Small dent, huge repair bill

[rdenivo]

So last week my neighbor backed into the driver's side quarter panel while she was too busy talking to OnStar. To say I wasn't happy is an understatement. She wanted me to get a quote to see if it was something that could be handled without insurance so I contacted a shop that a friend had used several times before.

I provided the pictures you see below and explained that the crease has bare metal exposed. The shop owner went on to tell me how Audi uses an adhesive in that area that she hit and how it can't be put under heat because it degrades it so the dent may not be pulled out. I doubted it would be because of it falling over the wheel arch.

A few days later he sent over the quote for the repair. $17,000

His estimate was hyper detailed and he even sent me some repair documentation and pictures of the tools required. The next day I spent over an hour on the phone with him going over why the repair would cost that much. In short, the quarter panel is a structural component and Audi requires it be replaced and they have very specific guidelines in how the damage needs to be fixed (section of the panel cut off, how its welded into place with a different type of welder, how it needs to be put on a frame bench so its lined up correctly, etc). The entire back of the car needs to be taken apart to do this so it's very labor intensive. It was insane but a good lesson.

The owner also walked me through the insurance process and what my rights are and how I can get a diminished value check for the damage.

He told me how the insurance company is going to tell me he's crazy for such a quote but the insurance company can't tell me where I have to use or how the repair is done since the policy states my car has to be returned in the extra condition it was right before the crash (vinyl wrapped chrome, black emblems). He has a lawyer that'll handle the insurance company and the contract I sign with him states I will pay zero. Hell, he's even bringing a flat bed with a rental to my office and picking up my car.

I'm meeting with the insurance adjuster one day this week which should be interesting. Maybe I'll livestream it. lol
IMG_0790.JPGIMG_0790.JPG


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[ducati]

This is why insurance rates are so high.Bodyshops BS.No wonder my bodyshop guy owns two nice houses and a huge cottage by the lake.

[red4life5]

So last week my neighbor backed into the driver's side quarter panel while she was too busy talking to OnStar. To say I wasn't happy is an understatement. She wanted me to get a quote to see if it was something that could be handled without insurance so I contacted a shop that a friend had used several times before.

I provided the pictures you see below and explained that the crease has bare metal exposed. The shop owner went on to tell me how Audi uses an adhesive in that area that she hit and how it can't be put under heat because it degrades it so the dent may not be pulled out. I doubted it would be because of it falling over the wheel arch.

A few days later he sent over the quote for the repair. $17,000

His estimate was hyper detailed and he even sent me some repair documentation and pictures of the tools required. The next day I spent over an hour on the phone with him going over why the repair would cost that much. In short, the quarter panel is a structural component and Audi requires it be replaced and they have very specific guidelines in how the damage needs to be fixed (section of the panel cut off, how its welded into place with a different type of welder, how it needs to be put on a frame bench so its lined up correctly, etc). The entire back of the car needs to be taken apart to do this so it's very labor intensive. It was insane but a good lesson.

The owner also walked me through the insurance process and what my rights are and how I can get a diminished value check for the damage.

He told me how the insurance company is going to tell me he's crazy for such a quote but the insurance company can't tell me where I have to use or how the repair is done since the policy states my car has to be returned in the extra condition it was right before the crash (vinyl wrapped chrome, black emblems). He has a lawyer that'll handle the insurance company and the contract I sign with him states I will pay zero. Hell, he's even bringing a flat bed with a rental to my office and picking up my car.

I'm meeting with the insurance adjuster one day this week which should be interesting. Maybe I'll livestream it. lol
IMG_0790.JPGIMG_0790.JPG


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

I’ve had that exact part hit for the 3rd time since I’ve owned my car and it’s about $2K each time. If he is willing to do all the effort and get it done exactly how Audi wants, cool. I support you in getting your car fixed.

Something is up though. You could buy a used Audi at that price.


