Expected price for body shop to fix this

[yota_addict]

Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's a bad estimate just seems like a lot of time for not so much. It seems there is so many differences of opinion of what something should cost. I had 2 good size dents in the roof of my Tacoma from my roof rack catching a low lying branch. One estimate was about $1000, another was over $2100 the final and one I went with was $550. They did excellent work and couldn't tell there was a dent. I think the world is full of shysters fleecing America! Nobody can be trusted and the all mighty dollar replaces honesty, decency and integrity.

 

[T4R2014]

Body work is expensive, simple as that. If you think that a bucket of bondo and the closest shade of rattle can you find in the spray paint aisle is just as good, you are thoroughly mistaken. Rattle can on a 1/4 panel? Really?

 

[A.Wilson013]

I'd get the most expensive estimate you can, and give that to your insurance.

Get the check, and take it to another place and tell them you're paying out of pocket. Price will drop considerably.

 

[IBallEngineer]

Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's a bad estimate just seems like a lot of time for not so much. It seems there is so many differences of opinion of what something should cost. I had 2 good size dents in the roof of my Tacoma from my roof rack catching a low lying branch. One estimate was about $1000, another was over $2100 the final and one I went with was $550. They did excellent work and couldn't tell there was a dent. I think the world is full of shysters fleecing America! Nobody can be trusted and the all mighty dollar replaces honesty, decency and integrity.

They are not opinions! They are fact based estimates.

One guy buys the off brand clear for $80/Gal, the quality shop pays almost $400/Gal for good PPG or Dupont Clearcoat. The first guy masks the moldings, the 2nd guy removes all the trim and buys new clips.

Should they charge the same price?

You can buy a coffee table at Target for $29.
You can buy a coffee table at Ethan Allen for $2900.

They are NOT the same thing.

:bash:

 

[yota_addict]

They are not opinions! They are fact based estimates.

One guy buys the off brand clear for $80/Gal, the quality shop pays almost $400/Gal for good PPG or Dupont Clearcoat. The first guy masks the moldings, the 2nd guy removes all the trim and buys new clips.

Should they charge the same price?

You can buy a coffee table at Target for $29.
You can buy a coffee table at Ethan Allen for $2900.

They are NOT the same thing.

:bash:

I'll go with the 3rd guy.
Oh and you just reminded me, I need to go to target!

 

[Dephcon]

Keeping dents like that on your ride just shows others that you don't give and shit and they should stay outta your way or you'll just drive into them. You'll get more respect on the roads and high fives from other wheelers. You will also need a sticker with Calvin pee'ing on a Jeep for your rear window.

 

[DustyRoads]

So I went out and got a free quote from a local body shop:
Parts - $172
Body Labor - 7.2hrs @ 38/hr = $273
Paint Labor - 5 hrs @ 38/hr = $190
Paint Supplies - 5 hrs @26/hr =$130
Misc = $72

Rough estimate = $ 837

This too expensive or sounds about right? I have AAA insurance but I don't know exactly what type to see if I have to pay deductible to get this fixed or if my rates go up (I'm 21 yrs old).

What do you guys think? Should I pay out of pocket or make an insurance claim?

I think for a price like that the after market bumper and CB mount would be a better and more functional option. The dent under the light isn't a huge eye sore and a new bumper will add extra BEEF in the rear end in case any more jokers try to bump you.

I had one rocker panel totally cut off, new one welded in, two new doors and a front quarter panel all painted, lined up, and color matched/blended for a little over twice that price. In my case it wasn't an option. In your case you have some really good options that might make the truck a little more functional after the fact. Just my .02...

Good luck, OP.