RS5 back on the road, longish...

[GotRS?]

More RS5 bad luck came my way but all's well that ends well. After my first was totaled by the dealer an hour before pickup back in 2012, I thought I had plenty of good luck credit. That ran out when I was driving to my vacation this summer behind a truck carrying store window glass. The meteor storm that followed when some of that glass broke was brief but memorable.

We managed to pull the truck over, that was the key thing. The damage appeared to be a broken windshield and paint scratches all over. Details exchanged, we followed through with the vacation, totally pissed off about the car but taking deep breaths.

The truck turned out to be insured for private use, not commercial, aka uninsured. My insurer, Geico took over and sorted out the claim, with all the details and pictures I gave them (that key thing), they were sure they would get their money back, so my claim via the repair facility rocketed up with no quibble, deductible waived too.

After five week's work and over $31k spent, my car is back with an incredible restoration. Full repaint (Panther Black) and far too much stuff replaced to mention.

If you're in a fender bender, spend time taking details and pics!

[Mops@Nemesis]

That stinks! Sounds like you're super pleased, but not a fun process. $31K?? Wow...

[S4V8]

WoW! Happy to hear all is ok now. Enjoy her!

[JamesRS5]

Let's see some pictures of her in her new skin.

Good advice on the pictures, they really do paint a thousand words when it comes to insurance claims.

[GotRS?]

Well after most of the day washing/claying/sealing/waxing, incredible has turned to unbelievable. The paint finish truly looks better thank it was new. Never again will I be afraid of the word "repaint".

My pics wouldn't do it justice. A big thank you to Stirling Collision of Tustin, CA.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Well after most of the day washing/claying/sealing/waxing, incredible has turned to unbelievable. The paint finish truly looks better thank it was new. Never again will I be afraid of the word "repaint".

My pics wouldn't do it justice. A big thank you to Stirling Collision of Tustin, CA.

That is very nice to see, and I've been preaching that for years. Still though, it is risky business, and more often than not, you do not get the stellar work as you did. I tell people, let your shop know up front that your vehicle is very important to you, and you're going to be looking for an exceptional repair. Even if you're not that particular, why not take a few minutes and set the expectations. Many shops only perform work that will pass with 98%, even though they have the skill to provide a perfect repair. I also have a great shop, and they tell me its rare to have a customer really look over their vehicle when they pick it up. They honestly wish more would, and appreciate the work, as everyone gets the extra care. Either way, don't be shy, just let them know. They are not doing you a favor by repairing your vehicle. It is a service they are being paid to do. They honestly appreciate it too, as they know this repair needs to be solid, or else they may be seeing you again. Sounds kinda crazy, but its what I've seen. I mean if a business can cut a few corners 98 of 100 times, and the customers are pleased.... That is a business decision.

OP - I'd post this shop in the regional section.