Hey guys,

I unfortunately need some help in choosing a body shop, as I damaged my mini f56 with only 2000 miles on it. The damage is mainly just the front right quarter panel.

So onto my question. I got an estimate from my insurance company as well as a certified mini collision center here in NJ. The insurance company said the work should cost $2000 while the collision center gave me an estimate for $3000. I talked to the collision center and they said not to worry about the estimates, they will work with the insurance company, and all I have to pay is the deductible. I'm worried that in working things out with the insurance company, my premium may go up higher than it would have if I just went to a local body shop with a more reasonable price. I also have nothing in writing that guarantees i will just end up paying just the deductible, something I plan to talk to them about when they open tomorrow.

Does anyone have any experience working with these mini certified collision centers? I've never done anything like this where the body shop says they'll work everything out while my car is being repaired. The price is normally worked out with the insurance company prior to starting the work. I want the best quality work, but I also don't want to be paying more than is necessary to get it to that point. I plan on going to a recommended local body shop tomorrow for another estimate to compare.

 

Mini certified means nothing IMO and if it isn't in writing it is a worthless statement by the body shop. Either get it in writing or move on.

 

Is it just cosmetic body damage? Since yours an F model, it means you still have warranty. I will definitely consider working with MINI certified shop to insure easier warranty works in the future.

 

I used the one in Towson, MD a few years ago to paint a rear bumper skin, which
I bought from Classic MINI unpainted and then installed myself.
They did a good job and got the color (BRG) right, but they did quote me one price,
and then sprung the bill on me for a few hundred more (just for painting the piece).
They could offer no explanation or adjustment for the 40% price hike and denied that
anyone there would have given me the quote they originally gave me (of course, it
was not in writing).
This kind of situation is less important when the shop and the insurance co are
haggling with each other than when you are dealing directly with them, but .... beware!
They also offered no warranty of any kind or length on the paint job.
Fortunately, it hasn't peeled, blistered, or flaked after several years.

 

I'm a retired insurance claims adjuster. I worked in the industry for 25 years. First off, the fact that a body shop is associated with a dealership has nothing to do with the quality of work they do. Also, when a body shop writes an estimate they usually will include items they can't see but 'suspect' might be damaged. When an insurance company writes and estimate they only write the damage they can see. The way it works is when the body shop gets into the repair process and they find a damaged part that was not on the insurance company estimate all they have to do is call the insurance company to get a supplement approval. That's why your body shop told you not to worry. They're right.

If you are interested in finding a good repair shop your agent (if they're not afraid to say) can tell you who in the community has a good reputation. Another way is: if you have any high end dealerships (Rolls Royce, Ferrari, etc.) it's likely they do not have a body shop because of the low volume of cars they deal in. However, they still have occasional need for some body work to be done and they will know who the best shop in the area is. I'm sure they would be happy to tell you and don't be surprised if it's some little shop off the back of an alley somewhere. It's the man doing the job and not the shop.

 

Thanks for your thoughts guys. I'm going to cancel my appointment with the mini collision center and get an estimate from a local guy a friend recommended. I'll see where it goes from there.

 

I just had work done on my F56 back in November. Tahoe backed into me so his insurance covered the work and rental car, and diminished value claim. I was near my dealer after it happened so I stopped by and asked who they used. They gave me 2-3 choices, but one was literally next door to the dealership. I talked to their guesstimater and he looked it over and gave me a written estimate of $2800. Went home and called the other guys insurance company and they sent an adjuster out a few days later. He came up with a $3000 estimate and sent me a check for that amount. I took the car and check to the body shop. Same one that I got the first estimate at because they did a lot of work for the Mini. BMW, and Porsche dealers. Ended up with a new hood, bumpers and covers, grills plus paint for everything. Total came out to $3300. The shop and insurance company worked out the difference. Just make sure you pick a reputable shop that you're confident will take good care of your car, and get everything in writing!