You know, Cath, I can just imagine how you feel. When the big fire burned down San Diego in 2003, I will admit that I panicked. The fire was 40 miles away that morning, and that evening it was a mile away. I packed up my computer, my clothes, and Rocky and went somewhere else where the fire was further away - 3 miles! It never reached me or my home, but I was scared.
Two years later, driving home to my (new) house, I saw smoke over the mountain and I drove like a bat out of hell down a dirt road at about 75-80, only to find out that the fire was several miles away and not even close to my house.
Having to experience one as you did, and going through this ordeal, I can really feel for you but won't pretend I know how it feels.
LuAnn was right, I've managed a body shop and I knew that every adjuster was going to try to save money. An adjuster telling me he refused to fix a car properly because of the cost was the reason I left the business. It's their job, but that doesn't mean they are right. I've had two auto claims and both times fought the adjuster and got what I wanted (deserved) for the repairs. They bank on telling you, "this is all I can give you" and you thinking he's being sincere.
I had a customer once who asked how long it would take to fix her car, when I told her three weeks she cringed because she was paying for a (cheap) rental. I asked why she was paying for it since the ins co wasn't hers, but the guy who hit her. She said, "because they don't have rental coverage on their policies". She was right, but that's for their own clients. I told her that not only were they obligated by law to provide her with a rental car, but that she was entitled to a car similar to the one she was driving when their client hit her (a $36k car). She talked to her ins co like I suggested and called me that day thanking me profusely for saving her so much money. The adjuster lied and she bought it. They know their job and they do their job, but that doesn't mean that taking care of you is their priority. Be assertive without being demanding - it helps a lot.
best wishes....