"Remember the only person on your “side” is you"
I couldn't agree with that statement more! You have to look out for yourself, because noone else will.
After Forester #1 got written off, the aftermath of dealing with insurance companies was 100 times worse than going through the actual crash. The only reason I got all my out of pocket expensed finally covered by the other person's insurance is because of me. I pestered, called, wrote, faxed for over a year before I got my money out of them. Let's just say I "wasn't in good hands". My own insurance company was no help either, they weren't the "good neighbor" they claim to be.
As for replacing the car, did that myself too. They want you to use some replacement service. They won't give you any price until you sign an agreement to buy the car from them. It was no problem getting another Forester. But, there was no guarantee what Forester I would get. I wanted another dark grey 5 speed, that's what we bought, that's what I wanted again. I might have ended up with, say, a red automatic, and I would have had no choice but to take it.
Sorry for the rant...sore spot!