Rear ended - Boot Damage

[adamking008]

Hi There,

Quick question, not sure if anyone would know the answer. My wife was hit from behind this morning, seemingly not causing too much damage thankfully, but enough to warrant insurance claim and repair.

How would the repair be carried out to something like this, i just can't get my head round how they would fix it? Would a whole new boot be required? This is also assuming nothing has happened under the car as well, or what is the likelihood be that this would be a write-off?

Thanks in advance.
Adam

[GranpaB]

Just tell your insurers who will then arrange for it to be taken to a bodyshop for inspection. It's what you pay them for.

There is no point in people second guessing from a picture on the internet.

[vikingaero]

My friend borrowed my bike racks and drove under a car park barrier. It caused 2 deep gouges in the top of the roof and shattered the glass. I thought it would be replaced by the bodyshop said it would be repaired. The repair looks absolutely fine.

[adamking008]

Thanks, it is due to go into the repair shop straight away, insurers have been great. I just was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience and what the repair would entail

[Limpet]

You need a professional inspection of the car.

Take it to a body shop. Most of them do free estimates.

If you're thinking of going outside insurance, tell them as most of them will more than halve the quote for a cash job. As it was explained to me, it's the difference between being paid immediately, and having to chase for 90+ days to get their money.

[Krikkit]

Looks like the aluminium panel has cracked, so it'll need a new boot lid, shouldn't be expensive enough to write it off mind.

[Aunty Pasty]

I've been rear ended in the past.

Your bumper will get replaced. If there is damage to the boot lid or the latch has been pushed in at all the damage has extended beyond the bumper. The boot lid may get bent back into place if there is a small dent. The whole rear end may get cut away and then a new rear end welded into place. If the chassis is bent then it will get a lot more expensive but it involves putting the car onto some sort of jig and the frame straightened back out if possible.

[robdcfc]

Krikkit said:

Looks like the aluminium panel has cracked, so it'll need a new boot lid, shouldn't be expensive enough to write it off mind.

Not really, its Plastic

[e21Keith]

There repair techniques for plastic panels like this, but I'd be pushing for a new tailgate.

Insurance companies will generally try and go for the cheaper rather than the better repair!