Panel Beating - Insurance Claim or Not?

Funkstard

We swiped the side off our new car last week. Damage to rear driver door along the full length of the panel, plastic wheel arch moulding and base of door panel moulding damaged also.

We’ve gotten a few quotes for repair, all saying we need a new door which I tend to agree with. The quotes are coming in at 2-2.5k all in for new door, new mouldings and painting etc. I’d rather pay to have it done properly given age of car.

Just trying to decide whether we go through insurance or not. We have 250 excess on fully comp and no claims protect. We have one open claim due to our previous car being written off by uninsured driver (joyrider) but this should be closed soon once our insurance company is paid from the other cars insurance.

We have however already paid cash to the other car we swiped. If we go through insurance will they want to know about the other car or does that matter? Don’t want to ring to ask obviously so trying to figure this out to help us decide. Any advice appreciated!

User1998

What car is it? Any photos of the damage?

Funkstard

211 id4

User1998

Can you not just get a door + plastic trim from a scrapyard? For example:

https://www.donedeal.ie/damagedcars-for-sale/2022-volkswagen-id-4-pro/38110403

Funkstard

I don’t mind paying someone to get it done properly. I unfortunately do not have the time or headspace to source parts on my own! Just trying to understand the insurance query so we can decide to go through them or pay cash.

Henry Ford III

1/. Have you informed your insurer of this collision? I think you are obliged to.

2/. If you have ask them what difference might it make.

p.s. You might get better answers on the Insurance Forum.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122707823#Comment_122707823

Getting a second hand door is getting it done properly. Filling the door with a load of filler and paint is way worse. It literally takes a couple of phone calls to get a door, and it would save you thousands.

bazz26

You could also get a quote where you tell them you are paying for it yourself rather than going through your insurance. You would be surprised the difference between that price and an insurance invoice price.

kaahooters

jut remember, the other party can come back and claim off your insurance within 3 years. if your hiding it from your insurance, which you shouldnt, get the scraped parts and fit them, if you can.