Repairing Accident Damage on My BMW X1 - Is It Worth It?

aboogee on 05/08/2024 - 15:18
Last edited 11/08/2024 - 19:33 by 1 other user

Will preface by saying I know nothing about cars.

My wife's 2010 BMW X1 was hit by a plumber's truck. There was a single (big) dent, on the rear quarter panel and back passenger door.

TBH our car is getting old and I personally am not sure if I would want to repair it. The driver at fault has insurance - we got our vehicle assessed and was verbally told by the authorized repairer the repair would cost $2.5k. I am not sure what sort of repair is that cost would cover - i.e. do they need to cut it down or new parts or what not.

Would appreciate any wise idea on how to handle this. I would much rather pocket the repair cost and probably sell my car to a wrecker or something if it works out better like that.

Automotive BMW Car SUV

Comments

  • Ozbar Gain on 05/08/2024 - 15:20
    +3

    I would much rather pocket the repair cost and probably sell my car to a wrecker or something if it works out better like that

    I don't think it works that way.

    What did your insurance say?

    • aboogee on 05/08/2024 - 17:55

      only 3rd party, we dont have comprehensive

      • boomramada on 05/08/2024 - 18:39
        +2

        Which mean you already knew the answer before you under take your 3rd party insurance.

    • HeWhoKnows on 06/08/2024 - 10:06
      +1

      OP should not jump to any conclusions just yet.

      Plenty of people have found, after the offending party admitted fault, that afterwards the offending party changes the story to make you at fault.

      But if the other party does "formerly" admit liability AND thier insurance company accepts liability then OP should just get thier car repaired.

      However it also comes down to the market value of OP's vehicle.

      The insurer may choose to write-off the car (if that works out cheaper for them), take possession and then pay out OP the market value which is actually what OP would prefer.

      Dont forget the insurer recovers part of thier costs by selling the damaged vehicle at auction.
      That "auction value" is taken into account when working out if its cheaper for them to write-off OPs vehicle

      So like I say, dont jump to any conclusions just yet.

      Lodge the claim with the other party's insurer and wait for a response.

      As OP only has 3rd party insurance they are on thier own with this one.
      OP's insurer might offer some advice, but will not take responsibilty or assist OP with thier claim against the offending party.

      Good luck OP

  • Jaduqimon on 05/08/2024 - 15:34
    +6

    rear quarter panel and only 2.5k thats pretty good.

    • MS Paint on 05/08/2024 - 15:36
      +3

      Seems way too cheap.

      Rear quarter panels typically extend over the roof line and include the A pillar and the labour costs normally make them economical write offs.

      • Jaduqimon on 05/08/2024 - 15:48
        +2

        Exactly. Needs to be a cut and weld job… Or very professional panel beating… Which will be more than 2.5k

      • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2024 - 16:01
        +2

        Rear quarter panels typically extend over the roof line and include the A pillar

        That may be how they are assembled at the factory but most (all) manufacturers offer repair panels from the lower dogleg on the wheel arch to ~1/3 from the C-pillar of rear door.

        Still a big enough job but nowhere near replacing the whole side of the car.

      • aboogee on 05/08/2024 - 18:00

        Thats my concern and i dont know if it will be repaired up to "standard"… whatever that may be
        I for sure won't be able to tell just from looking

        Wife reversed into someone's car 5 months ago. Tiny crack on their front bumper. Repair cost itself was $3.9k
        I just dont get how rear quarter panel can cost less..

        • Lastchancetosee on 06/08/2024 - 08:44
          +1

          With all due respect, looking at what you've paid out and the cost of this job, you'd find it much cheaper to take out comprehensive insurance.

      • Oofy Doofy on 05/08/2024 - 20:59
        -1

        *uneconomical

      • Oofy Doofy on 11/08/2024 - 18:11

        The correct phrase is "uneconomical write-off."

        Here's the explanation:

        When something is a "write-off," it means it's not worth repairing because the cost of fixing it is too high compared to its value. The term "uneconomical" highlights that it's not financially wise to spend money on repairs. So, when you hear "uneconomical write-off," it means that repairing the item (like a car) would cost more than what the item is worth. Hence, it's better to consider it a total loss rather than invest in fixing it.

  • Archi on 05/08/2024 - 15:35
    +1

    the only thing you could do if you ask nicely, is pocket the excess cost from the plumber… but i don't think the plumber will agree

    • sumyungguy on 05/08/2024 - 16:25
      -1

      So the plumber gives $1K to OP who still needs to spend $2.5K on their repair?

