Sorry about your luck, things like this happen. You should feel good about yourself for stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing. But...you wrote. "But I'm scared of getting ripped off by these car body shops who'd take down and repair a car in a way that's more costly than it should end up being." What more needs to be said? Fixing the car right, which means doing what is necessary to restore it to pre-accident condition means the shop does NOT cut corners to save on cost. If there is one thing that needs to be addressed here it is the near impossible demands of making the car right, and trying to do it "cheaper". The other party deserves to have the car repaired correctly. You, doing the right thing have taken the proper steps to see that this is getting done, and you should be commended for that. But then right away starting to fear a rip-off, when you have never seen the shop, or met the people that work there is an attitude that needs some correction. The other party wanted to file a police report, but have taken your word that would not be necessary. Treat the shop they choose with just as much respect. Now as far as the cost. Accidents happen, we all (well all of us that know we need to do the right thing) pay for and have insurance to help us out during these (hopefully) rare events. Get the estimate, and then decide if it's to your advantage to turn it into your insurance. If it is, then do so. If not, then rely on the shop to fix the car correctly, and then pay them for doing so. Then move on. Besides, you never know you just may have found a good body shop that you werent aware of previously. You never know when that information could come in handy for you, or a friend or relative. The bottom line, if my car gets damaged, and I am going to have it repaired by a pro, I know several that I would take it to in a heartbeat. They have the correct tools, the high tech paint booth, and the color paint blending equipment etc. right on site. These guys, everyone of them are easily NOT the cheapest I could go to, but then again doing the job right is what counts. They will do that without question.

Well.....where is it? In the carpet? or hiding in the cracks of the upholstery? When you find it all and clean it up....the smell will be gone...mostly...LOL! I am remembering dropping a 2 qt container of salsa on the pavement next to my car....with the door open! It was everywhere! And smelled of garlic for weeks!....don't dispair and keep the windows open!! Linda C

I am a smoker & I smoke in my car but I don't like to smell it when I get in. (I also live alone.) I shampoo my car mats & upholstery every month & keep the ashtray clean & filled w/baking soda at all times. I have tried the vinegar method which worked. Also, you should treat the vents since when you turn them on, the smell of smoke will be right back. I bought a small bottle of New Car Smell at my local Stop & Shop & that works great! I use it everyday when I leave my car for the night. I spray it on the seats, interior roof, etc. I have also used the Gain fabric softener sheets to minimal success. Basically, aside from smoking, my car is always very clean. I understand that's a big "aside," & I know it would be much easier to quit smoking but that ain't happening soon! However, when people get in my car, they are surprised that I smoke in it since they tell me it doesn't smell like smoke.

Wait until it resprouts. Also,put a big saucer under it so that it stays watered. Right now would be a very bad time to let it go dry again. Keep it in part shade,light shade. You don't want sun on it all day.