Advice for bodywork repair

Nex0

Currently have a 56 plate Honda Civic and I managed to take a bite out of the rear passenger side door and mirror by catching it comeing out of my drive.

Got a few quotes today. One from a small local firm wanting between 400-500 and I also went to Honda who wanted a whopping £725

I only have 3 years no claims althlough I should have 5 but direct line kept refusing my 2 years I had with norwich union so if i claimed on my insurance it will cost me £150 and I will lose all my no claims and no doubt my insurance will go up by quite a bit.

I thought about one of these firms that come to your house and do body repairs but I think it will be to bad for them to do.

The one I was looking at was shine https://www.taketheweekendoff.com

So I think my best option is to learn how to get out my driveway properly and pay the 400-500 quid.

Athlough im open to suggestions if anyone has any?

Thanks in advance.

vansboy

Sorry to hear of your bad luck, but not sure how severe the 'bite' damage is.

Do you mean it's been torn through the steel, or just bad dents?

If it's actually holed, then, guess the repair quotes are for a new door skin, or even worse a new door. Although looking at the prices, a door would be even dearer. Have they confirmed if the VAT is extra, similarly, is paint/parts & materials still to be added.This is quite often the way estimates for body repairs are made, so best to double check.

The Honda dealer will probably send the job to a contractor - not many have on site body shops - so are probably loading the price for their profit, to cover their involvement costs. If it isn't done at the dealership, ask who the contractor are & get them to quote YOU, directly.

If the damage isn't a new door/skin job, find out who is the favourite local bodysho, that independent car sales people use. They won't be a big name, or even advertise, 'cos they'll always be busy, if they're any good. Try their price. you might find they're more keen to panel beat & skim the damage, than re skin. This'll be better really, 'cos a new door/skin might put off buyers, when time comes to sell on, moreso than a less obvious repair.

The one thing you do need to consider, though, is the paintwork/anti corrosion warranty from Honda. They'll be keen to make sure this is maintaned, in the event of a repair, so might be 'funny' about who actuall is recognised as an approved bodyshop.

Hope this helps.

VB

Nex0

Hi thanks for the reply.

Its not been torn but its not a scuff either and yes it has a dent in it but that can be pulled out so I have been told so in that respect im lucky I guess.

Both of those quotes included vat and the Honda I went to has it on bodyshop but your right most dont as they take all the cars from the derby one which need work and transport them to cannock!

The 400-500 quote was my local inderpendant one who has a good rep as my dad decided to reverse his van into a telegraph pole and he had to have a whole new door fitted and sprayed.

He also does work for insurance companies so I think I can trust him.

Im not to worried about the paintwork warranty as I am on a pcp scheme and only plan to keep the car 2 years.

If problems do start to creep in I expect that to happen long after I have got rid of it.

DavidHM

If it can be pulled out, I'd be inclined to go for a "smart repair" place - or at least see if they can quote. Although the quality can be variable, most are very good and should match the bodyshop for quality.

It's worth getting a quote - looking at this it seems that they would come in at about £200 and for the difference in quality, I'd probably save the cash, especially if you've heard good things about the quality of the repairer's work.

brazilianwax

you should probably check that your warranty won't be affected by using a non-dealer

DavidHM

I agree, but that's another good reason for having the dent pulled out without using paint - no non-Honda paint and therefore no corrosion warranty issue although the OP has said that she's not concerned about that due to only keeping the car for two years. (Although I do wonder what the terms of the PCP would say in relation to returning the car with non-Honda repairs to it - probably nothing).

Nex0

Sorry better clear this one up now im male. :rolleyes:

My biggest problem now is time and during the week I dont have any which only leaves me with weekends to get anything done which is difficult as most garages are only open for half a day saturday and not at all on a sunday.

As I said im really not worried about the warrenty as long as they cant see it when I take it back to be changed I will be happy.

As far as I will be concerned if anyone ever picks up on it. It wernt me that did it and it upto them to prove otherwise should they chose to do so.

When I took my golf in for them to look at for a part ex the guy never bothered to turn the key.

God help them when they did and saw the engine warning light come on.

Thanks again for all the advice I think I will just go to my local indpendant firm now and get them to do it. After all if the insurance companies use him then he must have a high standard as otherwise they wouldnt use him would they?

brazilianwax

Nex0 wrote:

Thanks again for all the advice I think I will just go to my local indpendant firm now and get them to do it. After all if the insurance companies use him then he must have a high standard as otherwise they wouldnt use him would they?

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

The insurance companies use them cos they are cheap, not good!!!!

Nex0

You may have a point there.

However we talking about such a small place here I mean you could prob fit 3 cars in there and theres 2 people doing the work. I dont think someone like that can afford to get there repuation dented as it would prob put them out of business.