      • Archi on 05/08/2024 - 16:31
        • the OP was referring to taking money instead of fixing his own car
        • i did say the plumber may not agree.
        • sumyungguy on 05/08/2024 - 17:02

          What exactly are you suggesting OP ask the at-fault party to do? I still don't get it…

          • Archi on 06/08/2024 - 08:08

            @sumyungguy:

            • the OP is asking whether he can pocket the repair cost from the insurer and sell the car to a wrecker.
            • that's not how insurance works.
            • the best he can do in terms of getting cash is asking the plumber for the cost of his excess in cash and not claim insurance.
            • but like i said, the plumber is not likely to agree unless there is absolute no damage to his own car to repair.

            that way op can get cash for the value of the excess that be $700 or $1000 or whatever, and then sell his car to a wrecker like he wanted to.

            it will involve him negotiating with the plumber who is at fault.

            personally less headache option would be to claim on the plumbers insurance rather than your own.

  • brad1-8tsi on 05/08/2024 - 15:49
    +11

    $2.5k isn't a huge repair, nor is 13 years an old car.

    • CheapandUsed on 05/08/2024 - 16:05
      +8

      nor is 13 years an old car.

      BMW's age 7 years for each 1 year though

    • aboogee on 05/08/2024 - 18:00
      +1

      wife looking to get a new car anyway

      • Sunshines bright on 06/08/2024 - 10:10

        Repair then sell at better price! Buy new car!

  • Torzz on 05/08/2024 - 15:50
    -1

    Sell the car to the plumber for the price if his out of pocket excess, or take it to a car yard and trade in.. if there are still some good useable parts (engine gearbox etc) you may get your $2.5k+ on a trade in.

    • sumyungguy on 05/08/2024 - 16:27
      +1

      OP sells car to plumber for $1K? Plumber gets an absolute bargain. How does OP benefit?

      • cloudy on 13/08/2024 - 21:25

        found teh plumber

  • Euphemistic on 05/08/2024 - 16:10
    +4

    2010 is not OLD and surely its worth more than $3k. Wreckers will give you about 50c for it.

    Its worth collecting the full value of the repair from the at fault party and then getting repair done as cheap as possible then selling the car if you want rid of it. Its also worth just getting the insurmace repair done for less hassle.

    • altomic on 05/08/2024 - 21:03

      I'm trying to give away my dads 2008 BMW (engine is rooted) but otherwise cosmetically near new (always garaged)

      • Euphemistic on 05/08/2024 - 21:35

        Not many takers for a non running euro? Well colour me surprised. If it wa running someone would probably want the euro driving experience and be oblivious to the repair costs.

    • kiitos on 06/08/2024 - 07:16
      +2

      Why not just get the repair done by then and then sell, otherwise there's risk op can't find a cheaper repair.

      • Euphemistic on 06/08/2024 - 08:49

        Get a quote from a local repairer. Make sure they know its a cash job. If its less than the insurance payout, collect the payout and pay cash for the repair.

        Just repaired my vehicle. Got an insurance payout, then bought the parts and DIYd. Im about $1200 up. Admittedly there was no painting involved, but if the insurance pays $2500 and the panel shop will charge $2k why wouldnt you?

        Also had a recent repair quoted for insurance. Ended up they charged about $500 less than quoted as a cash job.

  • Gdsamp on 05/08/2024 - 16:12

    I would much rather pocket the repair cost and probably sell my car to a wrecker or something if it works out better like that.

    why?

    it doesn't sound like you were in a hurry to get rid of the car before the accident, besides it being 'old' (it isn't)
    dents to door & quarter panels don't suggest any significant structural damage that would make one question the car's safety in a severe crash.
    Also doesn't sound like there's mechanical reasons to dispose of the car.

    I am not sure what sort of repair is that cost would cover - ie do they need to cut it down or new parts or what not.

    Does it matter on an 'old' car?
    The other party seems to have sufficient insurance to return the car to the state it was prior to the repair, without it costing you anything.
    only thing i would push for is a loan car to minimise inconvenience, if they're willing to do so out of good will.

    • aboogee on 05/08/2024 - 18:07

      I just don't know if it is worth it…

      About 10yrs ago when I first arrived, got a brand new Toyota corolla.
      Was rear-ended by someone and they got it fixed (cut and weld)
      I tried to sell my car later and potential buyers quoted lower price the moment they saw the weld work.
      So as a result trying to avoid anything that could result in lower sell cost

      • Gdsamp on 05/08/2024 - 18:17

        So as a result trying to avoid anything that could result in lower sell cost

        it sounds like in your mind though the car is already a write-off and you're ready to sell it for scrap - so what difference does it make to keep driving it or if it nets you less money if you sell it once repaired?

