Anyone have experience with this?
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I have answers for you. I am in SoCal and had similar rear end damage this year. Hit & run, license plate wasn't captured on dash-cam, lost my $1k deductible.
- Tesla SC regional manager in Van Nuys told me they are only just starting to replace bumpers. Frame damage requires Tesla Certified Body Shop (TCBS)
- Progressive said I can use any bodyshop in or out of their network, because Tesla requires TCBS.
- Many TCBS had months waiting list for estimates. I found one near me (Service King, chain body shop) that offered to look right away. Things vary a LOT between body shops in terms of backlog, so check around and don't get discouraged. The "quality" of body shop is mostly irrelevant due to Tesla repair process (see below).
- [MOST IMPORTANT STEP] I had to coordinate Progressive rep to appear at Service King during teardown, then Service King was able to put the bumper back and let me keep driving the car. The reason allowed was because the manager knew how long it takes to order parts. They wouldn't do that for a regular car, which takes only a week for parts delivery.
- Progressive dispersed funds to Service King
- I drove the car for 3 months before all parts arrived
- Service King manager showed me the Tesla Certified process. Tesla actually creates a hardcopy folder with step by step "how to" photos custom for your repair. The parts are shipped directly from the assembly line, even including adhesives! The step by step repair process will recreate the car exactly as done on assembly line, to the extent a Tesla factory worker could take your car apart and never tell it was in an accident. Adhesives, welds, materials, are all assembly line. This is why I don't think Teslas should lose value from an accident. The car literally, is brand new. I went over this many times with the manager. Its quite amazing and exhaustive how Tesla requires their cars repaired.
- 2 week process. I had only $30/day rental, so I used Turo and rented cars that cost exactly $30. Fiat, Hyundai, etc. Progressive cut me a check. Faster/easier/cheaper than using car rental agency.
- After repairs, Service King warned me I will need to take it to Tesla for sensor and software calibration. I did, which was an overnight repair, and Service King paid the bill.
It was many steps, but in the end, I rested assured my car was 100% flawless repair. I'm not sure if the used car market will knick me down the road, but I do personally know the car is in full brand new condition, as I saw the repair book.
good luck!