Expert: Mark Haben - 5/8/2007

Question
I was in a collison last week where a gentleman in his beat-up truck drove into the lane I was in. After waiting an hour and a half for the FHP- we were told it was both our faults (! No witnesses and he drove into me!) Anyway, I decided to pay out of pocket as I have a $500 deductable. I now have a dent that has exposed the steel over the wheel-well in my right passenger fender. (It seems mostly superficial and there appears to be no damage when looking/feeling under the well itself) I drive a 2004 red/burgandy Ford Mustang 40th anniversary addition. I want a NEW -not aftermarket or used fender- and I want it to match etc. I want my car to be as shiny and new looking as it was before..what do you estimate the cost of repairing it the way I want it? Would it be more than my deductable?

Answer
Norma-

I am sorry about your misfortune. I too recently had a similar experience with a car wash. They damaged my BMW to the tune of $6200 and won't even cooperate so I am out a deductible as well. Do not spend much energy fighting for a new oem fender. Don't settle for aftermarket. Select a quality shop with a quality warranty and insist that if the insurer wants to use a salvage fender that it be clean and undamaged. Have confidence in the repair facility and let them know your expectations right up front. Good Luck Mark