$2,500 Estimate from body shop...HELP

[SUPUNDGRD]

I have a silver 07 Camry and I just got back from a local body shop. They estimated the repair to $2532.58, but I really want to lower the costs to around $1500. I still don't know if I should pay out of my pocket or let Geico take care of it. How can I lower the costs? I checked ebay and the prices range from $100 for a scuffed bumper, $350 for a reconditioned bumper (they don't have any pictures so I don't know the exact condition). Where can I find second hand camry parts other than ebay?

[smokeSIX]

you can buy parts from lkq, insignia,partsmax, etc..theres a bunch of companies that sell aftermarket new parts for cheaper than dealer. used oem is better than new aftermarket if the price is right because of the fitment. if you have full coverage why pay out of pocket?

[SUPUNDGRD]

My local body shop is fitting and repairing the body, so I don't want bring in aftermarket parts, which might not fit. My insurance rate will go up and I risk getting full coverage in a larger accident.

[1956kiteboarder]

Modern cars are made to crumple and asorb energy from a crash.

The repair costs are higher.

You pay for insurance...use your insurance.

I looked into Geico and they were not any cheaper than my automobile club insurance.

Use your insurance and have it fixed at the toyota dealers bodyshop.

[leakyseals]

Can you please post a pic of the damage? will be helpful, thanks

[bandit]

Originally Posted by SUPUNDGRD

I have a silver 07 Camry and I just got back from a local body shop. They estimated the repair to $2532.58, but I really want to lower the costs to around $1500. I still don't know if I should pay out of my pocket or let Geico take care of it. How can I lower the costs? I checked ebay and the prices range from $100 for a scuffed bumper, $350 for a reconditioned bumper (they don't have any pictures so I don't know the exact condition). Where can I find second hand camry parts other than ebay?

I highly doubt you can take off $2000 off that. majority of the money is labor. If you want to take off $2k, you can have them buy the parts for you and you do all the repair yourself.

The invoice even tells you. Half the amount is already labor. $400 to paint the parts. Parts themselves is under $1k. If you're going to haggle with the shop and think you can get $2k off, I suggest not going back to them or have them do your work. That's like a slap in the face to them.

They'll probably piss in your gas tank for giving such an offer.

But like someone said, you paid for insurance, use it. If you're afraid of your insurance going up, pay out of pocket. Or go to another shop. But expect the price to be in the same ballpark.

Any shop willing to agree to do the work for $1500, be cautious.




This was $3k worth of damage including rear quarter panel, trunk, labor and other parts. FYI, we had a "tornado" back in September 2010 and in NYC, we never experienced such a thing in the 30 years I've been living here. A tree branch broke off and smacked my car.

All fixed!

[leakyseals]

Looks good. I would compare the total $cash to what you will see for an insurance increase (over X years + the deductible ) if you make a claim. Add the time you have to spend dealing with cutting costs, you may find just filing the claim and getting it over with makes sense

[SUPUNDGRD]

Originally Posted by leakyseals

Looks good. I would compare the total $cash to what you will see for an insurance increase (over X years + the deductible ) if you make a claim. Add the time you have to spend dealing with cutting costs, you may find just filing the claim and getting it over with makes sense

Unfortunately, Geico doesn't tell you the increase in premium. However, I did find alot of second hand parts on the bay.

[gator1939]

First, was the damage your fault or the other party? If it was the other party and your insurance company want to raise your rates then shame on you for choosing the wrong insurance company; not to mention why isn't the other party's insurance picking up the tab. If it was your fault then live with the penalty, whether it be out of pocket or premium increase and remember next time to drive safer.

gator1939

[bandit]

Originally Posted by gator1939

First, was the damage your fault or the other party? If it was the other party and your insurance company want to raise your rates then shame on you for choosing the wrong insurance company; not to mention why isn't the other party's insurance picking up the tab. If it was your fault then live with the penalty, whether it be out of pocket or premium increase and remember next time to drive safer.

gator1939

True that!