Welcome to Tesla Motors Club
Discuss Tesla's Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Cybertruck, Roadster and More.
Register

Repairs to aluminum body work?

This site may earn commission on affiliate links.
Insurance premiums are currently not higher than comparable cars. However, I fear that might change once a number of Model S's are inevitably involved in accidents. This happened here in BC with the Roadster. Once ONE person was hit (no fault!) and their claim went through, the premiums for everyone shot up.

Also, we previously owned another all-aluminum car, an early Audi A8. At the time (late '90's), Audi did specify that structural damage to the body required specialist repair at designated centres in major cities. This may or may not still be the case. If it were me, I would talk to Tesla, and with their help pick a body shop VERY carefully!

Sorry, not the best news, but probably realistic.
 
Last edited:
I have seen talk of body shops getting "Tesla certified" - I am not sure what the process is, but it sounds like Tesla understands with the large # of vehicles that are getting on the roads, they will need more than just service centers for collision damage, especially if it is major.

My guess is you will call Tesla, they will send you to a specific shop that they have certified.
 
Yes indeed, welding aluminum requires special equipment and skills not found in every body shop, but not that rare either. Many cars have a few aluminum body panels. One strategy would be to call your local Audi dealer and find out where they would send a customer with an A8.
 
Does anyone yet have issue with body work yet. Will regular body shops be able to repair or does tesla service center do the work? How are insurance premiums out there as well

There are several threads discussing insurance for EVs, Roadsters, and Model S. Here is the most recent active one: Model S Insurance .

In a nutshell, while some insurance companies are *confused*, most are insuring like any other car. And some of us have been surprised as just how low the premium is. It pays to shop around.
 
There have already been many dinged up Model S' (!) that have been to the shop. Your local Tesla Service center will be building a list of recommended vendors. Established Tesla areas already have nearby shops that are high end enough to handle the exotic carbon fiber of the roadster and will have no problem with the S.