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Keyed on rear passenger quarter panel - insurance co wrote up a $650 claim!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by ramdulari, May 12, 2010.

  1. ramdulari

    ramdulari Member

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    Hi folks,
    I went last week to JFK to pick up my sis, and left the car parked for not more than may be 40 mins. When we got back, we saw a long (shallow) scratch on the rear passenger-side quarter panel :( , like someone had keyed the car.

    Obviously I am upset, and I filed a claim with my insurance co. I did some research online regarding what can be done, and came away thinking nothing that a good detail and polish won't fix, may be $100 max. Imagine my surprise when the claims adjuster emailed me a claim for > $650! I will get on the phone with him to seek clarification, but based on what i read and understand, I am quite alarmed. I don't know, for example, why there is mention of repair to the door handle, rear bumper, tail-light assembly...and all that using non-OEM parts/paint!

    So, what are some of your experiences in such circumstances? I'll try to post some pictures of the scratch later, but it for sure is contained to the one panel, not very deep - just quite long and visible. Uploading the claim estimate.

    Thanks!
     

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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ridiculous! why would they have to replace the lens and handle? he must have sent you someone else's estimate.
     
  3. bedrock8x

    bedrock8x Senior Member

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    They do not charge for the door handle, etc. These are only labor to remove and reassemble the parts for painting. Majority of the cost is labor, $486 + $34 tax on labor.
    I am surprised that labor is taxable in NY.
     
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    my wifes hycam was keyed on the drivers door, about 3' of scratches. $350. fixed it, looks great, completely repainted the door.
     
  5. ramdulari

    ramdulari Member

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    I think so too. I'd have it clarified from the adjuster later. I'd still hate to hand over my car for so much work to anyone for something so minor. I have a lot of experience with bodyshops and car mechanics unfortunately with my previous car, and I just don't feel comfortable at the thought of letting them handle my car so much! :mad:
     
  6. ramdulari

    ramdulari Member

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    If I go that route, I'd clarify that the paint they would use will be OEM. I'd still ask if they cannot just buff it out? Thanks!
     
  7. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Nothing is less than $500 these days. Door handle, rear bumper, and tailgate assembly will just be removed and re-installed. Either decrease your deductible or live with the risk.

    Got rear ended twice in my new Prius and it was $675 for a brand new bumper and $595 for just sanding and painting over (I have the rear bumper applique so that added to the cost).
     
  8. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    $650 may not be out of line, painting is expensive. You may also have the option of taking the money and having it fixed cheaper, fixing it yourself, or not fixing it at all, at least in this state you do.
     
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  9. ramdulari

    ramdulari Member

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    I am concerned that the quote has indicated use of non-OEM parts. I suppose the "Parts" here might imply the paint. How concerned should I be about their using non-OEM paint for the job? I am thinking of insisting on OEM parts/paints.
     
  10. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Toyota doesn't make paint. They buy paint from whoever quotes the lowest price then slaps their part number on it. Talk to the guys from the shop & inspect their work. The repair should be undetectable. I am presuming you are at the other end of the state so my recommendation of Holman Toyota's shop won't be of much help.
     
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  11. ramdulari

    ramdulari Member

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    I certainly welcome referrals/recommendations! 1h 9m driving distance to Mt Laurel from where I live, its feasible :)
     
  12. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Holman Toyota now at
    1301 Route 73 North
    Mt Laurel NJ

    service: 888-240-0656

    I don't know which shop repaired the chip on my hatch. I know it wasn't done at the showroom's location. Ask who would have repainted JimN's Prius in December.

    Let me know if you have a problem getting info. I'll shake the tree a bit.
     
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  13. ramdulari

    ramdulari Member

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    Thanks to all for the helpful comments. I have decided to keep the check from the ins co and not do anything to the car. It's not too bad, and hey, in the end the car's just a mode of conveyance. I figured I can live with the scratch, than entrust my car to some auto mechanic in a body shop - a completely unnecessary risk.
    Cheers :)
     
  14. coolio10

    coolio10 New Member

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    My rear driver's side quarterpanel was scraped yesterday by an old guy driving an suv in dc. He was trying to parallel park and was "going to a meeting." I just got my car 3 weeks ago. Still have the temporary tags and haven't mailed in my 1st payment yet. :(

    Anway, he did give me his insurance and looks like he called it in to his insurance co. I already have an appointment with a body shop next week. Will post more details later.