It all depends on your insurance company.
Depending on the damage, there is a chance that some of it may be able to be repaired paint less (PDR).
In a lot of cases, the bonnet, boot and turret may be replaced and the sides repaired by PDR.
If the damage is heavier than that the full conventional repairs will be required which starts getting expensive.
Usually after a big storm insurance companies set a value that they will write cars off. For example if a car is worth $10000 or less they won't even get it quoted they will just pay you out.
On average the cost of repairs would be approx...
Full PDR $4500+
Part PDR part conventional $6500+
Full conventional $8500+
They don't want to repair every car because it would cause a massive back log in the smash repair industry and sometimes after these storms you could be waiting from 6-12 months to get repairs done.
Although the smash repair industry in Brisbane has been very slow and patchy for the last year or two and we have been praying for a decent storm and hail season this year.
Keep in mind that your insurer will have a recommended repairer that they will want to send your car to, but everybody has the right to their choice of repairer , it is in all product disclosure statements and heavily watched by the insurance ombudsman. They will try and tell you that you won't get warranty unless it goes where they want but this is untrue.
If you are not happy with the pay out then you are entitled to ask for more, it takes time but if you arm yourself with vehicle details and replacement costs and threaten to go further they will pay more. It costs them at least $5000 to take you on, and it cost you nothing to follow it through. Only time.
Cheers
Sent from Behind you...BOO
