Car Accident - Unbelievable Panel Beater Quote (I Didn't Have Insurance)

Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 08:59
Last edited 25/03/2018 - 19:42 by 1 other user

Hi everyone,

So very recently I had a car accident in the city with someone who was in a rush. We hit each other on the front side panels, my car had a dent and his car was scratched. Now apparently it was a business car, but nothing fancy, existing damage on wheels and surrounding panels of damage. Now simply because I didn't have insurance I told him I'll cover the damage with a panel beater, he took it to his business, got another car apparently to finish his work and sent me a quote within a day. An hour after the accident he called saying the damage is racking up to be over $2000. From past experience with panel beaters and working with people who buy and fix cars with damage then sell for a living, $2000 was about 10x what it costs to fix it at a few local panel beaters.

Final Quote

Damage

I know if it escalates to court he can't prove I was at fault and vice versa, I thought in case I am at fault I'll offer to fix it but looks like some people just want to take advantage.

P.S. I never hit his wheels so the wheel alignment on quote shouldn't even be on me.

I'll try to call his "boss" or talk to the panel beater about getting it fixed at another place or…? What's your advice?

Thanks for reading.

Automotive

closed Comments

  • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 09:08
    +3

    The quote looks similar to the one here..
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/342774
    https://m.imgur.com/a/4QWhI

    Is it possible that there's people making a living from this?

    Accident: 11:36 a.m

    He called back at 12:52 p.m saying the quote is going to be over $2000.

    Accident location: city

    Panel beater: over 1 hour drive to the location and he had time to swap business cars.

    • Slippery Otter on 25/03/2018 - 10:05
      +8

      Some panel shops use https://crashzone.com.au/ which is a free quoting software. However you cannot copy quotes, you create them from scratch. So yes it's the same format which is why you think both quotes look similar.

      • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 10:17

        Ah, thank you 👍

    • plague69 on 25/03/2018 - 14:13
      +3

      Looks like front bumper needs to be replaced. If it wasn't insurance, personally I would just pop it out again since there are no fractures and the fastening points seem to be intact. But if he says replace, you might be stuck doing it.

      Wheel scratch is from curb, very obvious as they already have dirt in them, no fresh. If the wheel is warped, that's a whole new story. Since visually I don't see any direct impact, I assume it's fine.

      Why change tyre? Even if you get a new wheel for him, the tyre should pop right back on there because the size needs to be the same anyway.

      So ask them to provide reasons why each part needs to be changed, don't give them any of the above reasons yet, just ask for a detailed quote/reasons. You are the one footing the bill, so I think you need to know the reasons.

      Just remember you need to do this in a reasonable time frame

      • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 14:17

        Thank you for your reply, it's greatly appreciated. I'll get onto it.

  • TheBilly on 25/03/2018 - 09:12
    +45

    Thats not a scratch dude !

  • oscargamer on 25/03/2018 - 09:14
    +9

    Pay it or tell him to take you to court.
    There is no third option.

    • plague69 on 25/03/2018 - 14:18
      +12

      Leave the country?

      • oscargamer on 25/03/2018 - 14:52
        +18

        Damn you and your third option………

        • gregsurname on 25/03/2018 - 16:48
          +3

          Bikies

        • oscargamer on 25/03/2018 - 18:04
          +2

          @gregsurname:

          arrrgghhhh….enough options already

          :)

        • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2018 - 22:48
          +1

          @oscargamer: Urinate before police and claim the damages are from mental illness.

        • ntt on 26/03/2018 - 10:49
          +5

          @oscargamer: just call Dr Boom Boom, he's well-negotiated skill

        • OzzyOzbourne on 26/03/2018 - 12:31
          +1

          @StoneSin: assault police officer and claim you are from a disadvantaged minority (and also on drugs)

  • TheBilly on 25/03/2018 - 09:15
    +14

    Also, he is looking at 3 panels of damage. Front bar, front quarter, front door. Not including the wheel, you say you didnt hit whilst hitting every panel around the wheel. I know this is not a proructive comment, but Im just managing your expectation. That is alot of damage.

    • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 09:27
      +1

      Excuse my ignorance but isn't that just 2 panels of damage?
      And there are no dents, just scrapes/ scratches. There's existing damage all around. I've had some experience with panel beaters and something like this is a $300 - $600 fix for a private job.

      • whooah1979 on 25/03/2018 - 09:55
        +1

        panel beaters and something like this is a $300 - $600 fix for a private job.

