My car was broken into by a screw driver being pushed between the lock and

[Lou la belle]

the door, (popped) how much to fix? It is a Y reg fiat punto with central locking (not remote). They pushed the screw driver behind the lock and made a hole next to it in the body work. They damaged the paintwork and slightly dammaged the lock the bodywork is all dented in around the lock too. The central locking still works ok though. Will i need to take it to the main dealer to fix it or can any garage do it? also about how much should this cost? is it worth me claiming on my insurance as they also stole my tom tom and lap top from the boot? I already got a crime ref number from police

 

[UK Dad]

Sorry I don't know the exact cost but it will be a lot cheaper to use an independent body shop.
Main agents are usually expensive and don't always do a better job.
Look in Yellow Pages.
Once you have an estimate you may decide that it's cheaper to pay.
Your insurance will have an excess amount which you have to pay then you loose your NCD.
If you have home insurance this may cover the lap-top etc.
Talk to your insurance company but don't claim until you are sure.

 

[chippie_minton]

If they've taken a laptop and your satnav I would definitely claim on insurance and they'll pay for the damage to the car too. You will of course lose your no claims unless you have it protected so you have to weigh up the cost's of a new laptop and satnav, car fixing against your premium going up.