TESLA Accident Repair Estimate: Not What I Expected...

[@donaldseltzer1820]

Excellent video! I’m a retired video production teacher (and BMW 435i owner, which is why I subscribed and watch your content) and am impressed with your production values and editing. Had I not retired, I’d use this video in my classes as a great example of shooting, audio, and editing. I imagine you’re a one-man production operation so, expecting you also work full time at a 9-to-5 job, I’m all that much more impressed. Great job!

[@TommyLGarage]

Ahh thank you! This means a lot. And yes this is just my hobby :)

[@MichaelNNguyen]

Thanks for the tips on getting paid by the insurance company. Tommy, you might want to ask your insurance company about the increased rate for a "note at-fault accident", most insurance will increase not a lot but a bit for what they called "not at fault accident".

[@TommyLGarage]

Hhmm let me look into it. Thanks Mike!

[@BroMattyIce]

I was rear ended in my model 3 by a dump truck in early November. I still don’t have it back…hopefully soon but my repair estimate was only $4,000 not including the rental I’ve had. Crazy to see that I needed a whole new rear end and you need some body/paint work and it’s similarly priced

[@TommyLGarage]

Ouch. Sorry to hear that

[@Tritonal92]

Isn't it super ridiculous?! I had the same issue, someone bumped into my Model S and the damage wasn't even that bad, but It took a month and a half to fix...

[@BroMattyIce]

Follow up on that comment: I just got the car back today, total repair cost not including the loaner came out to $21,298 surprised they didn’t total it

[@blodg1]

As a repairer for 20+ years I can tell you that insurance companies always write best case scenario. That way if even a small number of claimants chose to just take the money, they save millions over time. Not sure about your state but in California there would be no way for Carfax to find out about this damage because there is no police report and it is illegal for insurance companies or body shops to share information with Carfax.

[@TommyLGarage]

Interesting. Hope that remains the case.

[@vahanvov2347]

Thats just in California. In most states almost every shop has to record your car to carfax even if you take it for oil changes.

[@peekeesh]

hmm. Hit a flying debris on the freeway back in 2017, went through my insurance to get it fixed. I sold my car recently and when we checked the Carfax, that accident was there.. I'm in California by the way.

[@blodg1]

@@peekeesh sounds like you may have filled out the SR1 that was sent by your insurance company. If not, someone broke their obligation of privacy.

[@blodg1]

@@vahanvov2347 actually the oil change thing is a little different. For example Valvoline Instant Oil Change has it in their fine print that they will disclose their service to Carfax and you actually sign that it is OK. Usually no big deal unless you don’t want people to know you got a crappy oil change on your Phantom.

[@Icekiller7]

Gonna preface this by saying that I am a former insurance adjuster so I have a lot of experience with this. You should NEVER accept an under the table deal from another party when you are involved in an accident. This is because the initial estimate that you recieve from a body shop is almost always lower than what the actual final repair cost will be. Taking money directly from the other party basically absolves their insurance company from paying you anything further, because you have accepted a settlement from the other driver. Also, there really isn't any need to be concerned by the insurance company's estimate being lower than the body shops estimate. It is always an *initial* estimate, just to get the ball rolling. Accepting that estimate doesn't mean that is all you will get. In fact, what you did with taking it to the body shop and then submitting their estimate is the correct follow up step. Basically this will be refered to as a supplement to the insurance company's initial estimate. More often than not they will be happy to pay for the additional cost, unless the shop is: charging repair rates that are not in line with local rates, attempting to repair unrelated damage, or the insurance company is reaching their policy limit (this is your property damage coverage on the at fault parties policly). Another seperate note, even if you are convinced you are not at fault for the accident (as you clearly weren't here), you can still call your own insurance company and have them handle the damage for you. They will then subrogate the at fault party and get the money back. This doesn't adversily affect your premium because your insurance company is going to find out about it anyway. The only possible downside is that you may be subject to your collision deductible. Normally it will either be waived for you if you are obviously not at fault, or once they subrogate the at fault party, they will pay you back. *With all that being said, some insurance companies will refuse to do this work for you and will instead insist that you go through the other party, only returning if the other party starts giving you trouble. Your mileage may vary* Big word wall but hope someone finds this useful!

