For those who have not seen the "what made u say fuck thread", some idiot crashed into my G8 last night. This is my very FIRST claim since 1999... My wife on the other hand Anyway, the insurance company wants me to take it to one of their shops to get some pics taken and get an estimate. I informed them I would be taking my car to a different shop for the actual work and asked how it works. She informed me that once they make the estimate they will cut me a check for whatever amount the adjuster determines. (minus deductible) Now my question... Is there some database out there that insurance companies/body shops use to make the estimate? So if the estimate is say 6k and they cut me a check, will I be able to take that to almost anybody shop and get the work done for that price? I just want to be prepared if I go to a different shop and they say "Its gonna cost more than that"...