I just damaged my rear quarter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jason Naamani]

I just took out my freakin rear quarter on a cement post in my underground parkade trying to leave for school. It's pretty bad. The damage starts a couple of inches from the end of the driver's door, right to the wheel well. Where the wheel arch rolls under into the wheel well is no longer rounded, and looks as if I have dented the whole panel, upon closer inspection. The paint is a total gonner, it's scratched to shit and flaking off near the wheel arch. Does anyone know of a good body shop, or course of action to take under these circumstances? Please bear in mind that I am a student, and have limited funds. Unbelievable. 5 freakin years I've parked in the same spot and not so much as a scratch. I was just saying the other day that when one thing goes, at least 3 others do too  (passenger-side front caliper siezed, heater core gone, now this). Somebody please help me. I used to snap when my friends touched my car, because I didn't want them dragging dust and deposits across the clearcoat. Yeah, I'm REAL anal about that shit. So you can probably imagine the world of hurt I am in now. Any advice is more than welcome. Thanks.

[Matthew Giene]

Any advice is more than welcome. Thanks.

I am not sure what you are looking for.

Take it to a body shop and get it estimated.  

Or you can take it to ICBC and get them to fix it.  The latter will cost more in the long run as you will loose some or all of your discount.

[Jason Naamani]

Thanks for the start Matthew, I just wanted to know where you guys might take your cars (looks like you're no starnger to the body shop, judging from your avatar! :shock: No offense) when this type of thing happens. The only time I've ever had to get body work done in the 6 years that I've owned this car was because someone tried to steal it, and I had to get the passenger door, mirror and rear quarter repainted and blended. So needless to say, I'm kind of a noob when it comes to body work and things of that nature.

[Matthew Giene]

If you do a search for body shops on the board you will come up with a few.  There is a thread devoted to Body Shops.

If I could remember any I would let you know.

I have an uncanny ability to write DSM's off so I do not need body shops.   :?

[Jason Naamani]

Sorry, I just panicked, and totally forgot about the search button. I'm going to take it to Craftsman Collision here in Coquitlam, and get an estimate. Based on what I've found, Robin seems to be quite keen on the quality of work they do there (the surrey location mind you, but being that its a large corporate chain means standardized operating procedures for all of its subsidiary locations.) If you have heard any horror stories about them, please let me know. I won't be leaving for about another hour. If not, wish me luck. Thanks.

I have an uncanny ability to write DSM's off so I do not need body shops.

That really sucks. I don't know whether to laugh or cry! :laugh: :?    :cry:

[Kimyee Lai]

being that its a large corporate chain means standardized operating procedures for all of its subsidiary locations.)

Uhh...no.  By this philosophy you should get great service at any dealership if one is good, and we all know that's not true.  If you don't want to take any risks, go to the recommended ones from people who've actually BEEN there.  As before, I recommend Starlite.  They did good work for me.

[Jason Naamani]

You're right, but I just thought Craftsman was a pretty reputable company. I've sworn off dealerships for good. Last time I took the car in for paint repair (attempted car theft), it took over a month to get it back from Coquitlam Chrysler. They're horrible there. With a company like Craftsman, paint and body work alone are their livelihood, and as such it would stand to reason that they would be more invested in doing work that at least met industry standards. But I will check out Starlite, as it would be prudent for me to obtain more than one quote from more than one shop anyways. Thanks.

[Jason Naamani]

Okay, went to a couple of shops and got estimates. They are all in the $1000.00 range. I'm going to call ICBC and see whether it will affect my insurance premium, and if not, I'll claim it. What a day...

[Ricky Lim]

I recommend AK Autoworks. They matched my paint perfectly and customer service was great!!!

[Ivan Skare]

Don't claim it.

[Jason Naamani]

Don't claim it.

Even if it has no effect on my insurance? I will inquire about it tommorrow, but if ICBC determines that it is within the bounds of my coverage as far as things like liability etc. go, and it does not affect my coverage (discounts etc.) then would it not be the more feasable choice to go that route? The estimate for the damage is way above what I'd pay in deductibles, so I'd save myself a few hudred. I'm not absolutely certain, but the gentleman who estimated the damage at one of the shops suggested it to me. Really, by inquiring, I am just exhausting all possible avenues. What have I got tto loose right? Is there a particular reason why you would suggest not claiming it provided the above conditions are satisfied? Thanks again for all the input!

[Mike Schmid]

Doesn't hurt top enquire but expect it to effect your rates.  It should go on you collision coverage and knowing ICBC I really don't expect them to say something like "oh man, you backed your car into a pole real good, we'll fix it all up and it won't cost you a thing"  They're not in business to help you out and with a hit like that the raised premiums over the next few years will mean you pay for it all and then some.

[DarrylDhaliwal]

just remember even if u don't get it done through ICBC it will show a record of your car having damage. They can't leagally release how much or what happened to it but it will show that the car was in an accident. If i were u i would bite he bullet and take it strate to a shop. I have a buddy that work at a body shop and they good very good work for cheaps. PM me if u want more info.

Good luck with the car