Damage guide
A driver-side impact turns structural more often than its outward appearance suggests, because there is very little crush space between the door skin and the people inside. Force travels through the doors into the B-pillar, the structural post between them, and can bend the floor pan and seat mounts without leaving obvious outside damage.
Educational content only. This is not a repair quote, insurance advice, or legal advice. Actual damage and costs depend on a professional in-person inspection.
From our versioned collision ruleset (v2026.09.3), the same data that powers our pricing guides. Severity is a typical starting point; your accident may differ.
| Part | Typical severity | Typical repair range |
|---|---|---|
| Left front door | moderate (6/10) | $325 – $1,435 |
| Left rear door | moderate (5/10) | $265 – $1,295 |
| B-pillar | moderate (5/10) | $320 – $2,650 |
| Left front fender | moderate (4/10) | $190 – $670 |
| Left quarter panel | moderate (4/10) | $340 – $2,390 |
| Left side mirror | minor (3/10) | $110 – $435 |
Each row is that part alone: its price, the hours to fit it, and its refinish. If every listed part needed work the whole job runs roughly $3,130 – $13,865, which is more than the rows add up to because a repair also carries paint materials, calibrations and the operations published labor times exclude by rule, which come to $1,225 – $4,115 here. Most repairs involve a subset of these parts. Ranges are educational, not quotes.
Side impacts can transmit force into the B-pillar, floor pan, and seat mounts that isn't visible from outside.
A shop will measure the door openings and B-pillar for deformation, check that both doors latch and seal, inspect the floor pan and seat mounts, and verify side-airbag sensors even if the airbags didn't deploy.
Full checklist: what to do after a car accident in Washington.
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