Expert: Mark Haben - 11/26/2007

Question
I was pulling into my parking space at my work and the bumper of my car grazed the side of a 2003 Buick. Leaving approximately a 6 inch rubbery skidmark from my bumper...one of the officers observed & scratched with his nail, and it appeared to rub right off.

The lady & I switched information and she said she would give it a couple of days and look at it in better lighting.

I just rec'd word that she went to local dealership and had it estimated at $629.41.  This does not seem right to me.

Is this possible?


Answer
There are many factors that can result in significant repair cost. The best advice I can give you is to call the estimator who supplied her the estimate and let him know you were shocked at the price of the repairs and could he please explain why is it so much for such slight damage. I'm sure there is a logical explanation. In most areas of the country rates are above $45 per hour for Body and Refinish labor and materials are also very expensive so $630 really doesn't go that far when paint work is required. I have written many sheets for very slight damage that easily exceed $600. Good Luck- Mark