got the damage estimated, one shop (dealerships go to them, my dad who works at lexus said they are the ones to go to) said 2366$ everything covered.
the one that other dealerships go to, works on merc's all day (mainly a rim shop) said 1500$ out the door, only if i pay cash/check. insurance will make that shoot higher.
he said if i did it without insurance it would be "money the wife doesnt know about" sorta thing.
sketchy sounding, but they work on the high line cars, dealerships go to them, and the price isn't bad at all...i will investigate further.