it from me, I work in law enforcement )

 

Pics didn't work.

 

 

It's Nationwide - of course he is getting the runaround - but I'll defer to 1st4x4 since he apparently also does this for a living and seems to have a greater grasp on the intricacies and appropriate spelling of buzz phrases used by the auto insurance industry than I do.

 

pretty impressive

 

I know its bad and I am not trying to minimize it but I honestly thought it was going to be a lot worse when I started reading the thread. I don't work for Nationwide but I am an insurance agent and I am licensed in MS and TN. If you are not in either of those states and since you are with Nationwide what I say can only be used as general info but I will try to give you some input that will help.

First off, If the shop is saying in any small amount they will be using bondo something does not sound right. Unless your state is different in its law all damaged parts should be replaced or be able to be repaired without using filler. Exceptions to this are for instance when a classic car is damaged and parts are not available but this is not your case. Using aftermarket or remanufactured parts is common and is probably in the insurance contract you signed so no way getting around that. The parts should have the same warranty and quality as the OEM though.

Second, you have been told correct that you can use any shop you choose. However whatever place you go with will most likely have to work off of the estimate Nationwide or their shop provided and the amount they are allowing for it. Any hidden or overlooked damage should also be covered once it is found and the insurance company notified.

Third, It does not appear to have any frame damage from the pics but I would make sure they do check the frame. Also nothing I see from your pics show that there might be a safety issue. Even though it is bad technically it is only bodywork. Getting a second estimate from another shop is wise they might uncover something else.

Last, I know you probably love your truck but like someone else said if it were mine I would get it fixed and trade it. The reality is no matter how good a job is done a vehicle with that amount of damage is prone to having issues in the future.

I hope it works out for you!

 

If it were me, I'd take the insurance money, have the truck minimally repaired (I'm thinking just the windshield if possible) and then dump it for whatever I could get for it as an "ugly but trusty" beater truck. I think that would probably maximize your "net" on the deal.

Take the money that's left, throw a few grand of your own on top of it, and I suspect you'd come very close to replacing it with a new (or nearly new)truck. I realize it's not perfect, but that's likely your best option.....

 

Wow. that totally sucks!

 

wutever the deal is she wont be the same anymore!!

 

Wow lol the dude just practically lost a family member and " that totally sucks! " haha say that to the next funeral you go to and just hit me back up with what they say back to you would ya?

 

This sounds like the best option to me. I'm sure someone would love that truck just the way it is. As long as the windows can be replaced, and it drives true and straight.

 

Definately get another body shops oppion on the damage. You may come out better by taking the money from the insurance company and then parting out the truck for additional cash. That way you got a huge down payment on a new or used truck. If you get it fixed then you try to sell, you are going to be asked "why are you selling it?". Then you got to explain your situation again and again. Personally if i was to buy the truck, I would rather buy the truck like it is and then get it fixed myself versus buying it after it was repaired. That way I would know that it was repaired correctly. No offense, you are probably a good guy and would not cheat a soul, but when it comes to used vehicles everybody is skeptical. Good luck.