jarvis
Senior Member
So, in the high winds this week my 2016 car took some damage from a metal pole. The side of the bonnet is dented as is the wing. The dents aren’t huge but what makes it worse is the paint is cut through down to the metal with some gouges.
I'm torn as to how to proceed with getting it sorted. I am reasonably sure it will need a bonnet and wing respray (it's beyond a smart repair) but not panel replacement. I’ve never had bodywork repaired before.
Options:
1. Go through insurance - my excess is £250 which is fine but will I pay loads more at renewal as I guess this is a ‘fault claim’ (I have protected no claims but that only helps to a point)? Going through insurance might end up with panel replacement etc.? Could I insist it’s done by MB?
2. Sort the repair myself – I’ve had a reputable local company quote £500 based on photos I provided. I’m worried I’ll be able to tell the work has been done though and then will regret not going through insurance.
I know there’s no right or wrong here but interested in people’s views!
Another question – is it OK to dither about this for a while and then still claim on the insurance later or will they say I should have told them immediately and reject the claim?
I'm torn as to how to proceed with getting it sorted. I am reasonably sure it will need a bonnet and wing respray (it's beyond a smart repair) but not panel replacement. I’ve never had bodywork repaired before.
Options:
1. Go through insurance - my excess is £250 which is fine but will I pay loads more at renewal as I guess this is a ‘fault claim’ (I have protected no claims but that only helps to a point)? Going through insurance might end up with panel replacement etc.? Could I insist it’s done by MB?
2. Sort the repair myself – I’ve had a reputable local company quote £500 based on photos I provided. I’m worried I’ll be able to tell the work has been done though and then will regret not going through insurance.
I know there’s no right or wrong here but interested in people’s views!
Another question – is it OK to dither about this for a while and then still claim on the insurance later or will they say I should have told them immediately and reject the claim?