Expert: Dave Norgardt - 12/24/2011

Question
Dave
My duaghters friend backed into the front of her 2000 Cav. Damage is a scrape on the bumper and the hood is slightly buckled. It still can open and close however. Her friend wants to pay for the damage instead of getting her insurance rating affected. Is this something that can be fixed at minimal cost, or should I just leave it? I am worried it may affect performance and probably be a noise factor. I am actually considering getting my 300 pound brother to roll over the hood to flatten it out again!
Thanks for your thoughts!

Answer
Hi Bud!    Your best bet, would be to take it to your local Autobody shop, and get an estimate.  Most reputable shops will not charge for one. At least then, you will know the exact extent of the damage, and the cost to repair it....At that point, your daughter's friend can decide if she wants to pay cash, or go through her insurance....You had mentioned, that the hood is buckled, but does still open....Since the hood is buckled, this is a safety issue....Hoods are designed to collapse in the event of a collision...If it is not replaced, it will compromise the structural integrity in the event of another collision...It is also possible, that the rad support is also pushed back to some extent also...If the damage is over 2000 dollars, which is quite likely, even without seeing the vehicle, but with your description of the damages, you will need to make out a police report...They will issue you a damage sticker, which is needed to get the vehicle repaired....Hope this helps....And a Merry Christmas to you......Dave