I had a slight fender bender a couple of weeks ago, nothing serious and surprised when the Repair Quote came in at just a little over $2,480.00. Now most of this was labor but two items jumped out; a new tire at $255.00 and a Remanufactured Rim at $160.00. I was asked if I wanted a new rim so we’ll get to this later.
I wondered what this would cost a U.S. insurer for the same parts seeing that U.S. Insurance is about half of the cost as here. The tire is nothing special, a Goodyear Eagle. A call to Greene and Ross, $205.00 balanced and installed plus tax and disposal so $240.00 out-the-door, Dunn Tire in Buffalo, $141.80 out-the-door.
Now the Rim, only a small nick out of side but worth exploring. Good news a Remanufactured rim is about the same cost in the U.S. as it is in Canada.
Now here is the kicker, called my local dealer, after all it was not my fault so maybe I should get a new rim; $700.00 for rim at Kia Newmarket, $320.00 at Fucillo Kia in Buffalo. BTW I can get a full set of 4 aftermarket rims for the car for $400.00 in the U.S. all day long.
So on just the parts if I get the new rim and tire it would cost the Insurance Company $400.00 more in Canada than the U.S. I have to believe that the labor would be at least 25% cheaper as well.
If I was hurt I would have received free health care though!
