Hi everyone, I scraped my dad’s 2016 Prius against a sharp corner and it caused some bad damage along the rear door area, plus a small puncture/tear in the lower rocker panel right below the back door. The car drives fine and the door still seals normally. I’m just trying to get a realistic idea of what the repair cost might be for the hole only, since I know full panel repainting is more expensive. I know nothing about cars, nor this website, so apologies if this isn’t the right area or description. I just feel so bad and want to see how I can help pay. Photos are attached. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Sorry; I'm pretty sure it's at least triple that $1500 estimate. The rear door skin also needs to be replaced; upper right corner. You can get a really cheap estimate, where they'll just fill everything in with Bondo, but they never look right when you look down the side of the car ripples in the sheet-metal. That wheel well area is tough because there are wield seams there. Most shops can't shape it properly, so they replace the entire panel. There may also be damage to that rear wheel bearing - It may start humming/falling apart inside because it was torqued sideways. Good Luck
It'd help if OP posted an overall pic; looks like front door is scraped as well: Thread title is misleading. The term "sideswipe" would be more appropriate.
Your best bet is to get at least three body shop estimates. No more than one dealer, ideally one that does NOT have their own body shop and will just recommend one. The only affordable solution will be use of plastic filler (Bondo) and paint. Maybe $1500 at a small shop in the poor side of town. For like new shape a shop replaces panels or parts of panels. Maybe $3500. If your dad has comprehensive auto insurance you only pay deducible and get one of the better panel repairs. The only reason to not use insurance is to avoid insurance premiums from going up. The cheapest option is do nothing and drive it like that. You could buy a $10 can of Bondo, follow instructions and fill the gap. Your future girlfriends won't be impressed. I would fess up to your dad so both of you are making the decision. Offer to pay whatever the end costs are; even if it means a part time job.
