$11,016.42 repair for what seemed like a minor rear-ending

[Michael Y]

Got rear ended last month. Actually the guy behind me got hit, and he was pushed into us. We barely felt it. Damage looks not so bad.
Just got the updated repair estimate: $11,016.42. Yikes.

 

[Genorino]

I'm assuming they're going to have to replace the whole bumper and hatch? Was there any frame damage of sorts?

 

[Michael Y]

I'm assuming they're going to have to replace the whole bumper and hatch? Was there any frame damage of sorts?

I don't see any frame damage in the estimate. Yes on the bumper cover, hatch, and rear panel. Just a lot of line items. Over half of total is labor. They have to remove the doors, roof, all kinds of stuff. Even replacing the trailer hitch for $1200.

 

[Genorino]

I don't see any frame damage in the estimate. Yes on the bumper cover, hatch, and rear panel. Just a lot of line items. Over half of total is labor. They have to remove the doors, roof, all kinds of stuff. Even replacing the trailer hitch for $1200.

I was kinda believing the total to be $11k for all those parts (assuming it was including painting, installing, etc)... But over HALF is labor?

Is this at a Tesla Service Center? Or a Tesla Supported shop?

 

[tekkie_m3]

Have you ever known a body shop owner that deals mostly with Insurance? They usually have a huge exotic watch collection. Panerai, Rolex etc...There is a reason for that.

 

[QtownTaxiGreg]

Why the hell take the roof off?

 

[ThomasD]

They most likely replaced the rear sensors as well. Did you get a line item list of every part that was replaced? Most of the time labor cost more than the parts being replaced.

 

[E90alex]

Why the hell take the roof off?

Probably to be able to properly paint blend with the roof rail

 

[Scubamikey]

make sure they pull out carpet in the trunk area and look for hairline cracks in the frame.. found that in my car.. very tiny but there..

 

[Watts_Up]

make sure they pull out carpet in the trunk area and look for hairline cracks in the frame.. found that in my car.. very tiny but there..

Was this crack elated to a rear ended accident?

Did you have to replace the whole rear casting?

 

[jkdman123]

There is no such thing as a minor rear-ending anymore in almost any late model car.

 

[AttoPro]

Wow! That’s more than 20% of a brand new MY.

 

[QtownTaxiGreg]

make sure they pull out carpet in the trunk area and look for hairline cracks in the frame.. found that in my car.. very tiny but there..

They get produced in the factory with fracturing. Some of it is fatal and those ones go back in the pot. The rest are in non critical positions and carry on.

 

[jay1122]

11K. Sounds about average. Remember to get the diminished value claim.

 

[Michael Y]

11K. Sounds about average. Remember to get the diminished value claim.

We did discuss this, and apparently they're going to attempt to get this to me. I'm not holding my breath. The at-fault insurance (USAA) adjuster already told me there were "limit issues", which is why I have to work directly thought my insurance. But early on, my insurance (wawanesa) said they do not hand DV. So we'll see.

 

[Big Dog]

My D's small Audi got dinged in a parking lot at night. Initial insurance estimate was $1800. Final tally from body shop exceeded $11k. ($875 alone just to recalibrate the sensors in the new bumper.). So yeah, nothing small about being bumped in the rear anymore.

Don;'t forget OP, under California law, you can take the car to any repair shop you like. Feel free to ignore the At-fault carrier's recommendation.

 

[Michael Y]

I was kinda believing the total to be $11k for all those parts (assuming it was including painting, installing, etc)... But over HALF is labor?

Is this at a Tesla Service Center? Or a Tesla Supported shop?

This is Amato's Auto Body in San Diego. I heard (on this forum) that they are good.

If anyone is interested, attached is the amended estimate.

 

[ThomasD]

Did they repaint the whole car? They removed the Weatherstripping from the Doors and removed the Headliner.

 

[CaptUAL]

Just got my 2023 MSP ultra red out of the body shop for a minor rear collision. $5,600 first estimate , then a $1,200 additional supplemental after they got into it. New bumper, lower diffuser, plaid badge, back hatch dents, LABOR LABOR LABOR. Tesla certified repair shop in Palm Springs, CA.

 

[Michael Y]

Did they repaint the whole car? They removed the Weatherstripping from the Doors and removed the Headliner.

Not sure if they will, gonna ask them tomorrow.