snizzle

Well I did go out with the intention to deer hunt..... so, the DSC was lit the whole time. However, the TSC indicator only blinked when I crushed the poor bastards's legs. I guess I could have backed up to get the fill indicator. Live and learn.


Hmm, some good points here. So I do run a risk of losing the support of the insurance company if I go this route.

Another question: I understand that the insurance company might send the money to the bodyshop once the estimate is changed instead of to me. That makes it difficult for me to buy the kit unless the bodyshop will purchase from a specified place for me.

If they get the money for the original repairs and they've got extra money in the end since I might buy the kit for example, what happens to that cash?

therm8

There's easily $2000 worth of random stuff behind the bumper that deals with support, crash safety, etc. When I had bodywork done, Progressive gave me an estimate, and the Mazda dealer's body shop gave me an estimate. As you can imagine, the shop's was higher. They called my agent, Progressive paid, no problems. The shop wasn't trying to gouge the insurance people, just some stuff couldn't be repaired and had to be replaced (namely the rear door).

SpinninAgain!

I've tried this a bunch of times, but the deer just slide off.

Stupid Zaino! :D

GiN

There are actually many routes to take and several possible outcomes when it comes to "betterment" through insurance companies.
First off, you should go and get a thorough repair estimate from a body shop of YOUR choice (not the carrier's recommendation) that is well-versed in repairing RX-8s and is familiar with installing body kits like the Mazdaspeed. Make sure (in writing) that they will offer a 100% guarantee on the job so long as you own the car. This prevents you from having to worry about the insurance company shafting you if anything goes wrong. Don't give in to the insurance company threatening you by saying they won't guarantee the work if something goes wrong. Insurance companies will partner up with body shops to receive discounted work while the body shop will receive additional business from insurance referrals. Quality of workmanship is secondary when it comes to these types of partnerships.
With that said, have them do a teardown of the afflicted body panels to make sure there are no internal damages. In the case of the front bumper cover, there is the impact foam, VFAD duct and shroud assembly, and front bumper brace to worry about. Foglights, side markers, plastic undertray, badging, and an ambient air temperature sensor might also be considered. If there is no additional damage and you only have to change the bumper cover, then you are looking at roughly $700 (parts and labor) for a stock replacement.
TALK to your insurance agent ahead of time and they may and cut you a check for that amount minus your deductible. Take that and go buy a painted Mazdaspeed bumper for the $1200 or so it might cost.
However, if there is damage to your hood and/or fenders, you might want to worry a little about getting the Mazdaspeed bumper because they will most likely need to repaint (blend) the bumper in order to get the color correct with the parts they had to repair and paint. So there you are looking at a $900 out-of-pocket expense which is basically the difference between the cost of stock vs Mazdaspeed.
After any repairs are said and done with new Mazdaspeed parts, you'll want to make an appointment to see your insurance agent and have them take some new snapshots of your car and report that you have added specific aftermarket parts to be covered under your policy. Keep all your receipts. That way, if you decide to go deer-hunting with your stylish new Mazdaspeed bumper, you'll know your insurance company will cover it.
Of course, your insurance company might also just tell you to go screw yourself right from the get go.