> The silver lining is we will get the right year parts on the car free of
> charge as the Excursion owner has accepted full liability. The mother is
> an adjuster (homes) for All State. She wants to keep it off the records
> and pay for the damages in cash. I'm not real savvy about this stuff, so
> anyone with advice on how to protect my rights if I should decide to
> keep the insurance companies out of it would be appreciated.

would she do the same for you? i doubt it. she works for an insurance
company, but wants to keep it off the books? hm.

>
> The first estimate I've received is for $3400. I plan to present her
> with one more from a AAA approved local body shop. She would like us to
> travel to Northridge (those of you in L.A., we live in Santa Clarita) to
> a place called Yoshi's. Can anyone tell me if this is a good repair
> shop? And, if I *do* respect her wishes by going there, should I be
> compensated for the trouble it will be?

worth a shot, but remember- shes paying, so shes going to try to keep the
price down. and once yoshis sees the car is a frankencivic, theyll argue
that you dont need "new" parts for a cobbled- together car.
>
> Thanks in advance for any feedback.

too late to claim whiplash?