Here at Leifs we have been hearing the term "Usual & Customary" and / or "pre-loss" a lot lately from an insurance company. Let's take a look at some more of the Insurance companies repairers "Usual & customary, Pre-loss" repairs performed at their "DRP" contracted shops. We aren't sure what insurance companies call these repairs, But this is what we "usually & customarily" see coming in from their preferred repair shops in their "Pre-loss" restored state. Take a look and remember we have hundreds of pictures of these types of "usual repairs". We have NEVER been presented with, or seen an independent survey of repair costs, procedures, or times of anything to do with auto collision repair in our market (or any other market) area. So if you are told your being denied anything because its not "usual & customary" Please ask for the survey that was done to determine what is "usual & customary".We can show you what our findings of "usual & customary" are, and here's one more example.
This Vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company when inspected at Leifs due to the contracted repair.

	This Toyota Echo looks like your typical "usual & customary" "pre-loss" repair. From the outside it looks "OK" but after 3 trips back to the contracted repair shop this vehicle was brought to Leifs. Look what we found under the surface! Another rolling crash test waiting for a "crash test dummy". If your vehicle was repaired in an insurance company contracted shop you could unknowingly be the next CRASH TEST DUMMY! Don't be! Call Leifs, we can help you find out.
	This Vehicle has the worst kind of "overlooked" damage. This is a highly compromised frame that will fail with possibly deadly results. Looks like safety was not of any concern to anyone involved in the repairs and / or funding. (Lt frt. frame rail)
	Why insurance companies have contracts with repair shops doing this type of work can only be because of money. What do you think? Note that the front of this frame rail was spliced instead of the complete replacement that was required. Also look at how offset the engine mount is due to frame misalignment
	This splice was done at an air bag sensor mounting area. This is a big "NO-NO" according to vehicle manufacturers. Also note that all corrosion protection is missing and bare welds are visible.
	This side was not quite as bad. Only 1/4in out of spec. (Unibody vehicle factory specifications are normally 3mm or about 1/8in) But the structural integrity has been compromised and at what time will this be tested? I'll tell you (becuse no one else will) It'll be your next front end crash and guess what.. YOU’RE THE CRASH DUMMY!
	The only noticeable things were the fitting of the parts but little did the customer know they had suffered diminished safety. Vehicles have a hard enough time standing up to the SUV's & Trucks in a collision today, Much less if the main structural components are bent & kinked. One can only hope the next collision is not a major one.

   So.. Why end up a crash test dummy, use only non contracted repair shops that put your safety first. Don't get swayed into going to a insurance preferred shop doing "usual & customary" repairs or you may end up driving a rolling total like this customer was! .... Just call LEIF'S. 503-620-5343

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Other Pictures of this vehicle