        $600 for https://imgur.com/JZT8CLF sound like cash job and a cheap one.

        • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 10:08
          -6

          $250 give or take for a cash job and a good one. Go to any panel beater and say you want a quote, first thing they ask is: "Is it private or insurance?"

          If it's insurance they jack it up like crazy.

        • whooah1979 on 25/03/2018 - 10:22
          +3

          @Tuftsdude:

          Now apparently it was a business car

          it's unlikely that the owner of the vehicle will accept an undocumented repair. there is no guarantee on the work and it can't be claimed as an expense.

        • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 10:24

          @whooah1979: Oh I'll get it fixed at a legit place if he accepts, would cost a wee bit more but I don't mind.

        • plague69 on 25/03/2018 - 14:23
          +1

          @whooah1979: But the work to be done can't be claimed as an expense anyway right? Since he/his company is not out of pocket :/

        • Cheeper on 25/03/2018 - 21:23
          +1

          @whooah1979: ?? Op is paying for repair so no expense to deduct for co.

    • plague69 on 25/03/2018 - 14:20

      :/ That's the front bar, and I think the main body panel. The door is fine by the looks of it.

      But the main body panel does not look deformed.

    • zfind on 25/03/2018 - 19:14
      +3

      In support of this, I had a small ding to a quarter panel and a bend to the adjacent door and three quotes came in at over $2k. Reason given by all three places was that my paint being metallic, the rear door needed to be blended or it would look out of place. Sure they might have been taking my insurance for all it’s worth but panel beaters aren’t cheap - their guys earn maybe $30 an hour, then add materials and oven time and a profit margin and there it is.

  • Baysew on 25/03/2018 - 09:37

    What sort of car and what damage did your car have?

    Could you provide a pic?

    • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 09:41

      http://imgur.com/ycsXNX7

      VW Polo.

      • itsdougie on 25/03/2018 - 11:02
        +7

        I click on the next post after yours.

        https://imgur.com/gallery/PctAB

        much better

      • Euphemistic on 25/03/2018 - 13:27
        +9

        You car has black tyre rub on the wheel and you say you didn’t hit his wheel? It’s pretty obvious you did.

        • plague69 on 25/03/2018 - 14:25

          Yeah, it looks like tyre… Tbh, couldn't tell based on the other car photo

      • Demos on 26/03/2018 - 16:06
        +1

        Probably this is not the best advise but judging from the image seems like without fixing it your car can still fly but if I were you I would give it a go on fixing it myself.

        Tap the panel and if it is made of plastic then you are in luck. Pour hot water from kettle and slowly pull it out.

        With the scratch I would go to autobarn or supercheapauto and get polish compound and microfiber cloth. Buff it with hand and see if you can get most of it out. Ask the staff they should be able to recommend you the right product to minimise the visibility of the scratch.

        Hope this help.

        • Tuftsdude on 26/03/2018 - 17:03

          Thanks mate. I got it done, it didn't take 30 mins.

  • 87percent on 25/03/2018 - 09:41
    +68

    It's your own damned fault for diving with no insurance

      • k-rokfm on 25/03/2018 - 10:03
        +7

        $300 tpp insurance would have covered your ass. Or next time when you run into the back of a new Mercedes and have to pay more than a few thousand for some panel damage

        • plague69 on 25/03/2018 - 14:28
          +1

          Mercs are redic -_-… Once self scrated, me wallet took out life insurance and just sat there contemplating life for a few silent minutes.

      • TheBilly on 25/03/2018 - 10:18
        +4

        My wifes third party insurance is like $25 per month through Bingle. Look into it.

      • Aussie Smurfette on 26/03/2018 - 11:52
        +1

        Life insurance doesn’t cover sky diving 🙄

  • LaProblematique on 25/03/2018 - 09:43
    +49

    Driving without insurance - you're doing it wrong.

    Congratulations OP, get off the roads.

    • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 09:46
      -4

      Thanks.

    • plague69 on 25/03/2018 - 14:30
      -5

      Technically, should still have CTP… IF registered :)

      • Euphemistic on 25/03/2018 - 18:18
        +13

        Don’t go there. Too many people think that CTP is insurance that covers them for damage to property.

  • vinni9284 on 25/03/2018 - 09:56
    +13

    Sorry OP to hear that this has happened to you.

    But on this site, there are too many "Had and Accident but have no Insurance" threads.

