Stupid stone chip!

[funkyrobot]

So, i've had my new (well, used, but only nearly 3 years old) silver car 4 days and it already has a nice big stone chip in one of the rear doors.

I was on the way to work this morning and some idiot on a motorbike overtook me in a short right-turn lane (between two sets of street furniture). As he cut me up (because the overtake was stupid full stop) he rode over a load of stones that had collected around the street furniture. Cue my car being showered in stones which resulted in a lovely 2-part chip that has gone down the the bar metal (was quite a loud bang) on the rear driver-side passenger door.

I was wondering if anyone knew of any good Mazda bodyshops? As the car is only 3 years old (and I just bought it from a main dealer) I think i'll need to take it to an approved shop to get sorted (I need to get it done quick because I know what the 3 is like for rust!) to maintain my anti perforation warranty.

Or, could I call out a mobile service who could repair it cheaper, and not tell Mazda? I have some other chips that I would like treating at the same time so I don't want to be spending loads of money. However, I do want it to be a good job.

Any ideas anyone? I'm in the Lincolnshire area by the way. Thanks.

[Dr G]

I'd just call a chips away man or even ask your local Mazda dealer who they use for small repairs.

It's a stone chip, an annoying part of life.

[funkyrobot]

Dr G said:

I'd just call a chips away man or even ask your local Mazda dealer who they use for small repairs.

It's a stone chip, an annoying part of life.

Ok, thanks. I don't mind Mazda doing the repair but I don't want to be charged x amount more for something that can be done just as good as an independant. I'm also wary of what I tell Mazda due to the fact that my Anti Perforation warranty is void if anyone else but them do the work.

It is very annoying, yes.

Does anybody know if chips away are any good? I've read mixed reviews about them. I've also been given the card of a company called 'Smart Auto Body Coat'. Has anyone used them?

Thanks again.

[Munter]

Chips away is franchise and as anything it depends on the specific human running it as to how well you're treated and the quality of the work.

[funkyrobot]

Munter said:

Chips away is franchise and as anything it depends on the specific human running it as to how well you're treated and the quality of the work.

Thanks. I guess it's a case of finding a good franchise in the local area then.