[@TommyLGarage]

This is extremely helpful. Thanks for taking the time to elaborate on it.

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Tommy, your experience isn’t unique. I had a very similar experience in late 2019. My Model 3 was scratched and dented on the opposite side to yours, on the side of the charging port. I also had a stand up citizen in the driver who’s car hit mine, he waited for me to show me the damage and we exchanged insurance information. The total repair took 10 weeks and cost slightly over 6,000 dollars. Tesla bodywork and repairs are expensive

[@TommyLGarage]

Geeeez. That’s depressing

[@ozoneA6]

Wow 10 weeks🤦

[@whatusernameis5295]

I think bodywork is expensive no matter the brand

[@pttrent123]

I got rear ended in my model 3 about a week ago. The person that hit me gave me insurance information and I found out later they had cancelled their policy before the accident occurred. So many uninsured drivers.

[@TommyLGarage]

That’s so insane. Sorry to hear that

[@m.erencelik]

so, I got into a small accident very much like this in my 2015 BMW 328 and the estimate from insurance was $1730, body shop initial estimate was $6650 which I went through BMW dealer and after a month of waiting, I've visited the shop to see the status and they showed me a bill for $9923 which still will be updated once they would finalize the rest of the work. Don't know even what to say :/ but maybe don't go through dealer.

[@TommyLGarage]

Oh geeez. Insane

[@justmyopinion8395]

You shouldn’t be buffing or modifying the damage in any way until the insurance claim is done.

[@TommyLGarage]

Good point actually

[@derekli5009]

Did you end up getting the diminished value? My Tesla was recently rear ended I was wondering the same.

[@TommyLGarage]

I did not. But I still own the car. Don’t even think about it anymore.

[@starwing0]

I always call my own insurance company and have them handle the other insurance companies. “I used the stones to destroy the stones.” 😂

[@TommyLGarage]

But won’t your insurance go up that way?

[@starwing0]

@@TommyLGarage not when the other party is at fault, I’ve done this twice and a few times for my dad. Our rates never changed. We live in Massachusetts but I don’t think that should matter by the state.

[@starwing0]

@@TommyLGarage and it’s like going to court, you want your own lawyer representing you, not the other guy’s lawyer. You are not the customer of the other insurance company and they are only interested in saving their own money

[@xfivemtiwtiw789]

Yes Tommy. thats how the insurance work. They give you the lowest estimate so whoever is claiming wont just be using the money the insurance give when they give the real estimate. Because some members get the money and then just sell the car later. so they profitted 2x. The isurance will just have to work with the repair shop who is going to work with your car. Thats why they give that really low estimate to avoid somebody reapping off the insurance and thats how the mini cooper repair shop explained when i ask " is the big difference of the insurance estimate". Nice video...

[@TommyLGarage]

Interesting. Thanks for taking the time to explain

[@justmyopinion8395]

You damaged their car and what the other person does with the money it cost to repair it is irrelevant. He could choose to fix it or not, but that’s solely up to that person.

[@sergeykolos]

Model Y panels are made of aluminum, so it won't rust (response to your comment at 2:20)

[@TommyLGarage]

Oh wow I didn’t know. Good to know!! Thanks

[@TimZ007]

what size are your rear tires. the Michelins look to have much better rim protection than the Pirelli summer.

[@TommyLGarage]

295 35 21

[@portagepete1]

The scratches that are white are just in the clear coat so most of that could just buff out and a paintless dent repair place could fix the rest. keep the money in hand and keep the value of car.

