Hi guys im new to the forum having just bought my first ford two weeks ago (a fiesta st) which i love! Unfortunately yesterday someone drove onto my side of the road and smashed into the side of my car 😭. So ive took it to my local ford and they have assessed the damage and i am looking at a new door skin, side skirt and possible repair to the rear quarter panel which is going to be paid for by the third parties insurer. I was just hoping for some input from other people who have gone through an experience similiar to my own to help ease the pain and give me some reassurance 😩.

Heres a close up of that rear quarter. Is it possible to have the whole panel replaced or would that not be recommended? Feel a bit bummed that it was not even my fault and i might end up with a repaired panel instead of a new one like for like 

Replacing that panel would involve a lot of work, they have to cut it out and weld a new one back in and it's a large panel.

This is the panels they could fit, 

Hi mark thanks for replying mate, would you say that a repair with filler etc is a better option? Ive been told that replacing the panel can introduce moisture etc and can put the car at risk of rust etc in the future. 

Hi mark thanks for replying mate, would you say that a repair with filler etc is a better option? Ive been told that replacing the panel can introduce moisture etc and can put the car at risk of rust etc in the future. 

In my head, and this is just my opinion backed by nothing other than ignorance, would a new panel not also risk damaging the structural integrity? If the repair was of a high standard then I would prefer filler rather than new welds etc

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