So someone backed into my car...

[Am17]

I was at a gas station getting ready to park when some guy backed out way too fast without apparently checking his rear mirrors. Lo and behold my driver side door looks as if it's been hulk smashed (alright, it could ALWAYS be worse...). Called the cops, no PR as it was private property but he was able to at least verify most of his information. Now I'm left debating whether I should pressure the insurance company to just cover the price of a new door instead of repairing it. Just bought my car a bit over a month ago after selling my Mustang so I'm kinda bummed out. Feeling kinda unsure of whether a shop could really perfectly match the paint (ashen grey). Any advice? Kinda wish I was driving my 'stang yesterday.

[Iwantone2]

Dang, sorry to hear that :(

If you are truly worried about repairs, I would try to get a new door. However, I'm not too sure how that works with the insurance comany...

It'll get fixed either way!

[Juiced1]

A good repair/paint shop should be able to match paint perfectly...no worries. Even though most shops even guarantee their work I would still try to pressure the insurance company for a new door though. No one wants bondo on a new car.

[ShowSStopper]

Sorry to hear of the accident...those are never fun. I hope everything gets fixed up how you want and you have no further troubles. Good luck!

[Cheveey57]

You say you are worried about them repairing the door and matching the paint, so you would rather get a door. But they would have to match the paint anyway. Don't worry about the paint matching they have it it down to a science. As for the repairs, check around and get a good shop and you'll never know the difference.
Good luck.

My2sense

[Austin45]

[myold88]

the insurance company will do whatever is the most cost efficient for them. In most states
they must work with your selected repairer to get an agreed price.
I would not push for a new door- Remember it's only a replacement "shell", so lots
of labor is involved and few techs can reassemble one as good as the factory.
Also, if used correctly, bondo is no longer a dirty word in the industry. It's utilized at the factory.

[Am17]

Originally Posted by Austin45

Updated. Maybe it's not as bad as it looks, I don't know. I'm crushed nevertheless because I worked my butt off to buy it. Just recently turned 19 so this was supposed to be a gift for myself

[austinjames]

I had something very similar happen a few months ago. Had it fixed in 6 days by stingray chevy. Good as new, you would never know.




now back to show shape:

[DangerZL1]

Sorry to hear about your door, but at least the rear quarter panel isn't damaged....I'm trying to be a little optimistic. I'd push for a new door, and I'm thinking you'll end up with one anyway. I wouldn't worry about the repairs being done properly as long as you can find a competent shop. Maybe someone in your area can recommend one.

[Forcer]

i completely agree, be thankful it did not hit the quarter panel. I work at a body shop and if they dont replace that door.. well id be very shocked. hopfully there is no inner structure damage, a new door, handle and paint and you should be good to go, they may blend the fender,quarter panel just to match paint but its tough to say.

Originally Posted by DangerZL1

Sorry to hear about your door, but at least the rear quarter panel isn't damaged....I'm trying to be a little optimistic. I'd push for a new door, and I'm thinking you'll end up with one anyway. I wouldn't worry about the repairs being done properly as long as you can find a competent shop. Maybe someone in your area can recommend one.

[ihaveacamaro]

Ouch! Sorry to hear that :(

[Angelo@Autopia]

Originally Posted by myold88

the insurance company will do whatever is the most cost efficient for them. In most states
they must work with your selected repairer to get an agreed price.
I would not push for a new door- Remember it's only a replacement "shell", so lots
of labor is involved and few techs can reassemble one as good as the factory.
Also, if used correctly, bondo is no longer a dirty word in the industry. It's utilized at the factory.

I agreed with myold88 on this, find out what they will do and shop around and don't forget to ask questions and write them down. Sorry to see this happen to you.

[myold88]

You need an outer door panel and impact bar if both are available.
The door itself will not be repaired, but replaced if additional inner damages are found.
As a long time multi line adjuster I believe you can't complete an accurate estimate from a photo.
Good luck with the insurance company and repairs.