[@TommyLGarage]

Too late unfortunately

[@meisterkenobicrypto]

My model X was completly scratched on booth sides (much much much worse than that), it broke every wheel plastic trim (Its a long story but basicly i had to fit the model x in a tight space where there was not enough room to pass I had no other option), I took it to the bodyshop and paid 1500$ (I didnt actually pay, the person that made me scrath the car did, as i said its a long story) and it only took 1 week to repair, I didn't take the car to an official tesla repair shop, of course when the issue is related to eletronics I take the car to tesla, but if it is related to bodywork damage I will fix it at my local and trusted bodyshop.

[@TommyLGarage]

Interesting. I might have to reconsider

[@whatusernameis5295]

Yes. While I don't have a Tesla yet, I always am kinda surprised when people say that you can't repair a Tesla because of what there is to repair (it's a lot less then an ICE vehicle) most of it you most certainly can repair yourself or have a third party do it. And I would prefer Tesla doing the electronics so I don't really care if third parties can't get those parts. Also I thought it was common knowledge that repair work was more expensive at a dealership

[@LCBear]

needed to be certified

[@LCBear]

like he said, your warranty is no longer attached

[@MegaGyalis]

How did he have a helper and still hit your car? Also Can’t understand why so many people feel the need for such huge vehicles, just to drive around town.

[@TommyLGarage]

Yup I guess it was dark…

[@babyyoda8195]

To compensate for the microphallus

[@nimahadian]

Tommy, you have not heard about toothpaste cleaning? Just put some toothpaste on the fender and wipe it thoroughly, it’ll remove all the scratches like a miracle.

[@TommyLGarage]

I might give it a try. Thanks !!

[@flat6gts]

Toothpaste is a mild abrasive (that’s how it cleans teeth) and will just erode your clearcoat and thin the paint. But you are going to get it repainted anyway so maybe worth experimenting for future reference.

[@dhaynes325]

The KZbinr you’re referring to is Ryan Shaw. I saw that video as well

[@TommyLGarage]

Yes that’s the one!

[@ddincer]

Btw, does your spoiler have issues too? Like lifting on one side? Mine almost came out. Tesla came and replaced it but happening again

[@TommyLGarage]

Nope. Luckily it’s been solid

[@chrvids5846]

How did the insurance come out? How much and were you satisfied with the results?

[@TommyLGarage]

Still waiting on the drop-off

[@eilbron]

How much diminished value did you end up getting?

[@TommyLGarage]

Nothing yet. Will file claim soon

[@StreetDrivenDaily]

I wonder about the aprisal from the insurance and see how much it will cost. Maybe there's more damage under. Broken clips or plastic ? Waiting for another video !

[@TommyLGarage]

We shall find out!!

[@LegoBuildersMOC]

Were you able to get a diminished value claim?

[@TommyLGarage]

Nope

[@mattarmijo5394]

Expect it to take a least a couple of months, expect the worst & hope for the best. I would hire a good paintless dent company to repair the dent and have a mobile bumper repair company paint the bumper and have them buff all the scratches and touch up the small deep scratches on the metal portion near the dent area. This will save you from a carfax report, months not having your car and having the whole bumper, quarter panel and paint blending into the door. The cost for repair will also be a fraction of the Bodyshop estimate and the truck that hit you should be happy to pay $1000 total or less and save his deductible/premiums from going up.

[@TommyLGarage]

I wonder if I can just have the insurance company cut me a check directly

[@ElMistroFeroz]

From what I heard, Tesla applies paint by electrostatic, which is much higher quality than 3rd party body shops. That's probably what justifies the $2000 extra.

[@TommyLGarage]

Perhaps!

[@Paul-if1jq]

5 hrs labour £400-700 in the UK. Classed as a touch up

[@UnipornFrumm]

i have the wrong job

[@TommyLGarage]

I need a new career

[@dazzassti]

As a brian surgeon I’m definitely in the wrong job. 😮

[@Junior4565]

Is there a up charge for teslas getting repaired/worked on?

