I live in Chicago. I was driving my Mini (a Cooper S, with runflats) a couple weeks ago, and hit a pothole and lost the left front tire. I drove it to the dealership (Bill Jacobs, in Naperville) and dropped it off there after hours. They called the next day and said it would cost about $400 to fix.

After a week of delays, they finally fixed the tire, but as they were driving it to get detailed they thought it was driving a little funny. They finally took a look underneath, and there's a lot of damage to the undercarriage. They say they need to fix or replace the left control arm, strut mount and tower, bushing, sway bar, and subframe. This will all cost $3,500. My insurance has refused to pay, because I was carrying comprehensive insurance, not collision insurance.

Basically, I can't afford the repairs. I've already had to replace tires and rims twice over the past two years because of pothole damage (I live in Chicago, remember?) It'll take me many months to save enough money to pay for repairs. I'm in the process of submitting a claim to the city which would help significantly, but I can't rely on it (and it'll take months to come through, anyway).

I guess I'm asking for advice. Are there any recommended shops I could take my Mini to and get a better estimate or less expensive service? It is possible to drive with the damage without risking more extensive damage (and will I need to get it towed to another dealership to get another estimate?) Can I do small critical parts of the repair now, and leave the rest for when I can afford it?

Anyone got any ideas?

 

How do you carry comprehensive but not collision? I think I would get another opinion. I am sure someone can recommend a mini shop up there.

 

I couldn't afford both. Geico quoted me an extra $120/month for collision. At the time, I was in grad school and living on a stipend. I just took the legally required liability insurance for $20/month.

I've since switched to Progressive, who lowered my deductible, added the collision coverage, and included some things like roadside assistance. All for $20/month less than I was paying Geico.I've had Euroquipe recommended, so I'm going to give them a call. We'll see.

 

Would offer to help but Chicago is far from MD