Today, I’m going to tell you a story about how a simple scratch on a Tesla is costing thousands of dollars in repairs. A couple of weeks ago, I took my 2022 Tesla Model Y Performance on my very first long-distance ski trip. It was an amazing experience, but it was marred by an unfortunate incident in a restaurant parking lot.
While waiting for my food, a big truck pulled up in front of me and parked too close. As the driver tried to move away, he ended up sideswiping my Tesla, causing damage to the plastic, bumper, and body panel. It even left a tiny dent. Despite the driver being cooperative and exchanging insurance information, I was left with the task of figuring out how to repair the damage.
I considered asking for cash from the driver to cover the repairs, but his deductible was only $500, and the damage was much more extensive. So, I decided to go through the insurance process. I reached out to a Tesla authorized shop and the driver’s insurance company for quotes on the repairs.
The insurance company estimated the repair costs at $1,773, while the Tesla certified shop quoted $3,572. The discrepancy in quotes highlighted the importance of going through insurance for such repairs. By involving the insurance company, I was able to negotiate for the higher quote and ensure that the repairs were done properly by a certified shop.
In addition to the repair costs, I also had to consider the diminished value of the car due to the accident. The insurance company is still working on my diminished value claim, as the incident will show up on the car’s history report and potentially impact its resale value in the future.
Despite the high repair costs and potential loss in value, I also discovered a trick to temporarily hide the scratches. By spraying water on the damaged area, I could make most of the scratches disappear temporarily. This trick demonstrated that most of the scratches were surface-level and could potentially be polished out by a detailer.
As I wait for the repairs to be completed, I am documenting the process and will provide updates on my Tesla journey. While I still create BMW and Porsche content, the Tesla has become a significant part of my automotive experience. Stay tuned for more updates on the repairs and the overall impact of the incident on my Tesla.
In conclusion, a simple scratch on a Tesla can lead to significant repair costs and potential loss of value. It’s essential to go through the proper channels, such as insurance and certified repair shops, to ensure that the repairs are done correctly and the value of the car is preserved. Thank you for following my Tesla journey, and I look forward to sharing more updates with you in the future.
