Who hired the contractor(s)? Are you looking for the cash, or getting the work done correctly? If it was the insurance company that did the contracting, they should not close out the claim until the job is done correctly, or they have paid you what it would cost to get the job fixed (you should get written estimates). JMHO

Yes.

The insurance company compares the repair cost to the value of an un-crashed vehicle of the same vintage and pays the lesser of the two amounts. In my opinion, if this were a collector and show car, he would entitled to getting it back to the same condition as before the crash, however, it is not. Is very unfortuante: I see two options: Total the car and take the appraised value, or keep the car and accept the cash settlement and have it repaired on his own. However, he should first get an estimate of the repair. I see $4000 to $6000 or more repair cost. There is something more wrong under the hood since it will not start. You did not say what that damage was. Was the engine damaged, say a cracked block? Maybe a bunch of busted accessories and brackets on the front of the engine? Cracked manifold? The visible damage is front bumper, bumper cover, probably 2 radiators (engine and air conditioner), left fron fender, hood, grill, front headlamp assembly, running lamp in bumper, possible frame and steering links, 2 shock absorbers (if there is any age on these, these are replaced in pairs to keep the front suspension action balanced), possible front suspension spring and spring brackets, There could be distortion of the sheet metal under the windshield, Possible wiring harness damage, battery and battery pan depending on where the battery is located, possible battery acid damage if the battery was cracked, The right front door may have scratches that will have to be fixed and included in the paint job, and front end alignment after everything is put back together. The paint job will be over $1000 for color matching and fairing the paint into the old paint. The front wheel should be checked for damage and replaced if there is any dents or distortion. The front brake may need rebuilding and any damaged brake lines replaced. As you can see, the repair is extensive, and that's unfortunate because your vehicle appears rust free, rare for an Explorer that age. There will be no settlement until the police report is available. You did have the police survey the scene, didn't you? Expect about 1 week before the report is available from the police station. The police report and witness statements are used to determine fault or percentage of fault of each party.

You were lucky that the company covered it! I just had a dead tree removed and it was in a tricky spot--between my carport and my neighbor's garage. I couldn't believe the previous owner allowed that tree to grow there. My house was built in 1939 and the previous owner lived here for the last 30 years before I bought it. Anyway, they had to cut sections at the top and gently lower by rope to the ground. It set me back $850, but it would have been worse to have it fall and damage both structures. My neighbor on the other side has a live pine tree leaning my way. I want to ask them to have it removed, because when it falls, it's going to hit my home, which I spent a year renovating.