2010 A4 S-Line Prestige

[Spawne32]

LMAO $17000 dollars, bonded panels were specifically designed to make repairs CHEAPER not more expensive then spot welded panels. They can replace that entire quarter for about 5-7k and have it painted to match. I would be amazed if the insurance company even went for that. They can tell him hes crazy, and they can just total the car based on the insurance adjuster quote, not his. It's not at the discretion of the shop to dictate the cost of the repair, its at the discretion of the insurance adjuster. Now you can dispute the adjusters estimate, typically the shop does that and requests that the repair cost be amended after the initial quote, but $17k is way out of the ball park for this, they will total your car before they pay that out unless its a brand new B9 or something.

[Marko S]

Maybe $1500 at most with full respray of the whole quarter panel.

Sent from my SM-N950W using Tapatalk

[old guy]

What a bunch of horse shit. Here's what I had done for $200. Clicky click® Granted, you need a little paint work, but not an additional $16,800......

[Spawne32]

this is litterally how easy panel bonding is, this has been being done on cars for decades

[Spawne32]

What a bunch of horse shit. Here's what I had done for $200. Clicky click® Granted, you need a little paint work, but not an additional $16,800......

The whole thing seems like an insurance scam to me, which is why he gets lawyers involved and wants to rope the OP into a contract. You have full coverage on the car, have the insurance company send it to a shop and have it done properly. You try to force your insurance company into that deal, your premiums are going to skyrocket.

[timzcat]

I see it's NJ, must be up North.

[cybernet99]

That shop is full of it ... Raping you and everyone else through insurance. I used to have to deal with shops like that in Vancouver, BC for Porsche/BMW/Ferrari repairs. (I worked for a VERY large insurance company for 13 yrs, and I am a journeyman bodyman and painter...) So I know a couple of things about car repairs.

A reasonable cost of repair should be in the 3-5K range and it will look like a million bucks.

Because of the location of the hit, it's a bit more of a pain to repair nicely, but if you were to take it to a Audi/Porsche dealer to have it done right, it will be in the same sort of price range. (3-5K)

The guy you went to is just nuts.

Steer clear, trust me.

You will get dragged into court to defend this ... how much is missing work for many days worth, and having the court challenges go on for a couple of years worth?

No matter what, get competing quotes ... And I'm not saying to go to ""Maaco" ... See your local Audi dealer's bodyshop, and also see who they would suggest if they were too busy to fit you in.

Sorry to see your car got hit by your neighbor, hope it works out for you in the end.

[rdenivo]

Yeah I’m not going to have the car I drive my kids around in literally glued back together. The video clearly says it makes it easier for the shop to make a repair. They literally have “increase profitability” on the screen. They tested it at 19.3 mph and it held just as well as a factory weld. If they’re so confident then they should’ve tested it at 50mph. If you want to glue your car back together good for you. I’m not doing it.

Audi has specific guidelines on how the car should be repaired and you damn well better believe I’m going to have it done right. I’m not going to half ass something because the insurance company wants to save money. Insurance can’t tell you where to send your car. They recommend shops they know are cheap because it’s good for them, not you. I’m not the one forcing them to use a shop, that’s my right. I think they’ll get the $17,000? No but they’ve got a lawyer who’ll negotiate with the insurance company so the repair gets done right and not cheapest or just looks good.

My premiums aren’t going to any skyrocket because it’s not going on my insurance. All I had to do was report it happened. This is going under my neighbor’s insurance. And by contract I meant the estimate, sorry if I wasn’t clear.




Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[rdenivo]

Still think gluing is just as good?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/jalopni...1819359410/amp


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Spawne32]

Yeah I’m not going to have the car I drive my kids around in literally glued back together. The video clearly says it makes it easier for the shop to make a repair. They literally have “increase profitability” on the screen. They tested it at 19.3 mph and it held just as well as a factory weld. If they’re so confident then they should’ve tested it at 50mph. If you want to glue your car back together good for you. I’m not doing it.

Audi has specific guidelines on how the car should be repaired and you damn well better believe I’m going to have it done right. I’m not going to half ass something because the insurance company wants to save money. Insurance can’t tell you where to send your car. They recommend shops they know are cheap because it’s good for them, not you. I’m not the one forcing them to use a shop, that’s my right. I think they’ll get the $17,000? No but they’ve got a lawyer who’ll negotiate with the insurance company so the repair gets done right and not cheapest or just looks good.

