My wife got a new Tesla MY 2 weeks ago (this is our first Tesla). This weekend some guy at a stop light turned into her car from the left lane, making a right turn in front of her where she couldn't avoid him hitting the car. Of course he says he didn't have insurance.
Tesla MY collision front bumper/quarter panel/hood/headlight/fog light... The damages look pretty bad for just getting side swiped at a stop light but as far as I can tell I don't see any structural damage. I'm actually shocked at how much damage occurred, it's like the truck opened it up like a tin can and the bumper was made to tear away.
The reality of the whole situation didn't hit me until this morning when I tried calling over a dozen Tesla certified body shops. Almost all of them told me they couldn't even provide estimates until December and wouldn't be able to start repairs until next year, some as late as May 2024. I'm in the Seattle area and I've called as far 200 miles North to Vancouver BC to as far as 200 miles South in Portland, OR and it's the same answer every time I call to ask what their lead-time is for collision repairs. Our insurance will cover the damage through UM/UIM but we only have rental coverage for 30 days. I've called non-certified body shops that I've taken previous vehicles to and had good work done but they told me they don't have the necessary equipment/tools to work on Teslas (something about aluminum structural/body work).
Hypothetically speaking, if the guy did have insurance, I'm not sure if it would have made any difference or if his insurance would have covered a rental car for 7-8 months?
Regardless, I'm shocked to say the least. I knew in Tesla's early days/years parts availability caused problems with repairs but 10 years later I hoped things were better, however it seems that is not the case.
So what do people do in situations like this? I work from home so I have some flexibility but do like to take and pick up my daughter from school and have errands throughout the day that require a vehicle. I considered letting my wife take my BMW and possibly buying a beater for the next several months.
I'm surprised that the lengthy repairs for Teslas doesn't make more press. I don't know who can buy a new or used vehicle, get in an accident (at fault or not) and not be able to drive their car for potentially 7+ months and still have to make payments. I don't know what responsibility Tesla has with making parts available, getting body shops certified in order to keep customers happy but this seems like it's ripe for a class-action lawsuit.
Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed?
Tesla MY collision front bumper/quarter panel/hood/headlight/fog light... The damages look pretty bad for just getting side swiped at a stop light but as far as I can tell I don't see any structural damage. I'm actually shocked at how much damage occurred, it's like the truck opened it up like a tin can and the bumper was made to tear away.
The reality of the whole situation didn't hit me until this morning when I tried calling over a dozen Tesla certified body shops. Almost all of them told me they couldn't even provide estimates until December and wouldn't be able to start repairs until next year, some as late as May 2024. I'm in the Seattle area and I've called as far 200 miles North to Vancouver BC to as far as 200 miles South in Portland, OR and it's the same answer every time I call to ask what their lead-time is for collision repairs. Our insurance will cover the damage through UM/UIM but we only have rental coverage for 30 days. I've called non-certified body shops that I've taken previous vehicles to and had good work done but they told me they don't have the necessary equipment/tools to work on Teslas (something about aluminum structural/body work).
Hypothetically speaking, if the guy did have insurance, I'm not sure if it would have made any difference or if his insurance would have covered a rental car for 7-8 months?
Regardless, I'm shocked to say the least. I knew in Tesla's early days/years parts availability caused problems with repairs but 10 years later I hoped things were better, however it seems that is not the case.
So what do people do in situations like this? I work from home so I have some flexibility but do like to take and pick up my daughter from school and have errands throughout the day that require a vehicle. I considered letting my wife take my BMW and possibly buying a beater for the next several months.
I'm surprised that the lengthy repairs for Teslas doesn't make more press. I don't know who can buy a new or used vehicle, get in an accident (at fault or not) and not be able to drive their car for potentially 7+ months and still have to make payments. I don't know what responsibility Tesla has with making parts available, getting body shops certified in order to keep customers happy but this seems like it's ripe for a class-action lawsuit.
Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed?
