Tesla Collision Repair

Hey all, looking for advice. My Model 3 was involved in a fender-bender last week—front bumper, hood, and one headlight took the brunt of it. Tesla’s approved repair centers are quoting me some crazy prices, and the wait times are even worse.
I’m wondering if it’s worth trying a reputable local shop instead. Do they really need all these “certifications” to fix Teslas? I’ve heard mixed things about Tesla collision repair messing with sensors and warranties, so I’m hesitant.
Anyone here gone through this and found a reliable workaround? I’m open to suggestions that won’t drain my wallet or keep my car out of commission for months.
Appreciate any help!

 

Most collision shops will not work on a Teslas. It cost too much for them to get proper certifications and equipment. Sounds like your model 3 has quite a bit of damage, and the shop will find more damage once it is dis-assembled. I would see who your Insurance company recommends and go from there.

 

What I learned from my friends Tesla and Audi, for body work vehicles like Tesla, Audi, etc need to go to aluminum certified body shops. Regular bodyshops unable to work on them. Yes they take a long to get an appointment to fix and costs alot.

I don't know what it would be for work needing it there's damage to radiator in front as regular shops will have no idea how to fix that mega complicated cooling system. I bet it be similar if it show signs of damage to battery casing. That most likely be Tesla only work.

 

From what I understand Tesla doesn’t allow others to work on Teslas, and they don’t share any repair info. It might be in your purchase contract. If that’s the case, you probably don’t have any real options.

 

Visit a few indie shops and get quotes. They may decline the work or also be subject to long part lead times.

Drive your 4Runner in the meantime.

 

Atleast here in Denver CO for Tesla models S and Audi Q5 the process was insurance gave few options to get estimate and they were all aluminum certified collision repair shops. After the insurance estimate was done since these shops have long wait time tried calling few other body shops and they said they cannot take collision repair for Tesla and Audi.

Lucky both the vehicles were drivable till they can be given to the body shop to start work. Else the rental car allowance will not be enough.

I have a faint memory that my BMW X5 friend also had a similar experience but not 100% sure like the above 2 accidents for Tesla and Audi.

 

^Seems @droz_f36 may be paying out of pocket.

As for aluminum repair, wonder what happens with the 4-5 million aluminum body F150s built in the past decade?