Imad

There isn't much damage, however it looks to be quite costly. I drive a 2011 C300. The front grill is cracked, theres a few scratches on the front bumper, and finally, the tip of the hood is dented. Trying to avoid getting my insurance rates going up, I am considering doing the repairs myself. The grill was pushed in and hit the metal bar that prevents it from hidding the internal coils. Im not even close to a mechanic, but I'm a fast learner. I figured out how to get the grill out and eventually was able to fit everything back together. Basically there is just a crack on the grill and the chrome emblem is dented as well. I priced everything and from this website (http://www.mbzspecialist.com/cart) its coming to around 1200 dollars. If I take it in, im certain labor costs will at least double the price of repairs. Is it possible for me to by the parts, possibly from cheaper sources, and do the repairs myself? As a last resort I can just file a claim but since it was my mom who backed into the car I think the rate will go up. Any suggestions are appreciated. I don't have pictures on me but if it will help I can take some and put them on here.

2012c350

If you're 100% not at-fault, then your rates will (should?) not go up. But to your other question, typically labor is 2x what parts are....

What I would do is, if your mom has an otherwise clean record...and you're not on her policy...is file a claim and then (as a nice son) pay any premium penalties that she might have over the next three years. It will still be cheaper than you just buying parts and it will be done professionally.

Cleanbenz

Most insurance companies offer accident forgiveness if its her first one. My Mom actually side swiped my Audi in her driveway and her premiums didn't increase at all because it was her very first claim with them. I got my car fixed and it didn't cost her a dime. This is what insurance is for, use it.

MBRedux

Time to move out, or never have your Mom over, or if you must, go pick her up, and bring her back home too! That's what I do. She loves me for it!

Imad

Just an update. I got an estimate and it looks like its going to cost 1500. Apparently they can fix the dent and the hood doesn't have to be replaced. So now the question is, file a claim (1,000$ deductible) or pay out of pocket? In case anyone is wondering, labor costs 1200, parts are only 300. Apparently it takes professional mechanics 1 hour to replace a grill, something I did in about 10 minutes.

MBRedux

Wow, sorry that it was that bad. What happened to her car? Do you need to file two claims? I'd try calling your agent if you're a buddy of his and get his opinion. They deal with this stuff all the time and he'll give you the best advice. My ins. broker and I play golf together, and he always levels with me when I get into a jam like this. If not, I personally would file a claim and just say that you came out of a shop and found your car this way.. no idea how it happened. No fault claim shouldn't effect your rate. If it will and you have a $1K deductible, then I would pay for it all (just another $500) out of pocket, give Mom a big hug and ask for some help maybe!???? Good luck!

Mercho82

Without pictures is hard to tell if you can fix it yourself. However, I would avoid using my insurance unless it is really something big.

Try to quote the parts at parts.com or getmercedesparts.com and if the paint in the hood is still good look for a dent wizard in your area to fix the dent. You also can get rid of the scratches using Meguiars scratchxreg-20.