Expert: Michael Kakuk - 1/19/2010

Question
Hello,
I have recieved three different solutions from three seperate auto body repair shops regarding damage to the door. i was side swiped. In addition to ripple dent from righ to left, some scrapes on frame near wheel and grazing of hub cap.  
One says replace the door.
Two says replace the skin.
Three says rework and refinish. Also asked three about alignment and suspension and they said something about the vehicle having rear trailing axle for wheel and brake and if there was not major damage to hub cap, then should be no issues.

I know nothing about cars. And EVERYONE has a different story. What do you say? thanks for advice.

Answer
ERICA....MY FIRST QUESTION IS TO ASK IF YOU ARE GOING THRU INSURANCE FOR PAYMENT
OR PAYING OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIRS.

IF YOU ARE USING INSURANCE......... IF 2OUT OF 3 HAVE REPLACED THE SKIN THEN THAT'S WHAT IT NEEDS.

IF THEY TAKE OFF THE OUTER PANEL AND FIND THAT THERE IS ADDITIONAL DAMAGES TO THE DOOR SHELL OR
INTERIOR OF THE DOOR THEN THEY WOULD CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND REQUEST ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO EFFECT THAT ADDITIONAL REPAIR.

IF YOU ARE PAYING OUT OF POCKET THEN THE REPAIR OF THAT PANEL WOULD BE MORE COST EFFECTIVE FOR YOU.
ASK THE SHOP IF THEY GUARANTEE THE WORK AND FOR HOW LONG.

I WOULD GET THE ALIGNMENT DONE JUST TO BE SAFE...YOU DON'T WANT TO FIND OUT 3 MONTHS FROM NOW THAT YOU ARE HAVING A SUSPENSION PROBLEM.....SCRATCHES ON THE HUBCAP WOULD NOT AFFECT THE ALIGNMENT.

HOPE I ANSWERED THE QUESTION......

MIKE