freaking out! car was hit

[MrIcky]

They won't replace the entire side if the whole side is one piece. And you don't really want that. The best repair uses the smallest amount of filler and the largest number of factory welds. The pic is hard to see, but they'd probably cut the quarter panel at the bottom of the c-pillar and the rocker at some point under the door (there's probably a recommended point to cut at there) and just replace that portion. Sometimes they do a 'dog leg' cut but it's hard to tell if that would be a good repair on that vehicle. The dog leg is the quarter panel from halfway through the rocker under the door up to about the top of the wheel well.

The places you really want to avoid non-factory welds if possible are the trunk and under the hood.

[johndawg]

Originally Posted by rikelme90

we called but they never arrived so we settled it

You called the police, but they never showed up? I find that really hard to believe. You should always get a police report regardless of whomever fault it is and especially if you think the other driver was at fault.
Not saying she'll try to screw you, but you never know...

[geminidreams]

Originally Posted by rikelme90

well here it is good thing the door was only scratched and not really damaged.

Ouch! sorry see your poor baby got hurt hope you can get it fixed up like new soon.

[sask-man]

since she is at fault and her insurance will be paying up, I would take it to the best shop around, if thats the dealership then so be it! You shouldnt care as your not paying for it, and even if you had to, I would still take it to the best shop you know of.

If you take it to Maaco, please feel free to ask the next person you see to boot you in the junk as hard as they can for me!

[DangerZL1]

Did the accident mess up your rim too? It looks like it needs to be replaced as well. I'd be cautious about the dealer's shop, unless you can see some of their work. I have never had good luck using them. I'd look for a high quality independent shop. Sometimes you can get good advice from the insurance adjustor on where to take it.

[2010SSRSM6]

Stay away from Calibur Collision in Corona. My buddy's 750LI was taken there on the "adjusters recommendation", they had a Ford GT, several MBZ's and other BMW's. 6 months later, the car still isn't fixed right. The car has been back and forth so many times they forgot they owned it.

[Iwantone2]

Yea, that rim looks damaged as well...

[Becka1988]

Make sure before you do anything that the insurance is OK with it! If you go thru a vendor and its not on their list you can get stuck with the charges.

Since your car is new I'd take it to the dealer for repairs! Macco is GARBAGE!!! I've had my car painted two times thru them and each time there was drips or spots they missed...certainly not good enough for your brand new car!!! If the insurance is going to pay for it why would you skimp on quality!? If the dealer doesn't do bodywork (like mine) they can refer you to a place they use. I used our caliber collision in fresno for the 2 times i've been rear ended and they were great. But apparently from reading the thread not every location has such good quality service.

Make sure they check out all the parts behind the wheel and that everything is functioning at 100%! Her insurance should cover all your costs! and remember to keep in contact with your insurance!!

My first accident was a big mess and I wish I would have had someone to give me advice like this. Good Luck!

[Camaro_Corvette]

Originally Posted by rikelme90

well here it is good thing the door was only scratched and not really damaged.

OMG, I would have been Pissed!

[GRSCAMARO]

Becka1988 has some good advice. Her first sentence is most important. You may not have any say so on how much of the car is replaced. In Florida, all of the adjusters seem to use the same book. They are responsible to make the car as good as new but within their guidelines.

I have had bad luck with dealer repairs in the past. I am having the rally stripes painted on my car this week. I found a local shop that specializes in "show quality paint" and also does insurance claims. They were working on a 67 Vette when I arrived today and it was absolutely perfect. Call a few "hot rod" shops and ask for a recommendation.

Good luck. We all feel your pain.

[Beauwulf]

Make sure you specify you want OEM parts... some shops will try to cheap you out but it's not worth it!

[rikelme90]

Originally Posted by johndawg

You called the police, but they never showed up? I find that really hard to believe. You should always get a police report regardless of whomever fault it is and especially if you think the other driver was at fault.
Not saying she'll try to screw you, but you never know...

yea i called the local police told them where we were 20 minutes passed and nothing, later on they call me saying if i needed the cops and i said no, i forgot exactly what she said but it sounded like if she had forgotten to tell the cops to head over.

[CleanCutCreations]

We write damage estimates for collision damage of this type EVERYDAY. I personally would write this for full 1/4 replacement and refinishing considering the damage area (gills) and the age of the car. The 1/4 would be sectioned just below the door at the rocker and through the sail panel between the 1/4 window and the rear glass (both will have to be removed). The 1/4 would be welded/glued/seamsealed using the factory seams. The bumper will have R&I time (included in 1/4 replace time) as well as the interior trim panels and seat. I would write the door to be repaired and painted/blended (looks like the mark starts there), R&I mirror, door handle, trim panel and belt moulding, resurface the rear wheel and ask for an alignment. I haven't run any numbers on this damage, but it looks to me like it will touch $2500.00. Look around for a competent shop and don't run to the shop the Ins. Co. steers you to.

About the check....Since you have a lean on your car (I'm guessing you do..) the Ins. check will be made out to you AND the repair facility. This forces you to fix the car. The banks and Ins. Cos. have lobbied for this to have your car in good resellable condition in case of a repo. This is no big deal, you just sign the check "make payable to: ABC Shop". The shop should go over this with you at drop-off time if they are competent.

You don't have to worry about used parts or non-aftermarket parts being used in this repair due to the age of the car and the fact that aftermarket parts aren't made yet. If you have any other questions or concerns feel free to PM me or call the shop and I will help you any way that I can.
JOHN @ CCC