    You're welcome to search and you will see a wealth of information about scenarios like yours.

    I can't re-iterate that if you want to get a least an insurance that is worth having, is to get Comprehensive Car insurance.

    The damage to the Caprice may look superficial, but you will get thrashed by the cost of labour, materials/parts to repair.

    Get Comprehensive Insurance after this issue is sorted as I'm sure that you will get posters pounding you with this.

    Good luck

    • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 10:03
      +3

      Thank you for your reply. I got insurance the next day, third party, as there are plenty of panel beaters that will do an A+ job and not charge and exorbitant price.

      • vinni9284 on 25/03/2018 - 10:10
        +1

        Congrats on getting Insurance. Good for you!

        Exorbitant pricing unfortunately is one of those things that we are subjected to; and have to try to avoid, but it is hard. Look at all the Utilities etc .. & stuff we buy these days? Panel Beaters are no different.

        At least if you have full Comp Insurance, the Insurance will handle the claim & running around for you.
        That way, you wont be spending precious time on this thread typing away your concerns where you could be sipping a nice Coffee with no stress :-P

        Cheers

        • Praeto on 26/03/2018 - 10:45
          +7

          @Tuftsdude:

          What you don’t seem to be getting, is that when you damage property belonging to someone else, they don’t have to accept the cheapest, shittiest repair job you can find to save you money. We all know that you can get this kind of work done, but why should the car you hit have to pay for your mistakes with a subpar repair?

        • Aussie Smurfette on 26/03/2018 - 12:01
          +3

          @Tuftsdude:
          Many people on here know how much it costs to have a car repaired hence why they have insurance.

        • stonkered on 26/03/2018 - 12:30
          -1

          @Praeto:

          That's complete BS, a private cash job doesn't make the work subpar, a shit and careless panel beater makes the work subpar.

          Do you really think the quality of work between a private job and an insurance job differ at a decent panel beater? You think good panel beaters don't take cash jobs?

          Come on, everyone knows they rort the hell out of insurance jobs.

        • Praeto on 26/03/2018 - 16:12

          @stonkered:

          Where did I say that a private cash job was better or worse than an insurance job?

          OP isn’t just looking for a private cash job, he’s looking for one that costs $300 for damage that includes three panels and one or two wheels. It’s not the fact that it’s a private cash job that makes it subpar, it’s the amount he’s willing to invest.

    • Cheemeister on 26/03/2018 - 12:51

      You may feel that your own car is not worth insuring, but I reckon at least get third party property insurance.

  • chumlee on 25/03/2018 - 09:57
    +1

    Take the quote and photo to a panel beater and ask them if it sounds fair

  • redforever on 25/03/2018 - 09:57

    was it definitely your fault in the accident?

    • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 10:05

      Honestly, here's where I'm unsure. I looked in the mirror and over my shoulder, from what I remember coast was clear. The guy was clearly in a rush and even said he was running late. I don't want to pull a dodgy if I'm at fault so just to clear my conscience I told him I'll pay/take it to a panel beater.

      • thetrain on 25/03/2018 - 13:45
        +12

        So you merged into his lane? Pay up, you're at fault.

        Make sure you have insurance for next time

        • omgitzrick on 25/03/2018 - 13:56

          Not if he was speeding but it’s all moot at this point.

        • thetrain on 25/03/2018 - 16:01
          +5

          @omgitzrick: lol ppl always blame the other driver for 'speeding'

          If the guys was actually speeding the damage would be more than some paint transfer in the OP car.

          OP needs to own up and learn to use mirrors /head check

        • pjcook on 26/03/2018 - 08:59
          +5

          @omgitzrick: His speed is actually irrelevant with regard to pulling out in from of him. You are supposed to check and ensure the way is clear and that would included judging the speed of oncoming traffic.

      • Your Friend on 25/03/2018 - 20:57
        +9

        What are you unsure about, you merged into another car. How could that be any clearer? People like you make me laugh.

  • redforever on 25/03/2018 - 09:59
    +4

    if you are not happy with their quote, ask him to make a claim with their insurance and deal with their insurance company.

    but beware, the insurance company might end up claiming more.

    • ankor on 25/03/2018 - 16:20

      He hasn't been hit by a bottom feeding accident hire car company. That's a plus.

  • Findo on 25/03/2018 - 10:05
    +1

    Never admit fault. Let your insurer decide who is at fault…oh wait you’re not insured!

