Early December a deer had hit me. I have full coverage on my AUDI a4 (supercharged) and I took it to local collision center certified by my Insurer State Farm. The collision center deemed it as totaled, because the repairs exceeded the value of the car. So I just repaired the car and State Farm gave me 3000 towards repairs because I retained the car and didn't salvage it. So i just paid the 2200 of the 5200. It took nearly 2 weeks to repair. So I finally got it back today. They said everything checked in and was working properly. So I'm driving down the road happily. Then all hell breaks loose. The coolant light starts flashing and the check engine light comes on. I get to a gas station and check the reservoir. Its empty....so i fill it back up and it still leaks. So i guess i have two options. Take the car back and get the leak fixed. Or ill file a lawsuit just to get my money back. Either way they screwed up and I want my money back. I'm leaning towards a lawsuit anyway.

 

I'm not sure how it works, but since you left the place, they may be able to deny your claim, claiming that it could've happened after they were done and that it was fine when you picked it up. I'd take it back, explain what happened, have them repair it. If they tell you to stick it, THEN think legal means, but it doesn't hurt to go back and explain it (and show them) and ask them to make good. You did give them over five grand, so it's only reasonable that you expect them to fully repair the car.

 

there should be some kind of warranty on the work done though.

 

It's likely a rad hose not connected properly. Check both upper and lower rad hoses... they are bit 1.5" hoses so they'd dump the coolant almost immediately if one popped off. There should be a metal retaining clip that holds it on, too. Compare upper and lower and you'll see what I mean. Those are the only 2 hoses that would have certainly been undone during repairs as your rad must have been replaced as a result of the collision.