[@TommyLGarage]

It seems there is since I have to use certified shops

[@JoseDiaz-hu9zj]

They’re only supposed to be repaired by Tesla certified shops or by Tesla it’s self… in a case like this where the damage is minor a non certified shop might be able to do the repairs especially if they don’t have to order parts but technically they aren’t supposed to…

[@bbnlabs]

It's really painful to have a scratch on the brand new car!! I'm sure you'll get rid of it soon. I have a question, did you contact your insurance company or is it not required? You directly contacted his insurance company and they are willing to pay for the damage. Also, regarding $500 deductable that guy has on insurance would impact you or you gonna get full payment and he will pay $500 to his insurance? What about your insurance deductable, do you have any!

[@TommyLGarage]

I never told my insurance. Everything is done through his. Nothing is coming out of my pocket

[@tomzphone]

which body shop works at $50 per hr ?

[@TommyLGarage]

I know!!

[@DocentUSA]

If there was no police report, I think there might be no record in carfax, I'm not 100% sure if insurance companies alone file to carfax.

[@TommyLGarage]

Hhmmm so there is hope !

[@stevemulisa]

Haha as soon as you said another KZbinr who got in an accident , I immediately was like “Ryan shaw” … 😊

[@TommyLGarage]

Yup!!

[@patricknp]

You know you’re a car guy when you always refer to your car as [Year] [Make] [Model] [Trim]. 2022 Tesla Model Y Performance. Just forgot your color and options.

[@TommyLGarage]

Lol true

[@hqganggreen]

Digging that fleece. Where did you get it

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! The North Face

[@tyronemcgillick]

Looking forward to Cybertruck to be done with these mishaps.

[@TommyLGarage]

Not until late 2023 apparently

[@fatbikedaddy8644]

Happened to me for every new car I bought but never with used ones... life.

[@TommyLGarage]

Same here!

[@reshadstv5419]

Great video Tommy

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!

[@072570ppft]

Still not sure why the Tesla approve was more expensive

[@TommyLGarage]

No idea

[@ICEV]

Insurance companies screw body shops. $3,572 is a great price.

[@TommyLGarage]

Ok good to know

[@claudioagmfilho]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, So sorry to hear about it !

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks. Hope it is fixed in no time

[@mychannelforfun5523]

I thought it was going to be 10k 😂. You can buff all those scratches out and avoid it being in a shop for 3 months.

[@TommyLGarage]

Let’s hope it’s at the shop for a few days only

[@michaelsuzio4268]

I got a small scratch/marking on my rental Tesla when I hit a curb I scrubbed the scratch with paint thinner it came off about 95% of the scratch after a half hour and it was fine with Rental place when I returned it...paint thinner was $7

[@stoner27th]

3000 for labor. That's just crazy!

[@TommyLGarage]

yup!

[@undftd0209]

just get while, black or gray

[@TommyLGarage]

I don’t follow

[@somirfreeman8301]

Tesla is like a electric Lamborghini

[@TommyLGarage]

haha i know!

[@nycshelbygt500]

First off, XMAS is over, so your can burn your Ugly Christmas Sweater. Good luck... The way collision insurance should work is you take your damaged car to a bodyshop for an estimate. They bill your insurance company for the repair and insurance pays for a rental. And then your insurance company gets reimbursed by the other driver's insurance company for all costs. You have to pay your collision deductible when you pick up your repaired car, and insurance pays the balance. Then you get your deductible reimbursed by asking your insurance company to go through subrogation with the other insurance company, if they are at fault. First thing after an accident is to call your insurance company...they will give you a list of nearby bodyshops they work with...lots of the process is electronic. Most dealerships no longer do accident repairs and body work, and have relationships with certified bodyshops. The dealerships don't want to deal with insurance companies and getting paid. Some bodyshops might send complex mechanical repairs to the dealership. The reason estimates might vary between insurance companies and bodyshops is they don't use OEM parts (parts, body panels, etc.). They probably charge more for Tesla's because of the yuppie/millennial factor. If insurance is paying, we can charge what ever we want.

