Should I insist?

So I got into a wreck last month, luckily my Aftermarket stuff was saved and everyone was okay. Now the truck is in the shop with new parts. Among those new parts is a grille. From my pics you can tell it was black, same with my headlights.

Headlights aside...should I insist they paint the grille since it's already by itself? I'd even take it home and do it to save the hassle.
The grille they got isn't all shiny chrome but a "smoked gray".

Or should I just let it go?

 

I would suggest to have them not replace the bumper or grill. Let the insurance company cut you a check for the repairs. Pay the shop to fix everything but the bumper and grill. Use leftover money to get a new steel bumper and pro grill.

 

I’m sure the repair facility would accommodate, for a fee of course... do what you think is best regarding quality of work and your personal finances. The few insurance claims I’ve had, I usually have the shop repair all other exterior damages (i.e., hail storm claim, repair hail damage and door/parking lot dings).

 

I had a buddy do that too haha. At least I had one scratch and 2 dings..luckily they were on the passenger side front and hood!

 

The shop could be nice enough to just do it for you but I don’t think the aftermarket paint on the grill is thier problem! If you want to dispute it you might have to take it up to your insurance!

 

And there's the problem.

Somehow, a couple of generations of drivers have become accustomed to being told what they are allowed to think/value/expect. The damn truck belongs to the owner, not Toyota, not the insurance company and certainly not the shop making the repairs.

If he had painted the grill florescent purple with appliqued mother-of-pearl unicorns in place of the logo, it needs to be returned to the condition it was in pre-collision. Not as it left the factory, not what the insurance company thinks is more cost effective and what is easy for repair shop.

The simple approach is: It's wrecked, make it like it was.

 

buuuut mah proofiiiits!!!

 

a spray bombed grille is not oem standard, so no they don't have to paint his grille black

 

But any aftermarket parts aren't OEM standard. Are insurance companies required to replace broken aftermarket parts on a claim? Legitimate question since I have never had to do that. I have one insurance claim from a while ago and I just took the check and fixed things myself and put on a steel bumper then kept the change.

 

we've had vehicle's come through our shop with smoked lights, plastidip grilles even full wrap jobs and the insurance doesn't cover to get the vehicle re wrapped or all the other shit painted to how it was. so im just talking from personal experiences.

 

Kind’a... as long as you advised the insurance company of modifications made, and the insurance company underwriter articulated the changes (in writing) on the insurance policy, then (and only then) is the insurance company responsible for returning to current state. Otherwise, you paid for coverage on a stock truck... and you’ll only get what you paid for (you can’t expect coverage for extra expnses without paying an additional premium). Like all contracts, read your policy for complete understanding of coverage.

 

There is an old expression used by insurance companies, " Like Kind and Quality" this is what the owner is entitled to. and has a right to expect.

 

So if I have an aftermarket bumper and someone hits me and damages only the bumper, the insurance company doesn't have to pay since no or components we're damaged?

 

If he truck isn’t paid off asking for a check isn’t always an option but worth a try.

Also after market parts it work aren’t typically unless you call them and had them added to the policy.

 

But it isn't that simple when you involve aftermarket parts. Your policy is for coverage on an OEM vehicle unless it's amended otherwise.

 

Depends on the policy. Nationwide includes without extra charge, $1500 in customization.

 

It is like" Tacoma 3rd Gen." sayes unless it is specifically noted in the policy, it is not covered.

 

man what a shame. hopefully you get things sorta out fast!

 

They would probably offer replacement with an OEM bumper I believe. But that's a pretty unique situation, and may vary company to company?

 

Your truck insurance is for a completely OEM vehicle. Any aftermarket parts damaged have a OEM equivalent value. That is all they owe you. Anything extra aftermarket (RTT, lights, etc.) is not covered unless you have an additional policy/agreement.