AboutMark Haben Expertise I can answer any question regarding insurance claims, estimating, customer service issues, proper and improper repairs, or general questions about repair methods.
Experience 11 years in estimating/management in independent and dealer shops. 2 years in paint and body repairs. Vast experience negotiating insurance claims, supplements, and dealing with everyday operations of a collision repair shop. Experienced with all makes and models.
Education/Credentials ASE, ICAR certifications. Various manufacturer training and industry specific management classes also.
Question Hi,
I have a brand new Toyota Prius that sustained some dents recently from falling icicles. Two of the dents are tiny and barely visible on the roof, and the third is larger, on the top/side of the back hatch. The estimate I got for the repair is over $500 (I don't know how much over that, since that is my insurance deductible, and they just said that it would cost more than the deductible). They said they will have to keep the car for several days. Is this reasonable for what seem like minor dents, or should I take it somewhere else?
Answer Jenn-
This is a repair that can easily cost a couple of thousand dollars. Immediately contact a paintless dent repair provider in your area. The service department of the Toyota dealership will have a contact for you. They can make the repairs almost perfectly and at much less cost, certainly under your deductible-perhaps avoiding a claim altogether. Good Luck- Mark
