Hey guys,
Daily creeper but rare poster looking for some input. Unfortunately my 2014 Mazda Sport GS took a real beating during the August 4th hailstorm (I live right off 17th ave which got hit quite hard).
The hood, roof, left front fender, both left door panels, left rear fender, spoiler and hatch were all extensively damaged (no paint damage at all, just dime to quarter sized dings). The right front fender also has a few dings. The right door panels and right rear fender are fine. No windows were broken. I would post pics but it is honestly really hard to visualize the damage in natural light.
I have insurance with the Co-Operators, who have been actually quite pleasant and quick to deal with throughout the last couple of weeks. Today I went to A1 Auto body to have the appraiser estimate the damage/cost to repair. Everyone at the shop was also very pleasant, including the appraiser. Appraisal really only took 15 minutes, after which I spoke with the appraiser regarding the necessary repairs.
He estimated the repairs would be between 10-15k, using a combination of PDR and panel replacement (this would also including replacing a number of mouldings/chrome trim pieces that were damaged). I was also surprised to hear they would be replacing the roof by removing it (something to do with drilling out spot welds). He mentioned there was also a reasonable chance the car would be a write-off/total loss.
The official estimate arrived in my email a couple hours ago, stating a total repair cost of $12,254. I was honestly hoping the damage would either be significantly less than that/not involve as extensive a repair (roof replacement, etc.), or that the car would be a write-off. I'm now concerned with the future resale value of car and having such extensive repairs on such a new vehicle. I'm obviously going to take a hit when I sell the car in the future and I am worried that it will never be quite the same again given the large repairs required (paint color, rust concerns with replacing/cutting out roof, rattles, etc.). I feel like I am now pidgeon-holed into having the car fixed, accepting it will have a much lower value, and thus will have to drive it into the ground/hang on to it for a long time.
I know my options are
1) have car repaired at A1 Auto Body
2) have estimate elsewhere/repair elsewhere (insurance said I could pick)
3) take cash payout (not sure how much $$ it would be) and don't get car repaired
4) cancel claim, don't take cash and don't have repair done
I'm looking for input and what I should do going forward. Would it be ridiculous to take cash payout, sell car at hail damage discount and then move on? Alternatively I could have the car repaired and try to sell it immediately?
Thanks in advance and sorry for the lengthy post!