Should insurance pay??
 

My 2007 E350 was recently vandalized. Contaminated fuel tank and both passenger side tires punctured. After waiting 6 months for my insurance co/ mechanic to finish, they advise me I need a new steering rack They say it’s due to normal wear and tear. Prior to this incident my steering was NOT problematic at all. No leaks, no odd noises when turning and no stiffness to the wheel. No indication of any steering issues. Lastly, when my car was initially damaged it was parallel parked between two cars on a slight uphill grade with curbed tires. It was towed by a flatbed. Is it plausible that my steering rack could have been damaged in the 6 months time beginning with the day it was towed up until now where it remains in the shop? Realizing my car has approx 120k miles on it and bc I have been waiting so long I’m inclined to pay it, but........What would you do?

Hmmmmm..
steering racks should not go out @ 120K.

Maybe get second opinion on that one...
Tell second shop... check alignment as steering seems to be off.

Then see what they come back with.
and your car probably needs an alignment anyways.

They should check all front end parts.

Who did you piss off?

Contaminated tank wold indicate they piss in.
I just help my friend to evaluate rack estimate on her Toyota.
The lady drove over high curb few weeks earlier and one of the boots was torn.
That make the mechanic to bid on new rack, new PS pump, full flush and such. It was Toyota, so it come under $2000, but it is not the monetary value I am talking about.
Torn boot is not excuse to replace a number of expensive parts.
Get 2nd opinion if you don't DIY

My Insurance company

How could you ever prove liability on the tow? You would have to sue the towing company and prove their negligence somehow. Your insurance company has nothing to do with it. It's a 13 year old car with 120,000 miles. Plus 6 months waiting. Just get it fixed and be done with it.