Getting repair on truck & want to avoid insurance fraud . . .

[nousentre]

I'll try to make this short:

My neighbor backed into my front passenger side door and caused damage one morning. It has been two weeks and I'm still waiting on his insurance company to make arrangements to have the repair made. Once the insurance approval is made, I have a auto body shop in mind to make the repairs.

Here's the problem. I have been told that the outer skin of the door can be replaced without replacing the door. An order would be made to purchase a new cover and I plan on telling the auto body that I want to see the damaged outer door after the repair is made. I have also heard of a few repair shops (including the one I'm going with) using used parts to save on money (from a junkyard, etc).

My question is, has anyone here on the forums had repair work done and asked for documentation or proof that they are getting a new part and SEEN the new part? I've pretty much been told that it is a lost cause and to just accept the used part on my new truck anyway since it WILL happen and I won't be able to tell the difference.

I know I'm sounding paranoid about this, but I just want a new cover on it and everything to be perfect. If the dealership had an auto body shop I would take it there. This truck is only 4 months old (2011 Tacoma) and I want to keep it looking good.
Any advice you can give would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks everyone!

[sonofa]

When you talk about insurance fraud, it is usually assumed that you are worried that YOU MIGHT COMMIT insurance fraud -- i.e. want to get more out of them then you're entitled to.

That is clearly not the case.

Offer the business to the shop ON THE CONDITION that you get to see everything.... and that can even include sales receipt for new parts, etc.

Remember that YOU are the customer. They don't get the job unless they can meet YOUR needs.

[scwerks]

you have a basically new truck so don't settle for less. the insurance company might try to save a few bucks by using a used part, but you don't have to settle for it. you just might have to to give them a little hell to get what you want. ask for proof and don't sign off on anything until you're happy.

if his insurance company is giving you a hard time, i would just go ahead and deal with your own insurance company. your ins. company can deal with the hassle of getting their money. that's the great thing about full coverage.

[707eric]

Ask for exactly what you want and don't let them persuade you otherwise. You are completely within your rights. Demand new factory parts and look at the invoices. If you are really concerned you can cross check the invoice number with the dealership to be sure it is a valid invoice.

My DD got hit recently and I was lucky/unlucky in the fact it is rare enough shops had no option but to order factory. Took about 3 weeks for the part to arrive.