Whether it is a collision, a natural cataclysm, or simple aging, sometimes your vehicle requires a side door replacement. There’s no telling when exactly it’ll happen, but it’s a good idea to come prepared when you need such a procedure.
And although it may seem easy on paper, there’s a lot to consider before replacing a door. Different factors are at play here, and information is vital to do things properly. And, on that front, we’ve got you covered.
All states require you to have property damage liability insurance. Let’s say you got hit at a crossroads or in a parking lot by someone else. In such a case, the other driver’s liability insurance covers your door replacement. But if you are at fault, you pay all the damages from your own pocket.
If you have collision coverage, it could also cover repairs and replacement when you hit a moving or inanimate object. In case you have a deductible – you pay the amount of the deductible, and the rest is covered. With other minor issues like hail, fallen tree, robbery, and vandalism, only comprehensive insurance could help. We recommend considering this option if you have a brand-new vehicle in the premium segment. Also, remember that most insurance companies work with selected contractors on car repair, so before doing anything, talk to your insurer and try to get some recommendations or advice.
If you are on a low budget, you could take a risk and try to replace the door yourself. The replacement itself could be simple, but first, make sure that connecting door parts and electrics are not damaged.
The first step involves finding the right second-hand door shell. Make sure the model and color are suitable. The process becomes pretty straightforward if the vehicle is not new, but the brand is popular.
To ensure you do everything right, check out forums and shops and read the manual carefully – if you are lucky enough, you could get the door shell for $200-300. Before you start, you should also watch a couple of video tutorials online. There’s plenty of content like that out there, so take your pick.
Usually, this is a two person job, so bring a pal along to help you out. Generally, you must remove wires and then unbolt the door hinges and remove the old door. After that, just do the reverse and attach a new door, ensuring it doesn’t wobble and sits where it belongs tightly.
Going to the auto shop for replacement is always a safe bet, but expect the price to be 25-30% higher. However, the benefits include a quality job and OEM parts, ensuring a long service life for all the components and the vehicle itself.
You can choose between a second-market or a brand-new door shell, depending on your automobile. If your car is factory new, it’s best not to install second-rate parts, but you absolutely can for budgetary reasons. OEM parts, on the other hand, will increase repair costs by about 85%.
Labor cost includes all that’s needed: deconstruction or door replacement, paint job, electronics, and connecting parts. However, in some cases, the overall price may increase drastically from the initial $150.
Just bring your car to the auto shop, and the mechanics there will help you determine the pricing and if the replacement is needed. Perhaps, professional straightening, coating, and paint jobs could save the situation. The primary reasons for that are:
Sometimes the problem could be solved with less effort. This involves replacing the outside or inside handle, lock, hinge, or electric window motor change.
As we mentioned in the article, a full-on door replacement may set you back by anywhere from $300 to $3000. The price will depend on whether you choose a secondary market or a new door shell and pricing in the auto shop. The scope of work can also affect things, but you have the ultimate option at your disposal - do everything DIY-style. All in all, we hope the article helped you make your final decision, whichever way you go about it.
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