Minimize Repair Cost Above Deductible?

[stevewaclo]

Hello all,

Here's my situation. I was foolishly in a hurry yesterday while backing our 2020 Tesla Model 3 out of the garage with my wife in the passenger seat and two grandkids in the back. The passenger side rear door was open and struck the garage door rail and wall. There were no injuries. My insurance is with Progressive and a collision claim ($500 deductible) has been filed.

Neither door will close and the right rear window was shattered. The door card on the rear door will need to be replaced. The only other visible damage is that the rear door has a very minor scuff along the top rear edge where it hit the wall, and at 4 years and 50,000 miles, it would be OK with me to touch up the paint. The doors not closing is another matter, and I believe the B pillar, where the rear door is mounted has been displaced. A claims adjuster has yet to be assigned.

And yes, there is a question!

Full coverage on the car is already quite expensive and of course I'm concerned about the premium increase that will surely happen. I've scheduled repair with the Tesla Collision Center for August 8th and an associate there told me that based on the photos I submitted, even though I would tolerate touching up the minor door scuff, they are required to bring the car back to 100% and would be required to paint the entire door or reject doing the work. Again, the B pillar situation is no doubt going to be the major repair cost.

My question!

Should I simply go with the having Tesla do the work or, in the interest of minimizing Progressive's cost above my $500 deductible, should I consider an alternative shop that would be willing to just touch up the door? I'm trying to be "nice" to Progressive because I suspect their total repair cost will reflect later on my inevitable premium increase.

Or am I overthinking this and the additional paint work may be small potatoes in the big picture and that part of Progressive's cost may not have much of an impact on my premium increase? No prior claims over many years with progressive, BTW.

I defer to the wisdom of the Forum!

Thanks in advance.

 

[sunshinered18]

A tough spot to be in minor accident can lead to unexpected repair costs, and the impact on your insurance premium a valid concern.
Things to Consider
Tesla's Repair Standards, understandable that you'd prefer to avoid a full door repaint for a minor scuff. However, Tesla will probably insistence on restoring the car to its original condition is standard practice for many dealerships and body shops. This is to maintain the vehicle's value and ensure safety standards.
Insurance Coverage,
While it's likely that this will increase in your premium, the exact amount will depend on several factors including your insurance history, the cost of the repairs, and your state's insurance laws.
B-Pillar Damage,
The extent of the damage to the B-pillar will significantly impact the repair cost.
This is a critical structural component, so it's essential to have it repaired correctly.
You can always
Get the always Insurance Adjuster assess the damage and provide a detailed estimate. This will give you a better understanding of the potential costs. You don't have to file the claim then
Discuss Options with Tesla While they may have strict repair standards, it's worth having a conversation with them about your concerns. Perhaps they can offer some flexibility or alternative solutions.
An explore Aftermarket Repair Options, If the cost of the Tesla repair is exorbitant, you might consider getting quotes from independent body shops.
However, be aware that using a non-Tesla approved shop might void certain warranties.
Review Insurance Policy: Understand your coverage, including any deductibles, rental car reimbursement, and potential premium increases.
Remember: Document everything. Take photos of the damage, keep copies of all estimates and repair orders. This will be helpful when dealing with both the insurance company and Tesla
The resale value of you vehicle would be a factor, it's reported to Carfax and how the repairs are Done.
Hope this helps

 

[stevewaclo]

Sunshinered18,

Thanks for making time to do an in depth assessment of my situation . Lots of items for me to consider.

As you noted, my inevitable premium increase will depend on a number of factors but to the extent anything is under my control, I believe I will explore the option of a non-Tesla collision shop.

Your learned insights are much appreciated.

 

[stevewaclo]

Following up.

The car is with Tesla's Reno Collision Facility and repairs will be completed by 8/23. Total estimate from Progressive came in at $4500. B pillar was not damaged and in spite of the only paint damage being the minor scuff on the door edge, which I was willing to have simply touched up, Tesla insisted on repainting the door and blending into adjacent panels. Front door was OK.
IMHO, fixing the damaged hinges, replacing the glass and door card and other minor bits would have been satisfactory to me. No other options in town for Tesla repair.
Looking forward to my next Progressive renewal.

 

[adjusterjack]

The at-fault surcharge doesn't depend on the amount of the claim.

One claim = one surcharge.

Get your car fixed properly.

No need to be nice to your insurance company. Your insurance company won't be nice to you when you get your renewal bill.

 

[fed up]

Only way to avoid a surcharge would be to NOT contact the claims department but you already crossed that off the list.

 

[stevewaclo]

Following up on my July of this year collision claim with Progressive.
A brief summary: I foolishly backed out of my garage before a grandkid had closed the rear passenger side door and total charge to insurance for repair at the Tesla shop came to around 5 large. My deductible was $250. We also had a windshield comp claim in October that insurance paid around $750, with the same deductible. Current charges on the 2020 M3 and a '93 GMC Sierra pickup are $1200 (rounded) for 6months. Truck does not carry collision/comp.

Just received a 6 month renewal notice and the premium came in at $2000 (rounded). I called and fixed a few inconsequential items on our policy and ultimately increased our deductible to $1000, dropping the cost to about $1750.

I knew I was going to get slammed, but am seriously distressed and bummed out by the dramatic increase, which will stay for three years.
Will of course be shopping but not optimistic, since pre-claim efforts this year could not turn up anything better than Progressive.

Did I mention that in 2022, our 6mo premium was around $750 for the same coverage?

Just venting…

 

[adjusterjack]

That's how it works. Happened to me some years ago. I had GEICO. I backed out of a parking space and clipped the car behind me. No damage to my truck. $1300 to her car.

Next renewal my increase was enough for GEICO to get that $1300 back from me in 3 years. I said screw GEICO. I went with another carrier for about $50 less and GEICO never saw a penny of that surcharge.

Small triumph. I sweated out higher priced insurance for 3 years until I became a preferred risk again.

Keep shopping on the odd chance that you get a break somewhere.