Question Author
Hi everyone, here's my report.
The BMW dealership state that in addition to the front panel shallow dent , one of the ventilation dents is cracked and, without removing everything for inspection, in their experience there could be further damage behind the panel.
Also, the car has a ceramic coating which would have to be applied to the finished work. Estimated cost; £1600. OK I would have bitten the bullet and paid up, but he hadn't finished ! Read on.
A like-for-like replacement car (BMW 1 Series) would cost £100 per day for the five day repair period, so he says. Oh, and by the way, don't forget the VAT ! I do a quick bit of mental arithmetic and get close to £3k for something the owner took quite a while to see.
Having said that, If I was in his shoes I would expect to have a top repair, too.
So, TWR, I haven't got ' a good bank balance' and it is now going through the insurance companies who will screw as much as they can out of the situation - and WE all end up paying more in our premiums. Sorry, fellas. I think I'm a pretty fair driver, but only going forwards !
Thanks for your input and interest.
Cheers. D