As the title says, All stock other than a plenum spacer, throttle body spacer and STB owned since 39K miles , garaged never been in an accident until now, never been in salt or snow. It now has 92K miles I hit a deer, both airbags went off. Insured through HAGERTY, being told it will need $18K in body work,

Dont know which way to go with it, suggestions

 

Forgot to add picture of damage

 

If you chose Hagerty for insurance, it means you thought the car was more valuable than standard auto insurance. Still feel that way? Everything else good? I'd let them fix it. That's what you paid the premiums for. My one question is whether they would still stick you with a salvage title.

 

Appreciate the response, correct I did think it was worth more than the market, I insured it for $14K , I am short $4K. If they accept I would have to insure it for $21K after its fixed, dont know if it will be the same

Good point on the salvage title, I will have to confirm that with them.

Thanks

 

Damn that doesnt look that damaged at all.

 

Get another quote through a different repair shop, that's not $14k worth of damage.

Front fascia, both fenders, hood, radiator support, bash bar, headlights. Probably $3k in parts, $1.5k in paint (paint prices are insane right now due to supply chain crisis), 15 hours of bodywork at $150/hr, 3 hours of paint at $250/hr for a total labor cost of $3k

Total repair cost should be about $7500, ask for an itemized cost because they're trying to charge you literally double what it would take at the BEST body shop in my town...

 

I appreciate the response, forgot to mention, both air bags went off, I am being told that increases the price significantly. I am waiting for an itemized bill and a determination from Hagerty on their decision. The terms are that if they total I still keep the car. I am planning on going to a different body shop as you suggested. Thanks

 

Replacement airbag modules are usually about $600 apiece new but most repair shops use ones from salvage vehicles (buy them on eBay) where they're only around $200 apiece. The diagnostic control module (airbag computer) will also need to be replaced, they're a single-use item but can technically be reprogrammed, either way that's another $150.

Labor for both front airbags and the diagnostic module is roughly 5 hours, they're designed to be easily swapped. The diagnostic module is actually the most difficult part because it's under the center console.

So the price for the two center airbags (if both actually deployed, and none of the side/curtain airbags deployed) should be about $1100 to $2000 or so.

 

As for the question of actually repairing the vehicle or not. If they'll give you $14k cash you should probably just take the money unless you are really attached to the car. Once the title is branded that vehicle will be worth about $3k-$4k resale.

So if you really like the car get it fixed. That damage is 100% repairable, if you aren't seriously attached to the vehicle then take the money and buy something else.

 

Even if a car is totaled, it likely won’t get branded as salvaged if the original owner repairs it.

 

Decision has been made. I will be replacing all the airbag related items myself and will be taking the car to a body shop for everything else. The car is driveable , no frame, or suspension damage, a pillars intact. Damage is the fender lights grill an hood. I appreciate everyones input.

 

As an update the car is back on the road did the interior work my self. Had the seatbelts repaired, replaced the dash, found OEM, never used dash got the passengers side airbag and drivers airbag replaced, control module and put it all back together. Took it to a body shop for the outside, they replaced with new OEM hood, fender and bumper,
Title is not salvage, new plates

 

Whoa! Wherever did you find a new old stock OEM dash?

 

I didn't want to repost all the pics... but DAMN

That's really impressive. I don't know where you are, but I should drive to you to work on my 2005... Wow...