[tx] Can State Farm Legally Use A Salvage Frame To Repair My Brand-new 2026 Toyota Tacoma?

Location: Austin, Texas, USA

I'm currently dealing with an insurance dispute involving my leased 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, which had only 3,200 miles when it was involved in an accident. I'm looking for advice about my legal rights under Texas law.

Background:

My truck sustained significant damage, and the collision repair shop determined that the frame was bent.

The initial repair estimate was approximately $16,000, excluding the full cost of the frame replacement and associated labor.

State Farm is now looking to replace the damaged frame with a used/salvage frame costing approximately $3,000, rather than a brand-new OEM Toyota frame costing approximately $10,000.

The repair would require extensive disassembly, transferring major mechanical and structural components, and transporting the truck to another facility.

My concern is that the replacement frame's history, previous damage, and structural integrity have not been adequately documented to me.

Toyota's repair guidelines:

I located Toyota Collision Repair Information Bulletin CRIB #180-D, which addresses Toyota's position regarding recycled and salvage parts in collision repairs.

I have already sent State Farm a formal written objection citing this bulletin and expressing concerns about the safety and structural integrity of the proposed repair.

I understand that manufacturer recommendations are not necessarily legally binding, but I believe they are relevant when evaluating whether a structural repair is appropriate.

My legal questions:

1. Under Texas law, can State Farm authorize a used/salvage frame replacement on a nearly new vehicle despite my objection?
2. Does Texas law require insurers or collision repair facilities to follow Toyota's OEM repair procedures, particularly for major structural components?
3. If Toyota advises against using recycled structural components, could State Farm or the repair facility face liability for proceeding with the repair?
4. Do I have any legal grounds to demand a new OEM frame instead, or challenge the decision to repair the vehicle rather than declare it a total loss?
5. Since this is a leased vehicle financed through Ally Financial, does the leasing company have any authority over whether salvage structural components can be installed?
6. Would filing a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance be an appropriate next step? Would an independent appraisal or consultation with an automotive insurance attorney be worthwhile?

My position:

I'm not claiming that every used automotive component is unsafe. However, I have serious concerns about replacing the primary structural frame of a practically brand-new truck with a salvage frame of unknown history.

I want the vehicle restored to a safe condition consistent with applicable repair standards, or declared a total loss if an appropriate repair is not economically feasible.

I am not seeking financial gain. I simply want to understand my legal rights and what options I have to protect myself.

Any guidance regarding Texas insurance law, structural collision repairs, or disputes involving leased vehicles would be greatly appreciated.