Cash out or go for the repair due to understated estimate?

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k3n

Senior member
Jan 15, 2001
327
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Since the mod's won't move my old topic, after I "reported" it, i'll have to do a repo:

A distracted driver struck a fire hydrant which deflected off my car's bumper & quarter panel. I took it to a body shop that was "certified/approved" by the that driver's insurance for an estimate (also approved by another major insurance company).Total came to around $680.

I was told that even if the dent on the quarter panel was fixed and repainted; its area could still end up worse than it currently is, as a result of the repair. The adjuster stated that the paint would start to peel off the car 6 months down the line. He suggested I take money & use a cheap spray paint can to mask the car's defect.

The areas marked green were caused by the fire hydrant:
http://i.imgur.com/lM1zogA.jpg , you may notice the rusting area on the right side of the tire, which will keep on spreading.

This is the left side of the car, which looks flawless in comparison:
http://i.imgur.com/2ww7RbY.jpg

As you can see in the following picture, rust is starting to develop on the quarter panel's area near the splash shield.

It seems it would be wiser for me the cash out and put that money towards fixing the rust.

The same body shop had an estimate of $1200 to fix my car after it was rear ended; and the total cost came to around $2000. It turned out the owner of the vehicle hitting my car had insurance coverage, so I didn't have to may anything except $12 times 5 days for car rental insurance. They did a good job, which is why I went to the body shop again.
http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=35770437&postcount=30

So 1 of my concerns is, I may not be getting compensated enough from the current estimate of $680.

At 170k miles now, I'd like to keep my car to 200 thousand miles at least.

I was suggested elsewhere to cash out and then go to a "mom and pop" body shop to do repairs and such, but I'm a bit uncertain.
 

Zargon

Lifer
Nov 3, 2009
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I was told that even if the dent on the quarter panel was fixed and repainted; its area could still end up worse than it currently is, as a result of the repair. The adjuster stated that the paint would start to peel off the car 6 months down the line. He suggested I take money & use a cheap spray paint can to mask the car's defect.

hes trying to fuck you.

that's outright lies.

a good bodyshop will almost completely hide that it was damaged with proper work and a decent paint job wont 'peel off' in 6 months



get another quote
 
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Danimal1209

Senior member
Nov 9, 2011
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Paint will only peel if the surface is not prepared properly. It could be mangled to shit, but if it's clean and prepped, it'll stick.

I would also suggest to get another quote.
 

k3n

Senior member
Jan 15, 2001
327
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I stopped by my mechanic, he told me, to indeed take the cash, and he would fix the dents on the quarter panel, bumper, and RUST, for the same amount.... which looks like my best option right now..

Also the adjuster said, he would contact the insurance responsible for paying for my car's damage; so i'm not sure getting another quote may be in my best interest.
I.e.: Insurance will think I'm trying to get as much money out of them, and then they'll only give me the option to have the car repaired, instead of have the car repaired or take the money.
 
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