Hit and run - ball park repair cost?

InsideInsurance

Joy of joys, returned to my car last night to find a nice dent in my offside front wing. The kind soul who hit it didnt feel it necessary to leave any details either.

Reported to BTP to get a look at the CCTV but its a roving camera and far away from the parking space so not looking optimistic. So looking like a nice unexpected bill for me then.



Anyone know what sort of ballpark repairs should be at a coachworks etc? Panels are aluminium rather than steel if that makes any difference. Dont want to be taken for a ride simply because of the badge on the front

Mark_Mark

If it's a new wing I bet you won't get much change from a grand from an accident repair centre.

You might want to have a look round some smaller places to get the price down a bit.

knight_rider

A dent like that would be repaired for £200-£300. There would be no need to replace it.

OnanTheBarbarian

Scumbags

I would wager that for a proper repair and no filler nonsense (assuming a dent man can't take care of the crease), that it may be cheaper to get a salvaged wing as a bolt on repair.

What car is it out of interest?

sinbad182

You'll be able to get a smart repair on that for sub £300 I'd guess.

InsideInsurance

Mark_Mark wrote: »

If it's a new wing I bet you won't get much change from a grand from an accident repair centre.

List price for the wing is around £600 before you add labour or paint so imagine a replacement will be well north of a grand

InsideInsurance

So, 3 quotes in, 2 say it has to be replaced as aluminium is too prone to splitting whilst reshaping with both quoting around £1,350

One said it can be fixed not replaced and quoted £160. One outstanding quote being waited for.

Almost tempting to try a fix first and replace if it isnt up to standard

ilikewatch

Blimey, you posted this on MSE and no-one has suggested just leaving it as it is?

InsideInsurance

ilikewatch wrote: »

Blimey, you posted this on MSE and no-one has suggested just leaving it as it is?

I think the finance company would bill even more when the car goes back in 2.5 years

fivetide

Given that's the issue you might be as well getting the full repair now because chances are it'll be double that when you send it back.

Only alternative I can think of has been suggested - try to find a wrecked one in the same colour with a good wing and have it bolted on.

Alternatively, leave it and get a repair done just before you hand it back.

Not sure if the Aluminium is an issue but I'd have though ChipsAway would have had a go at it. Trouble with them is it is a franchise so you never know how good the local bloke is.

colino

Unfortunately, most bodyshops are nothing more than putty&paint shops that would faint away if you took an ally car in to them. Ask around, there are plenty ally panelled cars on the market now and there will be a local bodyman who can do it and the dent doesn't look all that bad at all.
Incidentally. there are no additional tools needed to work on aluminium, just a better skilled tradesman. They are often easier to repair than mild steel.
The guy who told you ally splits at least has had a go, but no one told him it has to be annealed before working it!
Those pesky bollards are a right nuisance jumping out in front of you.