Damage guide
Sideswipes look dramatic, with long scrapes across multiple panels, but they're usually the most cosmetic of collision types, because the force runs along the vehicle instead of into it. The repair math is different too: several panels each need paint work, so costs add up in a different way than a single deep hit.
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 | minor (3/10) | $325 – $855 |
| Left rear door | minor (3/10) | $265 – $765 |
| Left front fender | minor (3/10) | $190 – $570 |
| Left side mirror | minor (3/10) | $110 – $435 |
| Left quarter panel | minor (2/10) | $340 – $980 |
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 $2,345 – $6,935, 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 $805 – $2,580 here. Most repairs involve a subset of these parts. Ranges are educational, not quotes.
Sideswipes are usually cosmetic, but check door alignment and mirror mounts.
A shop will check door alignment and operation along the struck side, inspect the mirror mount, and look closely at panel edges and pillar seams where a glancing blow can catch and pull metal rather than just scraping paint.
Full checklist: what to do after a car accident in Washington.
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