Wife's 04 Z71 Tahoe got hit today

JamesB · February 12, 2006

Wife was parked at the local grocery store this afternoon. She was sitting in the truck with the door open while the kiddos were putting on thier coats and getting ready to get out. She said she still had her hand on the inner door handle, so it could not have been open very far. Another truck (small dodge) whipped into the spot next to her and caught the drivers side door.

The bumper on the truck caught the lower corner of the door and peeled it outward about 4 inches and partially crushed that area of the door. The door was opened to about 90 degrees from the Tahoe and into the front edge of the door was pushed into the front fender a bit. The police were called due to the other driver not being able to speak English. Suprisingly, the other driver admited fault and actually had a valid insurance card (another rant for another time!).

I showed up and was able to get the door closed so that we could drive it home, but it was not easy. Now the door will not open back up more than a couple of inches without seriously binding into the front fender..

The question I have is there anything I should make sure the body shop doesn't overlook when repairing the Tahoe? So many things come to mind right now... here are just a few that I have thought of...

Will the door need to be replaced?

Insure all hinges etc are straight.

If they have to replace the door, will have to re-tint both front windows so they match. Wonder if insurance will pay for that...

Was the front fender damaged beyond paint?

Any damage to the front support pillar where the door attaches?

What else can you guys come up with?

Why couldn't the other driver have been in a small ricer type of car and just hit the nerf bar...???

Thanks for your help!

James.

fossil · February 12, 2006

Just take it to a well established GM body shop which guarantees the repair to equal or better than new condition and you should be ok.

blue2kzr2 · February 12, 2006

Agreed with above, or any reputable body shop. They'll probably replace the door but move all the "stuff" over to the new one, such as glass, winodw motor, interior panel, so long as the item isn't damaged they'll re-use it. Hinge is probably messed up, make sure there are no creases in the fender, if there are make sure it gets replaced.

JamesB · February 13, 2006

Thanks guys...

James.

averagehonky · February 13, 2006

Make sure their insurance pays you a DIMINISHED Value stipend. You now have a repaired ( wrecked ) vehicle. It should be at least $500 + bucks. The formula is based on age, condition, mileage, etc.

JamesB · February 13, 2006

Make sure their insurance pays you a DIMINISHED Value stipend. You now have a repaired ( wrecked ) vehicle. It should be at least $500 + bucks. The formula is based on age, condition, mileage, etc.

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Never heard of that before... Will def. look into it! Thanks!

James.