Jaela

So glad I found this place! My 2003 S2000 is the best car ever. I live in Los Angeles and strangers often ask if I would sell. I only have 75,000 miles on it and can't imagine giving it up. I love my Hottie - that's my car's nickname.

My car was filthy from sitting unused in a city parking garage for 3 months (couldn't drive due to breaking my foot). Finally driving to the car wash last week...A city firetruck didn't see me, veered into my right lane, and side swiped my car at a low speed running some dents and scratches along the driver's side. (I already had pre-existing, minor body damage, been meaning to fix; you may see in the photo.) The only damage to the firetruck was 2 lug nuts falling off.

I am submitting a claim to the City of Los Angeles for damages, and there is a box where I have to enter $ amount. Can someone please give me a suggestion of what this repair might cost? The door is the main problem plus some scratches above the rear wheel. Without typing a $ on the form, I can't start my claim that is going to take forever to process. Later with more time I'll get a real estimate and adjust the claim amount.

PS: Even the police officer at the scene asked about the mileage, said my car is rare, and do I ever think of selling.

Any rough estimate dollar suggestion to enter on the claim form? I need to get started ASAP. Thanks in advance for any replies!

Birdybog

Jaela

Yeah, unfortunately my insurance company won't help me because under my policy, I am not covered for damage to my own car.

Jaela

I'm thinking of just going with $2,000 estimate for now. Does that sound ok?

Birdybog

Jaela

Good point! Thank you.

Manga_Spawn

Every body shop I have ever been will usually do a free estimate for you. I would go in the socal part of this forum and ask for recommended shops and go their for an estimate. That way you can specify the shop you want to do the work.

Jaela

Thank you, Manga Spawn!! I will check it down.

darcyw

At autocross last year, one of our competitors with an NC Miata had the same experience on the way to the event- I think he may have pooped himself.

That being said, my guess is first PDR to help improve the dents, then grind clean then filler and paint. My guess $1200- $1500 all told.

If you plan to keep the car and have limited funds, this job is possible to accomplish yourself with time and patience. The tough part is matching the paint and that is where a good body shop will shine.

good luck

darcy

Langelo DeMysterioso

It's not the insurance company's responsibility to estimate the damage on your car. But like Magna Spawn said most bodyshops will give you a free verbal estimate. Some might charge you a fee for a written estimate.But that repair would cost you at least 1700-2100 bucks where I'm from for a top notch job. A "hatchetman" or crackhead could do it for about 700 dollars but it will look like ass.