My premiums aren’t going to any skyrocket because it’s not going on my insurance. All I had to do was report it happened. This is going under my neighbor’s insurance. And by contract I meant the estimate, sorry if I wasn’t clear.




Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Almost all modern cars have glued body panels from the factory, this is not new, and this is not "unsafe", that video is over a decade old for panel bonding repair. We are saying what we are saying because you are about to get roped into an insurance scam and get ripped off, but its your car and you are welcome to take it wherever you want.

[Peter.dupuis]

Had the entire passenger side of my b8.5 repaired by Audi specifications (that same rear quarter panel included) after being side swiped by a deer and total was $5,800. I have AAA insurance so there was no corner cutting or cheap repairs. Repair was done and 4 years later still perfect.

Your definitely getting played, I would check out another shop or talk to your Audi dealership, that’s how I decided where to go for my repair. Good luck


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Spawne32]

Had the entire passenger side of my b8.5 repaired by Audi specifications (that same rear quarter panel included) after being side swiped by a deer and total was $5,800. I have AAA insurance so there was no corner cutting or cheap repairs. Repair was done and 4 years later still perfect.

Your definitely getting played, I would check out another shop or talk to your Audi dealership, that’s how I decided where to go for my repair. Good luck


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Yeh and thats about what I would expect for that kind of repair, I bet you didnt have to sign a contract or get roped into shit with a lawyer to get your car repaired either. lol

[rdenivo]

Yeh and thats about what I would expect for that kind of repair, I bet you didnt have to sign a contract or get roped into shit with a lawyer to get your car repaired either. lol

I didn't sign a contract and no comment on using glue for the repair Spawne?

[Peter.dupuis]

Yeh and thats about what I would expect for that kind of repair, I bet you didnt have to sign a contract or get roped into shit with a lawyer to get your car repaired either. lol

No contract or anything that required a lawyer. Just went and looked at my repair receipt and replacement,assembly, and paint for that specific panel came out to $2,200.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[flowhigh]

Just let the insurance company deal with the costs or have the woman pay out of her pocket if she wants.

Really good dent repair shops can pull it out but they're hard to find.

I've experienced going to an Audi certified collision shop where Lambos and Ferraris were all over the place and my previous A4 was the shittiest car there. Suffice to say these guys ended up doing such a pathetic job it wasn't an exaggeration. I also took a raping since I believed in the whole "Audi certified" bs and paid several grand over the premium that the Insurance was willing to pay.

[rdenivo]

Had the entire passenger side of my b8.5 repaired by Audi specifications (that same rear quarter panel included) after being side swiped by a deer and total was $5,800. I have AAA insurance so there was no corner cutting or cheap repairs. Repair was done and 4 years later still perfect.

Your definitely getting played, I would check out another shop or talk to your Audi dealership, that’s how I decided where to go for my repair. Good luck


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Interesting. Do you remember exactly what the repairs were?

[rdenivo]

No contract or anything that required a lawyer. Just went and looked at my repair receipt and replacement,assembly, and paint for that specific panel came out to $2,200.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Spawne has trouble reading. I don't have to sign a contract and I deal with any lawyers. The shop has a lawyer so the insurance companies pay what's owed. I mean he did glue his car back together.

[Peter.dupuis]

Spawne has trouble reading. I don't have to sign a contract and I deal with any lawyers. The shop has a lawyer so the insurance companies pay what's owed. I mean he did glue his car back together.

Gotcha I just read that post where you clarified. If the guy is trying to do an actual repair on the panel and not replace it that could be pretty expensive and take a while. Audi requires complete replacement to almost all dents to any panels. My repair shop took off the panel and completely replaced and painted


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Spawne32]

Spawne has trouble reading. I don't have to sign a contract and I deal with any lawyers. The shop has a lawyer so the insurance companies pay what's owed. I mean he did glue his car back together.

