Where to start on repair?

You dont have much of a grasp on how insurance really works.

 

You assume much.

 

As an insurance broker they certainly do cover stupidity. Only problem is it will be rated as an at fault loss which will be subject to a collision deductible and either a rate increase or loss of accident waiver if eligible. Step 1 would be to go to a shop for an estimate and then contact insurance company to find out implications of filing the claim.

 

Didnt have to assume anything from your comments. Its pretty obvious.

 

Sorry, but if a guy can burn his truck to the ground by leaving a lit torch on the passenger floor mat while doing an electrical mod..... walk away and forgot he left the torch on. Came back out, truck is on fire. His insurance covered him, insurance should cover this.

 

Troof

 

Going through insurance on that is probably not worth it.

 

Possibly, like others have said it all depends on total repair cost. And weigh that against insurance deductible plus possible rate increase or loss of your periodic accident forgiveness incident.

Definitely better to start with a repair invoice from a shop, then look at insurance costs.

 

Yeah I knew it would be the unpopular opinion.

Here is what prompted me though. If the guy is trying to save a buck by asking if he can hammer a steering knuckle back into shape, it makes me wonder if he has the cash on hand to get it repaired. If no, pay the deductible, and suffer the higher rates. If yes, then just pay the money to fix it right. If that means throwing parts at it yourself and then having a shop double-check you and align it, so be it. But a shop does need to be involved at some point in this process.

It sucks, but I see the front suspension/steering as something required for the continued safe operation of the car.

 

Use your insurance how you want to. I simply offer my advice. Home owners and car insurance rates are two different animals. We are only talking about cars here. Let's not compare apples to oranges.

My greater point is that vehicle insurance should be reserved for catastrophic life events. If the insurance agency is called very time you bust your suspension your rates are going to be high. Whatever the repair costs, they will get it out of him from his monthly payment and deductible so in many scenarios it is not favorable for the insured to pursue a claim.

The best thing to do is own up to your mistakes and pay to fix them on your own, and save car insurance for the real life changing stuff. That is the only way to have low rates with good coverage that will save your ass if a negligent driver screws up your life.

 

Can confirm the importance of working suspension. Drove one of our rally cars through a bumpy field to load it into the trailer after the shock piatons bent and collapsed into the bottom shock mount. So literally zero suspension travel. Basically a go kart at that point. 150yds of driving and I neede a chiropractor

 

Lol, I loved this part. By loved, I mean as someone else on the road it's scary as hell.