help with fixing a body damage...

targis58 · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 5:58 pm Post subject: help with fixing a body damage...

While I was inside a Home Depot a couple days ago someone hit my van and left. The pictures show the damaged area. the right corner was pushed in towards the hatch that the sapce between the hatch and the body is only about 1.5 mm when the other side is about 7mm apart. I wonder if this is an easy fix to have it fixed by a shop out of my pocket or should I report to my insurance and file a claim and leave a record on my 15+ year clean policy. I have a $1000 collision deductable. thanks

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markmc90 · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 6:45 pm Post subject:

I had a similar incident where someone hit my Passat. My insurance company said that since it was not a moving accident it wouldnt affect my rate. Just a thought, probably worth turning it in, it will be a more expensive repair than you would think. To have it done right.
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87 Syncro

cannedveggiessuck · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 6:59 pm Post subject:

Thats good advice. Plus you should have some sort of warranty thru your insurer or the shop that does the work should it crack bubble etc.
Id assume home depot has cameras in the parking lots.
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RCB · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 7:18 pm Post subject:

You have insurance for a reason and you should use it when you need it.
15 years of claim free loyalty makes me think your insurance company might bend over backwards to help you.

Im going on 18 years of claim free service with my insurance company but about a month ago a rock jumped up off the freeway and caused a slight cracking in my windshield.

I took it by and had my agent inspect the damage...we opened a claim, I took it to Freds Garage in Redwood City and got a quote to repair it correctly...here it is three days later and Im driving with a new windshield and rubber gasket and it was done at no charge to me.

I had a small rust spot fixed at the body shop next door to Freds but I paid that myself.

Bottom line is we have insurance and faithfully pay for it each month or bi yearly and if it needs to be used.......well it needs to be used.

It wont count as an accident because you were not in motion .
If you need a great company to provide you and your Insurance company an honest quote, stop by Freds Garage in Redwood City and let them handle everything.

Best 2U whatever you decide to do

targis58 · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 8:44 pm Post subject:

thanks alot for your advise guys!
I will try fred's garage tomorrow. They are open on Saturdays right?
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90 westy 2wd w/ TBD

RCB · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 8:53 pm Post subject:

Yes....See John or Tom Umhoffer, either will be happy to treat you with the professional courtesy that you deserve.

914 mike · Samba Member Joined: May 03, 2005 Posts: 431

Have you checked with Home Depot to see if they might have something on security camera? Those types of places have cameras everywhere. I would try my hardest to hold the asshat that hit your van accountable for his actions. Have his insurance pay everything and have him/her deal with the leagal ramifications.....

Terry Kay · Banned Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331

<<Im going on 18 years of claim free service with my insurance company but about a month ago a rock jumped up off the freeway and caused a slight cracking in my windshield.>>

Glass damage is covered under your comprehensive coverage, and can be used without any marks on your insurance premiums---

Comprehensive is fault free coverage.
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T.K.

targis58 · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:29 pm Post subject:

Christopher Schimke · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 8:03 am Post subject:

I agree with using your insurance when you really need it, but it would be worth your time to visit a couple of body shops and get some estimates. That is a pretty serious repair, but with a $1000.00 deductable, you may find that the repair cost and the deductable are close to a wash. Just from what I can see in the photos, I would say that repair is going to cost you anywhere between $1000 and $1200, but without seeing it in person, it's hard to be certain.

And just for the record, even though this particular claim may not affect your rates, it will go on your record and could be used against you in the future if you ended up racking up more claims. At least that is the way my insurance company works.
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Terry Kay · Banned Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331

Here's another thought--and this coud save you from dealing with your insurance company, and more than likely save you some bucks.

Pick up the yellow pages, and let your finger's do the walking for--Dent Buster's.

I've used them, the job they do is a miracle, and some of the franchies will come to you.

Other than the crease in the side of the quarter panel whch will have to be painted , you'll be in good shape without any contact with your insurance co.
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