Question concerning the tailgate theft. I've heard the new tailgates have electronic locks and can be easily and accidently unlocked with the key FOB. No handle.....

Is that correct?

Can you secure lock it so it doesn't accidently get unlocked?

Is it easier to steal a new tailgate than the old with handle locks?

Yes, I have heard the same as you that a tailgate can cost $2,000.00 (Maybe that's with a matching paint and Platinum grade)

 

 

Make sure the quote includes everything....tail gate, camera, step, step handle, wiring harness, etc. My neighbor had his stolen off his '15 and it was a battle with the insurance company to get everything included. There are many extra parts in addition to the tail gate itself.

 

Platinum SD tailgate and tail lights stolen while vehicle was backed up against a wall?

Yes, I would agree with you that this theft was very impressive indeed but i`d also say that unless the wall or truck was moved, this is not possible. Not that it matters but is there more to this theft that you`re not mentioning?

With that being said and since you said that you`re insured, have it towed to your local Ford dealer and have them replace the stolen parts with new OEM parts because the only reason many but not all insurance companies suggest or recommend a non dealer repair shop is because many of them use OEM parts that are "used" or they use an aftermarket part.

The insurance company is paying for it anyway so the towing should be included. The only thing that you`re going to have to come out of your pocket for is your deductible. If you decide to go with the outside shop that`s close to you, I doub`t very seriously that much is going to happen or that anything will change in the cost of the repair by driving two blocks.

 

The days of insurance companies mailing checks to vehicle owners for repairs are over.

 

if your driving with no brake lights i would have somebody follow in another vehicle. best case scenario, a cop pulls you over and impounds your truck. worst case, someone runs into your truck and you get sued

 

 

Not really. Had a recent insurance claim and Allstate was going to mail the check to me. I told 'em I prefer they send it straight to the dealer's body shop ... no need for me to play middle-man.

I want to know how that tailgate was stolen since the truck was supposedly backed up to a wall. I guess it could be opened electrically from beneath the truck by knowing which wire to energize in the harness. I know which wire it is thanks to all the discussions in this forum about the remote-open tailgates. But how did they physically remove it in tight quarters?

 

Hogwash, you have every right to collect the check personally as you have every right to not have the damage repaired but still be reimbursed for it.

I get every single check mailed to me whenever there is a claim.

 

 

 

best advice...don't use callibur collision. I had one repaired with them....then took it to where I should have....and had them put correctly fitted OEM parts on it.

 

I'll bet the bare, unpainted tailgate itself is $700....
Paint, paint labor, trim pieces, electric lock, wiring harness, camera, gate damper, Plat trim, cable supports, assembly labor, etc may be extra.....
I'd have a body shop do it, unless you can find a take-off Platinum gate assembled- from an upfitter. (Find a lift-gate installer...)
$.02

 

Sounds like you're in Texas. You have the right to take your truck where you want. I work for an insurance company as an adjuster and there are advantages to using their recommended shop such as warranty and the like, but you're allowed to take it where you want.
Certain states its well within the insurance companies right to use aftermarket and used parts, and its 100% legal.
I hand out checks to customers every day of the week as an adjuster for a major insurance company. Insured or claimant, doesn't matter.
Actually, it isn't, and this is the dumbest thing I've ever read on this forum.