    Let the guy take you to court. Use the money you saved on insurance on a lawyer to represent you. I’m no expert but the damage looks like he turned into you - better start believing that and let a lawyer convey that to the other party.

    • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 10:09
      -6

      If it goes to court I can easily represent myself. And it's not a matter of admitting or not, it's a matter of being fair in what you charge and how you treat people.

      • Findo on 25/03/2018 - 10:11
        +10

        Mate the itemised bill looks pretty reasonable to me. The panel beaters probably have nfi what was actually damaged and they assessed it on what they could see. The real question to ask is why didn’t the other party just take it to their insurer?

        • Sensiekatie on 26/03/2018 - 10:58
          +1

          Yes that seems odd to me too Thd other driver should take it to insurance.

    • Sensiekatie on 26/03/2018 - 11:06

      Absolutely … this is the golden rule - never admit fault - even if you were. You were unsure.

      It makes no difference if they are in a hurry. Tough. This also supports that they may have been not paying attention and/or distracted.

      If It is actually a business car, then all companies I sighed hid a drive cars - there was a policy never to admit fault.

      So he could be guilty or partially guilty.

      Ask for More quotes -one of which is of your choice. You have admitted fault and offered to pay, so cannot back out now. Mind you, unless he was recording - there is no proof - only word against word.

  • k-rokfm on 25/03/2018 - 10:06
    +1

    Where are these places that would do an A+ job for $600? Perhaps you should suggest the guy you hit go there, or take a photo to them and ask for a rough quote

    • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 10:11

      I didn't put a price tag on the price of the A+ job. I'll try ringing the "business owner", aka the actual owner of the car and chat to him but from what it sounded like he's pretty stubborn on wanting this certain panel beater for one reason or the other.

      • Findo on 25/03/2018 - 10:25
        +2

        Yeah that’s because they’ve got a he said, she said situation on their hands and it’s in their interests to get everything repaired on your dime. You admitted fault, the other party isn’t going to pay you if you fold over just like this.

        Last time I did something nice for another uninsured idiot they shafted me with a shithouse panel beater, would you believe it the prick disappeared after he got his mate to fix my car. His mate did have a panelbeating workshop but sure as hell no customer guarentee. I will never not go through insurance again.

        Deny responsibility, send your own letter of demand and take them to court.

        • whooah1979 on 25/03/2018 - 10:30

          I looked in the mirror and over my shoulder, from what I remember coast was clear.

          it sounds like op was changing lanes or merging from a slip lane.

        • Findo on 25/03/2018 - 10:36

          @whooah1979: there still is no reason for OP to just admit fault like that. Who entered whose lane? Who was in the lane first? If both parties were trying to get into an empty middle lane from either side, who got there first? Did all parties use their indicators and signal their intention to change lanes? These are questions that need to be asked and often have no satisfactory answers because it’s an ambiguous situation. Determining fault should not be one sided and OP should not be paying for repairs without any recourse for the other party fixing his car.

        • whooah1979 on 25/03/2018 - 10:40
          +1

          @niggard:

          Op knows what they did. It’s a matter of owning up to what they did or try and run away.

        • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 10:48
          +2

          That sucks man.

          One thing I hate is dishonesty. When I saw the quote I instantly knew they were being dishonest especially because of the so called "wheel alignment, because from being in the car accident it's impossible for me to damage the wheel alignment of his. It's a slightly beat up car and what I feel like is they want to make it new and make me pay.

          I know things can get into a shitfest in court, I've never taken a single cent that's not mine, not even money on the street (only once and it went straight to charity, I was a kid).
          I don't want to deny responsibility in case I was at fault, I want to fix the car and get it out of the way. I know very well the loopholes in court.

          @whooah1979 I was changing lanes, hence why I said I looked in the mirror and over my shoulder and indicated. The other guy was in a clear rush when we got out of our cars, but I didn't see him in a 40 Street. It doesn't add up. I'm willing to take a hit and get the other guys car fixed without hassles but I won't have them overcharge me for damage that had nothing to do with me, like wheel alignment. Clearly his mags have hit a sidewalk many times before.

        • Findo on 25/03/2018 - 10:50

          @whooah1979:

          Honestly, here's where I'm unsure…I don't want to pull a dodgy if I'm at fault so just to clear my conscience I told him I'll pay/take it to a panel beater.

          OP doesn’t even know if he is at fault because it’s an ambiguous situation.

