10 to 12 days to fix a small dent - reasonable?

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deweyzeph

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So a week ago I came back to my car in a shopping mall parking lot and discovered a small dent about 5 cm long just underneath the handle of my front driver's door, along with some paint in the dent that is not same colour as my car. It looks like either a trolly bashed into my door or some idiot opened their door into mine, really hard. I bought the car brand new almost 2 years ago and have taken exceptional care of it, so I'm not prepared to just laugh it off and absolutely want to get it fixed. So I filed a claim with my insurance company, excess is R5000, and they asked me to take some photos so the assessor could digitally assess the damage without having to physically come and see the damage. A few days later the insurance company contacted me to say the claim has been approved and a panel beater has been appointed. The panel beater phoned me a few hours later to confirm the same, and to ask me what date I'd like to book my car in for. I asked how long it would take to fix, and they said 10 to 12 working days, if everything goes well.

Now, I'm no expert, but that seems exceptionally long just to fix a 5cm long dent in a car door. I'm now seriously considering just cancelling the claim and living with the dent because I can't live without my car for 2 weeks. Does the time frame seem reasonable? What would you guys do?
 
I.am.Sam

I.am.Sam

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they always give you some crazy times but its takes few days

but yeah also it could cost you cheaper to do it outside of claiming and getting it done privately
 
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Messugga

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deweyzeph said:
So a week ago I came back to my car in a shopping mall parking lot and discovered a small dent about 5 cm long just underneath the handle of my front driver's door, along with some paint in the dent that is not same colour as my car. It looks like either a trolly bashed into my door or some idiot opened their door into mine, really hard. I bought the car brand new almost 2 years ago and have taken exceptional care of it, so I'm not prepared to just laugh it off and absolutely want to get it fixed. So I filed a claim with my insurance company, excess is R5000, and they asked me to take some photos so the assessor could digitally assess the damage without having to physically come and see the damage. A few days later the insurance company contacted me to say the claim has been approved and a panel beater has been appointed. The panel beater phoned me a few hours later to confirm the same, and to ask me what date I'd like to book my car in for. I asked how long it would take to fix, and they said 10 to 12 working days, if everything goes well.

Now, I'm no expert, but that seems exceptionally long just to fix a 5cm long dent in a car door. I'm now seriously considering just cancelling the claim and living with the dent because I can't live without my car for 2 weeks. Does the time frame seem reasonable? What would you guys do?
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Usually it's a week or so. They paint the entire panel, so it's a bit of a bigger job than you might think.

Doesn't your insurance policy provide you with a rental vehicle?
 
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Forza

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I would say the job would be done in a week or so.

The 10-12 days is probably just a standard lead time that they tell all their clients but based on the work required, it could be quicker.

Personally I wouldn't pay R5k excess on a 5cm dent. But yeah, it's a junk feeling to have a dent on a brand new car that's in very good condition. Someone closed the gate on my vehicle which means there's a small dent on my right rear end but I won't pay excess to fix that just yet.

You could probably pay a guy R1-R2k to take out dent and buff it out, if a paint job is not required. But if required to paint, then yes definitely take it to an accredited panel beater that does a good job.
 
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deweyzeph

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Forza said:
You could probably pay a guy R1-R2k to take out dent and buff it out, if a paint job is not required. But if required to paint, then yes definitely take it to an accredited panel beater that does a good job.
Click to expand...

It's definitely going to need to be resprayed, the paint is cracked in the dent. I doubt I could get it done privately for less than R5k so I'm happy to pay the excess.
 
ToxicBunny

ToxicBunny

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The panel beater will take the entire 12 days to do the job, you can be damned sure of that and you will have to start chasing on day 10 or 11 just to make sure you get your car back on day 12.

Depending on how the dent is located and the bends and folds in the panel of the door, you might be looking at them actually replacing the entire door itself rather than repairing the door as well so just be aware of that.

To fix and repaint and entire door should be around R8k (plus or minus) given that I was quoted R8k by a reputable company to respray both my bumpers less than a month ago.
 
Smokey888

Smokey888

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I was in an accident with my car on the 6th of March. The claim was approved. Bumper, front panel, and light to be replaced. Took my car in on Wednesday 17 March. Received it back Thursday 25th March. Supper happy with the service.
 
Mekon

Mekon

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Take it to a place like dent Doctor. They specialize in small dents and usually takes a day or 2.
 
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