[@TommyLGarage]

It’s not a Christmas sweater. It’s a lovely fleece thingy ! :)

[@AHeatedMess]

WTF accident? This car is cursed ☠️

[@TommyLGarage]

Wanna buy it???

[@walkerb1734]

That’s so infuriating. I know it was an accident, but come on! Learn how to drive people.

[@TommyLGarage]

Ehh what can you do

[@diegoaduriz9433]

Title is kinda Clickbait. You do not have a problem with Tesla, you have a problem with the truck's insurance company. Btw, once you wiped it most of the scratches disappeared, so those were no more serious than superficial scratches...in your words "you can live with those". And since you're worried about the diminished resale value of your car...well...its a car...and once you drive it you are exposed to these kind of accidents. So, again, you'll have to "live with it"...or own no cars. Best regards.

[@TommyLGarage]

I can always ride my bike! :)

[@Xanthopteryx]

3:20 - Glad i'm living in Sweden. That is illegal here.

[@TommyLGarage]

Oh wow !

[@Xanthopteryx]

@@TommyLGarage Manufacturer can not void warranty on the car as long as the repair is professionally done (and note - NOT necessarily done by professionals! but professionally done). The same goes for service - you do not need to use authorized shop for that (but if something happens you of course have to show that service was done according to manufacturer specs). Funny part here, i think, in this video is... that if they need VIN for ordering parts, you can just go out and take any car you like and use their VIN instead. Seems, interesting. I think.

[@BCNeil]

and 6 months to have done

[@TommyLGarage]

Don’t scare me!

[@ICEV]

Sell the car. Get yourself a Toyota Corolla. Reasonable estimate. Get with the program and stop being cheap.

[@TommyLGarage]

Being cheap allows me to own cool cars

[@ICEV]

@@TommyLGarage I get it.

[@jmccarsnmore1025]

Is insane that a $3K repair, overpriced IMO, will make the car depreciate more than that. And maybe not in value, but the fact that the report will show the car was involved in an accident, is ridiculous. I’ll give you my idea and humble opinion. After it’s fixed, trade for a BMW iX M60!! Win win situation right there!! 🤣

[@TommyLGarage]

I actually saw the new x6 yesterday and quite liked it!

[@jmccarsnmore1025]

@@TommyLGarage There’s a start right there. But you know, EV per EV. That’s why I said the iX M60

[@schade12]

They blame Tesla and forget BMW my friend will fix his SUV BMW with the same damage with 10k

[@TommyLGarage]

Maybe you’re right.

[@jaya6454]

👍🏿

[@TommyLGarage]

:)

[@ozoneA6]

Its not for free mate lol he touch a spot that was touch before the insurance not going to work around that🤣🤣🙄

[@TommyLGarage]

Worth a try!!

[@redrex91]

Part out 😅

[@TommyLGarage]

Dibs on wheels ??

[@hansfu2999]

You keep calling it your car. Didn’t you buy this one for your wife? 😆

[@TommyLGarage]

Lol true. But I really like it.

[@nickmilani]

Sorry buddy, love your content, but that outfit is a shocker!

[@TommyLGarage]

I dig the sweater !

[@motivationinc6415]

😳

[@TommyLGarage]

:)

[@maxflight777]

Brickbats Tesla

[@TommyLGarage]

Yup

[@gregsuske2131]

You need help

[@TommyLGarage]

Yup

[@burronorteno]

Tesla are crap cars. I would sell it

[@TommyLGarage]

For sure

[@Baker.Matthew]

Name a car worth getting

[@carmenfarine3580]

Get to the point

[@TommyLGarage]

I did…