Anyone know anything about auto repair?

[Onlooker]

Someone hit my parked 1997 Honda Accord, dented a fender, knocked off the bumper, and broke the thing that holds the bumper to my car. I don't have Collision on the car and the culprit did not leave me a note. I'd rather bring the car to my dealer because he's walking distance from where I live. Will a dealer charge a lot more than an ordinary garage to fix the problem? Is it better to use a dealer (whom I've been using for years) then trust a garage that I never used? Thanks.

[catmandu57]

1. Dealer is going to charge more

I'd go to a few body shops and get estimates, of course you can have your dealer give you an estimate as well.
I haven't been there for a while but http://cartalk.com used to run a board reccomending shops, try there.

[lpbk2713]

2. When you get your estimates be sure to point out

that you'll be paying for the repairs entirely out of your own pocket. Some shops are inclined to inflate their bill if they know insurance carriers are paying for part of it. And yes, new car dealers usually do charge more for repaors than independents. And some independents actually do better quality work. Ask around and get a consensus from your friends and co-workers as to who is good and who to avoid. Word-of-mouth is usually fairly reliable in this case.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

3. Call Your Agent- If The Car Was Marked It Could Be Covered Under Your

Comprehensive Portion Of Your Auto Insurance...

[Onlooker]

6. Thank you!!! I have a chance

Apparently, if the damage was done as an act of vandalism, it's covered by my Comprehensive.

[midnight armadillo]

4. An independent would be cheaper

The dealer will only use Honda parts, in all likelihood. An independent would be likely to use aftermarket (i.e. cheaper) parts if you ask. You could also do some junkyard scrounging for the parts that are damaged, and get them painted and installed. This would be cheapest of all, but not too tough since Hondas are awfully common cars.

[radwriter0555]

5. Repair Estimate from Toyota for my new Scion (we hit a dog and cracked

the front bumper), over $2000.00

Repair estimate from Euro-design auto body shop?

$783.00

You tell me the diff.

Auto body repair isn't as complicated as engine repair. They buy the parts and stick em on, etc.

Fascinating to learn that hitting a dog is 100% covered under comprehensive with a $100 deductible.

If I'd veered and damaged the car on a tree or mail box it would have been under collision with my $500 deductible!

[Onlooker]

7. How does an appraiser decide on vandalism vs. an accident?

If my car was vandalized, I'm covered. If it was damaged in an accident, I'm not covered. How does the appraiser determine vandalism as opposed to an accident? The damage to my car could have been done by a car swerving to avoid a dog or by someone who found my car in an easy place to clip. Naturally, I think it was an act of vandalism. Any thoughts on how I can persuade the appraiser to see my point of view?