You seem to have trouble comprehending what I am saying to you, you literally said "He has a lawyer that'll handle the insurance company and the contract I sign with him states I will pay zero. Hell, he's even bringing a flat bed with a rental to my office and picking up my car." when you do NOT need to sign a contract to have your car repaired correctly. You are already convinced about which way you are going so why did you come here to ask our opinions if you don't want to accept the fact that $17k is a total scam? If you think you arent going to have to deal with this signing a contract, you got another thing coming, that's exactly the reason he has to hire an attorney for this, because most insurance companies will not go for this game. What do you plan on doing if they decide to fight it out in court and not pay the claim out and your car is sitting for months waiting for the repair? Or is he footing the money up front to repair the car and banking on winning the coming court case to get an extra 10k+ out of the insurance company for a job that costs a 1/4 of that?

[rdenivo]

You seem to have trouble comprehending what I am saying to you, you literally said "He has a lawyer that'll handle the insurance company and the contract I sign with him states I will pay zero. Hell, he's even bringing a flat bed with a rental to my office and picking up my car." when you do NOT need to sign a contract to have your car repaired correctly. You are already convinced about which way you are going so why did you come here to ask our opinions if you don't want to accept the fact that $17k is a total scam?

He has a lawyer that'll handle the insurance company and the contract I sign with him states I will pay zero. Yeah, you can't comprehend. The first part of the sentence "He has a lawyer that'll handle the insurance company" is one statement and "the contract I sign with him states I will pay zero" is a seperate one.

I then wrote in another post I misspoke when I said contract I meant estimate. Sorry if you missed that.

You posted a 3M video promo video saying it's okay to glue your car back together because it'll make the shop more money. I post an article that says a repair shop used the same glue and a couple was burned completely in the car. So I should just go your route because that's what you wanted to do.

I frankly don't give a shit if the shop that fixes my car right gets $1 or a million. All I care is it's done 100% correct.

[Spawne32]

He has a lawyer that'll handle the insurance company and the contract I sign with him states I will pay zero. Yeah, you can't comprehend. The first part of the sentence "He has a lawyer that'll handle the insurance company" is one statement and "the contract I sign with him states I will pay zero" is a seperate one.

I then wrote in another post I misspoke when I said contract I meant estimate. Sorry if you missed that.

You posted a 3M video promo video saying it's okay to glue your car back together because it'll make the shop more money. I post an article that says a repair shop used the same glue and a couple was burned completely in the car. So I should just go your route because that's what you wanted to do.

I frankly don't give a shit if the shop that fixes my car right gets $1 or a million. All I care is it's done 100% correct.

The insurance company has to have your car repaired to manufacturer specifications according to state law, the video merely highlights the process of how panels are glued together and how easy it is to do, since pretty much all modern cars are glued together this way from the factory. You can do your own google searching about the process but obviously were naive enough to be sold on the fact that this job requires $17k worth of work for damage that only requires a dent being pulled and that anything other then this $17k repair job of his is clearly going to be unsafe. So go ahead and sign your estimate and stop asking for other opinions when the only thing you want to hear is positive reinforcement about how you found a shop trying to scam insurance companies for bogus repairs. You drive an Audi A4, not a Bugatti veyron.

[rdenivo]

I know that most modern cars have glued components. Audi glues the part of the quarter that runs right above the wheel. That glue isn't supposed to have heat applied to within a few millimeters of it because it will degrade the glue, so you're not suppose to use a stud weld. You can but you're weakening other parts of the panel. You're not suppose to use a MIG welder on the new panel welds because it's not hot enough and it'll weaken the areas around the new welds. But I don't know what I'm talking about.

You sure do love auto insurance companies. Wait, are you married to Flo from Progressive?

And I would never drive a Veyron. They're not my cup of tea.

[Spawne32]

I know that most modern cars have glued components. Audi glues the part of the quarter that runs right above the wheel. That glue isn't supposed to have heat applied to within a few millimeters of it because it will degrade the glue, so you're not suppose to use a stud weld. You can but you're weakening other parts of the panel. You're not suppose to use a MIG welder on the new panel welds because it's not hot enough and it'll weaken the areas around the new welds. But I don't know what I'm talking about.

You sure do love auto insurance companies. Wait, are you married to Flo from Progressive?

