the Cost of Auto Body Repair

The service included repair of accident damage at a "manufacturer certified" auto repair shop not affiliated with a dealer. The $500 cost was my insurance deductible and included parts and labor. Had it not been covered by insurance it would have cost around $2500 for the repairs.

The usual bevy of auto body work was available at this place, everything from replacing windshields to full vehicle restoration. Prices were somewhat above wholesale for parts plus $50/hr per employee for labor.

My car got tagged by something big while parked on the street. Probably very big because my car couldn't drive after it was hit and they guy didn't even bother to stop to leave a sarcastic note under the windshield wiper.

Anyway, called the insurance guys and had it towed to a place they recommended. A rep from the company met me there, made an estimate of the damage (fender crumpled, front wheel broken, front suspension bent, steering linkage bent, etc.). Met with the two companies' reps, found out it'd take about two weeks to fix, got coupons for a rental (compact) and a lift to the nearest rental place (airport) from the insurance guy.

Everything was very easy for me and aside from the fact that I didn't have my car for a bit over two weeks I can't really tell that the repair was done.

Get a good insurance company--someone you and the repair shops can work with--and keep in good standing with them. Makes life a heck of a lot easier if you don't have to fight tooth and nail to get your car fixed when bad stuff happens.