        The accident happened. what ever value the car was going to lose by needing panels repaired or replaced, it has now already lost.
        It also sounds like the plumber's insurance is going to pay for the repair? why are you worried about the cost?

        • aboogee on 05/08/2024 - 22:08

          yeah thats the part im trying to work out -
          if i was going to let the smash repairer perform the repair, is there anything i can/should specify so that i limit such loss?
          for example, can i specify that i want a original new door / quarter panel rather than one he finds from another wreck?

          • RoseViper on 06/08/2024 - 08:48
            +2

            @aboogee: If you take it to a good repairer, or whatever is recommended by the insurer they should do a quality job so you won't be able to tell where the parts come from if they respray it all correctly anyway.
            It sounds like your Toyota Corolla repair was done by a less than quality repairer if someone could easily spot the weld work.
            As this repair is covered by an insurance company make sure you go to a quality repairer or one recommended by the insurer / NRMA and you should be fine.
            Then you'll have a car that is all fixed up an you'll get good resale value for it.
            As people have said above, a 2010 car is not that old given the current 2nd hand car market. BMW X1's are going for $8,000-$14,000 on CarSales, so it will be worth fixing it then selling it. A wrecker normally won't pay more than about $1k or so.
            If the insurer is going to repair it, that means its worth repairing. If they thought the repair cost + wreckers buy price is higher than the resale value of the car then they write the car off. If his insurer is going to fix it, then that sounds like your best option.
            Go to a couple of crash repairers like @GordonD said below and get their opinion on options to put your mind at ease. We can't comment any more than that without seeing it

  • bazingaa on 05/08/2024 - 17:14
    +1

    give other driver's details to your insurer and they will sort it out all repairs without any cost to you.

    • aboogee on 05/08/2024 - 17:54
      +1

      we've got 3rd party only, not comprehensive

      • DazMon on 06/08/2024 - 19:12

        You should try, because you're not a fault.

        • Archi on 07/08/2024 - 08:08

          that's not how insurance works,

          OP will need to pay an excess, even though not at fault. and when with a giant 'IF' the insurance can recover the cost of the repairs for your car from the at fault party, whether that be personally or their insurance, that's when they will refund you the excess.

          that's why in these situations you need to claim on the at fault party insurance and not your own, to ensure you are not out of pocket.

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 05/08/2024 - 17:15
    +7

    Leave dent, call out plumber on 6 Sundays - all square. ¯_( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)_/¯

    • kiitos on 06/08/2024 - 07:19
      +1

      Plumbing issues make scents. Cheers.

  • Save 50 Cent on 05/08/2024 - 17:29
    +3

    Just ask the plumber to buy you a new bmw. That might leave a tiny dent on their wallet.

  • GordonD on 05/08/2024 - 18:40
    +2

    Take the car to the wrecker, and the wrecker will look at how much the car is worth versus how much it'll cost to repair when he probably has a wreck he can cut the required part-panels off. If its worth it, he get get it fixed, and sell it, and make the profit. Been there, thought I was taking an old car off the road, saw it driving around a while later.

  • altomic on 05/08/2024 - 21:05
    +1

    if the plumber was at fault then you claim against his insurance.

    that is literally what I did with my daughter car from an accident last october.

  • larndis on 06/08/2024 - 07:46

    Just get it fixed through the plumber's insurance then sell it

  • Nuts75 on 06/08/2024 - 09:55
    -1

    If the plumber has comprehensive insurance, then he pays his excess and his insurance company fixes your car at no cost to you

    • altomic on 06/08/2024 - 14:24
      +1

      If the plumber has third party insurance, then he pays his excess and his insurance company fixes your car at no cost to you

      • Archi on 07/08/2024 - 08:10

        if the plumber has no insurance, then he 'MAY' pay you ash to fix your car, or he might outright refuse,

  • LFO on 06/08/2024 - 10:11
    +2

    I would much rather pocket the repair cost and probably sell my car to a wrecker or something if it works out better like that.

    Have it repaired as the insurance pays for it and then sell your car at a higher value.

  • DazMon on 06/08/2024 - 19:10

    Is 2010 considered old?

  • Torzz on 11/08/2024 - 15:38

    Show me some photos, if you get it repaired and a road worthy I might buy it off you for 2.8k to cover the repair and the road worthy

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