My car got keyed/scratched somehow overnight, its not bad, only about 6" where it actually penetrated the paint. I first went to a bodyshop and he told me he could buff 90% of it out. He told me to do this. Call my insurance (esurance) and go to their recommended bodyshop for an estimate. Then tell esurance you just want the $ because you want to have it done somewhere else. Well, I took my car to their bodyshop for an estimate....$4500!! My car has custom paint and flames and the estimate guy said the whole car needs to be repainted.

Any idea on how I should try to handle this with the ins. company? They are going to get a copy of his estimate and probably call me on Monday.

 

is your car full insured? did you file a police report?

 

I didn't file a report, but I have full coverage with $100 deductible.

 

damn that really sucks, id kill someone if they did that...wow 4500 damn! good luck

 

Well, if it wont affect the rates, take your $4500, and use a few hundred to buy a good high speed buffer, pads, 3m compound, glaze, and wetsandpaper.

Have a custom painter you trust try an touch-up the deep scratch. Wetsand any body panels that have scuffs / scratches. Buff the whole car with the cutting compound, as gentle as possible. Then, powerwash the car, to get the compound residue off. Buff on the glaze with a gentle foam waffle pad. Let the glaze dry for a few days, then wash again and apply wax / polish of your choice.

Take the other ~ $3,000 and use it to stock up on the beer of your choice, and relax!

 

I already do my own wetsanding and buffing I've done it about a dozen times, but I'll take it in so I don't burn the paint trying to get the scratch out.

I just got informed they cut me a check for $4400 Woo hoo!

 

WOW! $4400 because of a few scratches.

 

I don't know whether I would call that good luck or bad luck. If it can be easily fixed without repainting the car, that was a good way to make some $$$

 

Wow...Thats pretty awsome...$4400 for a 6" scratch. Sounds like esurance is gunna fold their tents if they keep doing that. Dont see how a company can stay afloat by paying that out on a 21-year-old car. What would have happened if your car was only worth $4500. Would they have totaled it?