Bumper damage time to repair?

[Riley82]

Hi all thanks for letting me join!
A question I took my Corsa into a garage 5 weeks ago as I hit a badger.
Yet they still haven’t repaired it.
How long should it take to replace and paint a bumper? How much should it cost a rough estimate as I’m thinking the garage will try to say more is wrong than there is.

 

[Burnerman]

Make sure there isn’t any body metalwork damage before playing hell.....however, a bumper replacement is a couple of hours, paintwork a couple of days because of drying time.
John

 

[Old Salt]

Depends if they are having problems sourcing a bumper.

 

[Riley82]

I’m a bit worried about the price also. I’m expecting £1200 at least

 

[pcaouolte]

Did you get a quote for the work? Did they say how long it would take?

 

[Burnerman]

Going through your insurance will cost you an arm and a leg.......that's just the way it is.
I wouldn't have thought there would be issues sourcing a bumper - even though Vauxhall are now PSA group.
You need to find out if there is other damage - often there is but they should come clean with you.
John

 

[Riley82]

They just say bumper and spray with a grill. They didn’t quote me. (I know it’s a mistake)

 

[Burnerman]

Some body shops only work through insurance companies, others do it by cash or personal cheques etc.
I had 'er indoors 19 plate Honda HRV in for a slight shunt up it's ass, filling the bumper scores and spraying the lot for £400 cash.
I would ask what's going on, saying you're paying a bloody fortune for a hire car etc, just to see where you're at.
Best of luck with it, and please post back!
Regards
John

 

[Riley82]

Thanks I’m just so stressed as I’m paying insurance on a hire car it’s expensive.

 

[Burnerman]

Too right, we hope it goes well........and welcome to the Forum, AKA HMS Madhouse
Regards
John

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Did they not give you an expected time for completion ?

Have they been in touch ? Have you ?

It's your car, you are allowed to ask what the position, delay is .

 

[Riley82]

I have messaged and rang them a few times. They just kept passing me around (first they said 2/3 weeks with it being Xmas) I thought ok. Then I rang them and they replied it’s gone to get the spray paint on the bumper. Then they said Thursday.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

I have messaged and rang them a few times. They just kept passing me around (first they said 2/3 weeks with it being Xmas) I thought ok. Then I rang them and they replied it’s gone to get the spray paint on the bumper. Then they said Thursday.

Ask to go and see your car, or just turn up

 

[ReganAndCarter]

In cases like this where you're getting the run around it's often best to put a time limit on things. It hopefully focuses the mind of whoever is at fault. Phone them and say that if it's not finished in, for example - a week, 10 days, whatever you want the car back. Follow it up in writing. Poss an enquiry to the helpline of your local council's trading standards department will help you to find out where you stand, legally, etc. I wouldn't just let them fob me off time and again, they're taking the Michael. Just be diplomatic, but firm. It's not easy, I know.

Perhaps also try asking them if they have a courtesy car you can use until yours is ready. Many bodyshops do. It's their fault, you shouldn't be paying for it with hire car costs.

Sometimes I get the idea that body shops are very busy and can pick and choose. Not a good situation for the customer.

 

[Riley82]

I got my car back today. It cost me £960 but now the front light (drivers side and indicator isn’t working) I’ve had a awful start to the year