And I would never drive a Veyron. They're not my cup of tea.

What in the actual hell are you talking about mig welding shit? lol What kind of damage do you think was done to your car? Or should I say, what kind of damage did he convince you was done to your car?

[rdenivo]

Now it's your turn to go Google how the process is done. You might learn something.

[Spawne32]

Now it's your turn to go Google how the process is done. You might learn something.

lol its shit like this that raises insurance rates in NJ, progressive literally told me that when I bitched about the rates going up, cus of all the fraud and shitty drivers going on in this state.

[rdenivo]

My rates haven't gone up in 13 years. Hell, they went down when I moved to NJ. You should switch companies.

[Spawne32]

My rates haven't gone up in 13 years. Hell, they went down when I moved to NJ. You should switch companies.

I have the lowest price I could get out of 8 different companies I got quotes from, 89.75 a month for full coverage, for the same exact policy the next lowest was from state farm for 149 and some change a month. Zero tickets, zero accidents in 15 years, and some sort of diamond star platinum level discount or something. It still goes up about $30 every 6 months for the NJ standard market rate.

[rdenivo]

I have the lowest price I could get out of 8 different companies I got quotes from, 89.75 a month for full coverage, for the same exact policy the next lowest was from state farm for 149 and some change a month. Zero tickets, zero accidents in 15 years, and some sort of diamond star platinum level discount or something. It still goes up about $30 every 6 months for the NJ standard market rate.

That's next to nothing. I wouldn't complain.

[hyperunion]

That's next to nothing. I wouldn't complain.

You posted here to get honest opinions.. you have gotten honest answers.. no insurance company in the world will pay 17,000 to fix that damage!.. your car isn't even worth 17k on a dealer trade at this point now.. insurance adjusters are very skilled in determining what the shop will use to replace parts and do repairs!. 4k to 5k is what seems to be about right on the high side!..

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[Slick_B8]

LOL 17000 to fix that? Talk about trying to rape the insurance company haha that shop is fucking delusional and if he takes them to court i know for certain, theyre not gonna win. A fucking dent repair shop can have that looking good again for under 1000.

[JeriQo]

Keep the 17k and look for a part out on craigs

Sent from my SM-T357T using Audizine mobile app

[choppstixxx]

It just stinks because it's not like it was your fault that this happened, now you gotta deal with all this BS to get it fixed. I don't blame ya for wanting to get it fixed correctly tho, but def. shop around and don't get hosed. I mean a repair of $17k would pretty much total most used B8/B8.5's, right?

[Novarider]

17K? Lol. Take it to the dealership and see how much their repair cost is. If anyone is going to do it correctly it's the dealer.

Or

Buy a new car instead. It won't have a wreck on the carfax to depreciate it like yours will.

[fmzip]

This is the craziest quote ever.....

This repair would be nearly the 1/3 of the cost of a brand new S4 with no structural damage??? I guess structural damage happens with a tap nowadays??

Did they mistake the rings for this logo instead?

[Thehills44060]

I was rear ended by a semi tractor trailer and the damage was $20,000. No way your dent is 17 grand, cmon.

[Marko S]

I don't mean to insinuate or insult but the only way this quote/thread makes sense to me is if the OP and the shop are in cahoots trying to split the cash. There is absolutely no way that will cost anywhere close to half of what they quoted.

I was quoted around $4000 by an Audi dealership because they said they had to replace the whole quarter panel and to do that they cut a portion of it and weld the new on in, then paint. I had it done for under $1200 by a body shop. All CAD btw.

The body shop guy told me that there is no issues with pulling it out. Audi charges to replace the whole thing because their overhead costs are high and they need to keep the margins high, which is true for any dealer.

Trying to justify $17,000 is absolutely bonkers.

Sent from my SM-N950W using Tapatalk

[rdenivo]

This is the craziest quote ever.....

This repair would be nearly the 1/3 of the cost of a brand new S4 with no structural damage??? I guess structural damage happens with a tap nowadays??

Did they mistake the rings for this logo instead?

The quarter panel is considred structral by Audi and per their guidelines the panel needs to be replaced.