A heavy tree limb crashed down on the hood of my 2001 Subaru Forester smashing the hood. Under the hood components now leak extensively . The Hartford is refusing to pay for damages cited by a mechan

I wrote the question above. The Hartford continues to assert that their mechanic said the leaks are old even though he didn't. Mine said the leaks are new. The Hartford is demanding 100% proof that the leaks are new. The cv boot was not torn in April when I had new brakes put on. Now what?

Wow! I've seen a lot of Subies with new hoods, but can NOT say that concussions could ever cause a head gasket failure. Regardless: did the unibody suffer sufficient damage to require straightening? (I'd doubt it as Hartford would have "totaled" this oldie immediately.) Sixteen winters is a LONG time on this fragile head gasket design, so I'd probably push for totaling this F and moving on rather than putting $1.6k into gaskets. Use NADA.com to determine retail value and push Hartford for a full settlement...especially if there is ANY transmission issue too! There is a slight chance that if the unibody is damaged that the rear main seal between the moitor and trans was damaged by shock and misalignment. In that case there's no question that Hartford should eat the car. So check that small possibility too. I'd move on, and see this as a silver lining someday, as this F was aging out anyway.