Multiple roof dents - Repair or replace roof?

[db52174]

Hi,

I am just looking for advice on some recent malicious damage to my 2008 Audi A6 avant.
Some idiot decided it would be funny to bash a hole in the bonnet, key down the full length of the passenger side and boot lid and to finish added a few dents in the roof.
I can see most of the damage being fixed relatively easily with the exception of the roof.
I initially took it to a local body shop to see what there opinion was. They are of the opinion that it would need the roof cutting out and a new one fitting due to the damage (see photos). The roof seems to have lost some of its rigidity in the area of the damage I assume the metal must a stretched a bit.

A new roof would make it a write off due to the age and mileage (190k miles) and to be honest the bodywork had seen better days anyway!

With the information from my local body shop I decided to let my insurance approved body shop take a look. They are are of the opinion the roof can be fixed without replacing it.

Who is correct????

Don't get me wrong I don't particularly want it writing off but I also want it fixing correctly!! If the roof strength/rigidity has been compromised could it be dangerous an accident?

I am still waiting for a decision off the insurance as to repair/write off but any opinions from this forum would be appreciated.

Cheers

[langtounlad]

Roof skin isn't structural IMO, so repair should be ok if done to a high standard cosmetically.

[db52174]

Cool, will see what the verdict is next week. The car at best is probably only worth £3.5k so will probably be touch and go as to it being a write off or not.