[Corey872]

Well, I guess it had to happen sometime - wife had a late meeting at work the other day. Just as she was ready to head home after the long day, she got word of someone looking for the owner of a "little red car" because it had been hit in the parking lot.

Turns out it was the typical "Suburban soccer mom driving a Chevy Suburban crushes small hybrid car" type scenario. Of course the Suburban had an extended hitch which caved in the Insight bumper to the point where the back hatch barely closes. (may have pics this evening)

So now the fun and games start with the insurance companies. On the plus side - nobody was hurt and the lady in the Suburban did own up to the damage instead of pulling a hit and run.

The big question - What has been everyone's experience with Insight repair? Are honda dealerships a good place to go, or try and seek out some other reputable independent body shop? Just kind of looking for general advice from the group...things to watch out for, etc.

Thanks,
Corey

 

[Guillermo]

Start by asking the Honda Dealer which body shops they use.
Try to get a body shop with experience working with aluminum cars. And look at the label in the edge of the Insight door frame that states the maximum temperature the Insight should experience in the paint curing booth so the batteries don't get damaged.

 

[bretthans]

I'm sorry to hear that.

I'm not sure how much damage was done, but TIG welding is required for any aluminum frame/unibody replacement. Most shops do not even have the equipment, let alone the experience. If your repair requires this, you might find your choices limited.

There is no need to use the dealer's shop, a good independent shop can be as good or better, but the dealer might be a good starting point for a referral. I found a dealer with Insight experience and they did an OK job (not great). I had to go back a few times to get it even close to correct, but it still leaks. I finally gave up.

Don't go by the insurance company appraiser's estimate, my repairs cost over twice that. Be sure you leave some recourse for negotiating the repair cost.

HTH

 

[spacebug]

Ouch

Glad to hear no one was hurt.

As a former all aluminum Audi A8 owner, I would suggest calling the Service Manager at your local Audi dealer and asking who they send damaged A8s to for body work. This will help to ensure you get a top notch shop that is familiar with aluminum bodied cars.

Good luck!

:shock:

 

[trunkout]

three for me

just be sure you get all names and numbers....
the ONLY major drawback I have had is repairs with this car.
Just a word of caution.