eicca

Some idiot slid into my car while it was parked today. Dented up my passenger side front fender real good, but thankfully nothing else. His insurance will be covering it. Now here's the question, what route do insurance companies take? Do they prefer to have body shops repair the damaged fenders or do they prefer finding replacements? Because, if they cut me enough check to repair the existing fender, I may just want to find someone selling the fender and keep the extra dough.

cdiiwu

-Best case scenario would be to find a fender with the same color and just swap it out.
-If you cant find one the same color, youd have to add the cost of painting it as well.

Both of those options would be cheaper than fixing your busted up fender.

eicca

About what I figured. So my goal now is to convince Allstate that they need to pay to have the existing fender fixed and then buy a new fender and spend the extra money on some other fun mods.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

Replace. Unless it's just a minor dent, it's almost always more cost effective to simply replace a dented panel.

noel1992sc

Agreed. The time an effort is just worth it get one from pick n pull and change it out

ZanderZ32

iTrader: (2)

100% replace, like everyone else said not worth the time to try and repair.

eicca

Are those ebay pre-primered fenders any good? If I get $500 from the insurance company I can get one of those and a proper front bumper painted to match.

ZanderZ32

iTrader: (2)

Personally I would try to locate some in the same color locally as they will be the most cost effective option. The eBay ones fit decently well but you might still need some work to get the seams and lines perfect.

eicca

I've searched endlessly. The only gold ones I can find are dented worse than mine.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

If insurance is covering the repair, just let a shop do it. They'll fit a new fender and paint it and you can sit at home drinking beer, no worries.

GeniusGS

Replace > Repair when it comes to a fender IMO

eicca

Just got quoted $1500 from the insurance. Free dough. So right now, I'm looking at $500 for a shop to paint an eBay fender and I'll install it myself, worst case. Best case, I find one painted gold already and just slap that one for around $250.

cdiiwu

If you cant find one local, just look for someone selling a used oem replacement on ebay and slap it on, (get it repainted if ts not the right color).

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/04-LEXUS-GS30...BWzuKd&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/GS300-GS400-G...xVS6Nw&vxp=mtr

Personally, I dont think it'll look good if you go with one of the cheap ebay brand ones, oem is always best!!

eicca

I think I'll be patient and keep looking for OEM gold that's already faded and have it shipped.

ZanderZ32

iTrader: (2)

Exactly what id do.