Oof. $3,800 is a gut-punch, especially when you walked in expecting a dent repair.
That said, “we have to cut the entire quarter panel off” doesn’t automatically mean he’s ripping you off. Quarter panels are structural-ish body components that are often welded to the car, so a badly damaged one can legitimately require cutting, welding, refinishing, and blending adjacent panels.
But before you approve $3,800, I’d do two things:
Get a second estimate from a reputable collision/body shop. Tell them exactly what the first shop proposed.
Ask for the written estimate, including the labor hours, parts cost, paint/materials, and whether they’re replacing the quarter panel or repairing it.
Ask: “Can you show me exactly where the damage makes replacement necessary?” A good shop should be able to point it out rather than just tell you.
Find out whether they’re using a new OEM panel, aftermarket panel, or used panel.
Ask whether there’s hidden damage behind the quarter panel that accounts for the price.
If you tell me the year/make/model of the car and where the dent is (or upload a photo), I can help you judge whether $3,800 and a quarter-panel replacement sound reasonable.