        • whooah1979 on 25/03/2018 - 11:18

          @niggard:

          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/5777234/redir

          @whooah1979 I was changing lanes, hence why I said I looked in the mirror and over my shoulder and indicated.

          I’m not assuming op was at fault. But op has acknowledged that op were changing lanes at the time of the collision. The road rule is to give way when changing lanes.

        • Findo on 25/03/2018 - 11:34

          @whooah1979: when two people change lanes at the same time who gives way to who? It sounds like OP has plenty of money and wants to fix everyone’s car for free.

        • Euphemistic on 25/03/2018 - 13:51

          @Tuftsdude: e that as it may, your car shows tyre rub on the wheel. Not paint, tyre. You obviously hit the wheel and should therefore need to pay for the other cars wheel alignment - to check if it has been affected.

        • Your Friend on 25/03/2018 - 21:10

          @niggard: I don't think OP mentioned the other car was merging into the lane as well, it sounded like the other car was already in that lane and OP merged into them

  • holdenmg on 25/03/2018 - 10:50
    +3

    That'll buff right out…

    • Kangal on 26/03/2018 - 10:58

      Spit on it my brodens…

  • itsdougie on 25/03/2018 - 11:04
    +8

    Now simply because I didn't have insurance I told him I'll cover the damage with a panel beater

    why would you say this? never ever

    • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 11:08
      +2

      Because I'd rather lose some $$ than partially be at fault for damaging someones car and not paying.

      If I wanted to get out of it without paying a cent, unfairly, I'd ask him to take me to court and not post here knowing there's going to be the "no insurance your fault" comments.

      • Findo on 25/03/2018 - 11:12
        +4

        What about the damage to your car? At what point does reality kick in and displace idealistic thoughts?

        • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 11:16
          +3

          It doesn't bother me. I'll get it fixed, cash job, to keep someone else happy and avoid troubles and most importantly to clear my conscience. Money comes and goes.

        • thargelios on 26/03/2018 - 01:09
          +3

          @Tuftsdude:

          It does. So uhh. Why didn't you have insurance?

          Surely it wasn't too save money?

        • fantombloo on 26/03/2018 - 01:14
          +1

          @Tuftsdude: good on you. How disheartening to read people suggesting to simply abandon their responsibilities.

  • garffi on 25/03/2018 - 11:38

    Can't you get a quote from a panel beater of your choice?

    • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 11:52

      When I find out who the actual owner of the car is I will call him and try to sort it out I guess. But that's ideal. A panel beater of his choice wouldn't bother me if it was quoted or priced fairly.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2018 - 12:02

        For a second there, I thought you were going to pull a Dr Boom whom some of us still believe is a certain Mr Neeson.

        • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 12:10
          +2

          Lmao that thread and the reviews were hilarious. Gotta feel sorry for some people though, it's sad how they act and think.

          Don't worry, I won't be posting names or numbers or anything like that.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2018 - 12:47
          +2

          @Tuftsdude:
          Good on ya.

          Also, noticed you are a registered OzBargain user for over a year. You need to at least get third party insurance and a dashcam before your membership is legitimate.

        • Tuftsdude on 25/03/2018 - 13:04

          @tshow:As per my above comments, I got TP insurance the next day and yes, I defo need a dashcam. Though in this case it wouldn't have made a difference sadly.

          Edit: Damn, over a year? Time sure flies, I didn't even realise that.

  • Marcsie on 25/03/2018 - 12:41
    +9

    I don’t even pick up my new purchased car without insurance, so forget about driving around without insurance. Why some people have to learn lesson a hard way ? Never drive a car without insurance. Full sop :)

    • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2018 - 12:58
      +4

      I remember a story (not verified). Buyer's first high powered car. Was going to drive his brand new mustang home and then register for insurance. Was at exit of dealership, punched the throttle out of the turn, back wheel spin, oversteered into a pole. Write off.

      • sam-1966 on 25/03/2018 - 19:34

        I remember a similar story out of Adelaide - looked so dodgy! Ferrari or like.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 26/03/2018 - 12:01

        I know someone who did this with a brand new XR6 turbo. Picked it up at the dealership and within 30 seconds of jumping in, pulled out of the dealership driveway right in front of an oncoming car and wrote it off. He DID have insurance luckily.

  • Geryatric on 25/03/2018 - 13:17

    Should be about $2000 total to repair.
    Get insurance in future, you can pay by the month

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