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I live in a coop and for now, I cannot yet get a garage spot. I thus leave my car out in the parking lots, which are generally safe.
Late night this past Saturday, some punk-ass teenager/teenagers walked (yes, WALKED) all over my car. The damage is:
- slight dents on the top of car, right where metal meets glass, both front and rear windshields
- several scratches, including a few several inches long on the hood
The dents are annoying, but because they are not very deep nor wide they are not easily noticeable. But the scratches really pissed me off.
I have had this car for less than one full month, and it's brand new.
I went to a friend who owns several autos and this is what he said:
1. Insurance: I'll get a $500 deductible, but my premium will go up.
2. Dealership auto body: they CAN fix it, but they'll charge me an arm and a leg.
3. A mom&pop body shop: they CAN fix it, but because it's a brand new car there is no guarantee the finish will be perfect as the original paint cannot be easily replicated.
I went to a friend who owns several autos and this is what he said:
1. Insurance: I'll get a $500 deductible, but my premium will go up.
2. Dealership auto body: they CAN fix it, but they'll charge me an arm and a leg.
3. A mom&pop body shop: they CAN fix it, but because it's a brand new car there is no guarantee the finish will be perfect as the original paint cannot be easily replicated.
Sorry to hear that but your friend pretty much summed up your options. I'd personally take the car to an auto-body shop and see what estimate they could give you on the damage.
Sorry to hear that but your friend pretty much summed up your options. I'd personally take the car to an auto-body shop and see what estimate they could give you on the damage.
But how good are the chances they'll get rid of the hood scratches and the dents well enough that hte original paint doesn't get screwed up?
fix the hole in the bag. move the car. it will happen again.
this is a major problem in france, car vandalism. we will see more of it here
with time. lots of angry poor people. no child left behind my foot.
Since the car is new, a good body shop should be able to match the paint color. Typically, new paint is easier to match than cars that are older because there is no sun fade or oxidation.
There is a paint code number on the car and the shop will use this paint code to get the right color. If you want it right take it to a reputable shop that has been doing business for years, not some bargain store paint shop. You might pay more but in most cases you will get much better results. Stay away from the cheapy, quicky, discount shops. This is a new car that you want to still look new. Not some 10 year old car you just want to spruce up a little bit.
Since the car is new, a good body shop should be able to match the paint color. Typically, new paint is easier to match than cars that are older because there is no sun fade or oxidation.
There is a paint code number on the car and the shop will use this paint code to get the right color. If you want it right take it to a reputable shop that has been doing business for years, not some bargain store paint shop. You might pay more but in most cases you will get much better results. Stay away from the cheapy, quicky, discount shops. This is a new car that you want to still look new. Not some 10 year old car you just want to spruce up a little bit.
Good - thanks for hte info.
One question though. There are the 2 small, shallow dents on the front and back ends of the top center area of the car. Can that be fixed too?
One question though. There are the 2 small, shallow dents on the front and back ends of the top center area of the car. Can that be fixed too?
I would think so. Pretty much anything can be fixed these days.
I'm sorry about this incident. It really sucks to deal with this in a brand new vehicle.
And yes, don't ever use your insurance unless is something significant. Keep your insurance for the "real" (major) damages.
I've had similar issues in the past, so I can understand your frustration. And as much as I like new vehicles, that's why I decided to drive an old truck these days. Not as much stress anymore.
Maybe you could go around to the new car dealerships and ask them who they use to repair hail damage? Those body shops may have the most experience with small dents.
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