When the car door is hit and the other party is fully at fault, should it be repaired or replaced?
3 Answers
When the car door is hit and the other party is fully at fault, it is best to replace the door. Because the door has already formed a hard deformation similar to stamping, no matter how much sheet metal work is done, the original shape of the door cannot be fully restored. The door is an accessory part, and replacing it with a new one makes the car a flawed vehicle, not an accident vehicle. Solutions if the fully at-fault party refuses to compensate: 1. Subrogation: The right of insurance subrogation is a fundamental system in insurance law, designed to provide double protection for the insured, ensuring full compensation for the insured's losses. At the same time, it prevents the insured from benefiting excessively due to insurance payouts. 2. Negligent Claims Handling: The Insurance Industry Association has issued the "Measures for Handling Cases of Negligent Claims," which clearly states in the notice: The insurer of the fully at-fault party cannot refuse to compensate the non-fault party on the grounds that the fully at-fault party has not filed a claim or lacks documentation, thus solving the problem of non-fault claims handling.
I previously encountered a situation where my car door was hit and the other party was fully at fault. In such cases, whether to repair or replace depends on the extent of the damage. If it's just minor dents or scratches on the surface, a simple repair and repaint can fix it—quick and cost-effective, done in a week or two. However, if the impact was severe, causing the door panel to deform or even damaging the internal frame, then a new door must be installed. This is because a repaired door might not seal properly, leading to leaks, dust ingress, and annoying noises while driving. When the other party is fully at fault, the insurance will cover the costs. Just provide them with accident photos and reports, and the process is usually quick. My advice is to first consult a professional mechanic for an assessment. Don’t rush into a decision just to save money—safety comes first. For example, if the door’s protective beam is damaged and not replaced, it could be much more dangerous in the next accident.
Safety is my top concern. After a door is hit, internal structure damage is not easily visible, and repairs may not restore it to the original factory strength, failing to provide protection in critical moments. My old car had its door panel simply repaired after a collision, and later the door closing sound became strange. During an inspection, cracks were found in the inner beam, forcing me to replace it immediately. The at-fault party's insurance covered all costs, and I insisted on choosing a new original factory door to ensure proper sealing and crash test performance. Those who use their cars frequently should prioritize this—for example, if you have children at home, reliable doors are essential for peace of mind. Don't rush repairs and compromise thorough treatment, as poorly repaired doors can have reduced durability and affect the overall experience.
