Back over Memorial Day weekend I had parked my car out on the street in front of a friends apartment complex. Upon returning to my car, I see an old beater parked directly behind me, and sure enough they're parked right up against my rear bumper.

I begin taking down the license information when the owner of said car comes out of the apartment complex and proceeds to get into the car to drive away. I obviously stop him, and ask him to back up so that I can assess the damage. There is a nickel-size scuff/damage to the rear plastic trim on the rear bumper cover where his car was touching mine, so I ask him for his contact information and insurance.

Fast-forward to now. I've had the dealer look at the damage, and since the plastic trim is part of the entire rear-bumper cover they estimate me at $778.00 to replace the entire bumper cover. As much as I love the car, I think nearly $800 for such a minor thing is a waste, even if it's the insurance company.

I have also had a Vinyl/Plastics repair (typically they do dashes in cars) take a look, and they claim they can match the color and repair it for $110. Obviously this is the better option. I contacted the driver of the other car a week ago today to try and offer the option to pay for the damage ($110) out of pocket, but I have still yet to hear back. I called again yesterday and said I would be turning it into the insurance company if he doesn't call me by Friday.

Would you have handled the situation differently? I know it's not major damage, but the fact that it was caused by stupidity and could have easily been prevented had the person actually paid attention and respected other people's property. I'm seriously considering going after the $778 if I have to turn this into the insurance company.

 

Sounds like you did the right thing. I had a small scuff on my bumper when I didn't pull the car into the garage far enough and the door caught the lip of the bumper. Had a mobile painting company come out, sand it down, fill, prime, paint, clear, buff for about $150 looked good as new.

 

the black piece of plastic is not repairable afaik. im having my entire rear bumper replaced for the same reason.

 

I'm thinking you're in for a long, drawn out process. What insurance did he have?

 

We both go through State Farm (different agents though). I'm wondering if it's a bigger risk that the spot would be more noticeable with the vinyl/plastic repair. I'm also worried that a complete replacement of the bumper would run the risk of a paint mismatch.

 

since you are both through state farm that won't be too bad. if the repair is done right, you won't be able to notice that it was there. As far as the paint mismatch, I think it would turn out fine.

 

I had my car rear ended once , we both had state farm and the issue was taken care right away . Its easier if their the same company . In regard to the color mismatch thats a different story . Make sure that it get taken to a shop that know what they are doing . You gave the ******* a chance to pay out of his pocket , and now he's playing dumb . Get the insurance involved.

Good Luck.................

 

Sounds like you handled it well. Did the other driver give you any grief? Tell him not be a dumass next time.

 

i parked in a parking lot with 12 spaces empty all around me.... i was sitting in my car waiting for someone.... someone parks RIGHT beside me... opens up their door BBBBBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM... its like they kicked it open... now i have a dent.

some people don't deserve to be alive.

 

ROFL.. ahaha thats funny I'm sorry

 

if I caught someone door dinging my car after I parked way the **** out there, I would literally call the police for a report. Some people do that **** intentionally and I would make their rates go up for a little ding on my door.

 

always call the police and make a report. ALWAYS.

 

Insurance companies wont issue any claims in parking lots. So if you have any damage from a parking lot it comes from your own insurance. Which is stupid because that basically gives me the green light to take a monster truck and crush a bunch of cars in the parking lot and not be held responsible via insurance. (which is kinda cool if i had a monster truck).

Plus with a $500 deductible insurance yet again is useless... and why we pay for insurance when it doesnt do anything for you? who knows.

 

That doesn't make sense...unless you're in a state with a no-fault law that specifies that kind of thing.

Tsqrd - file the claim with his insurance company. Hopefully he'll be stand-up and admit to the damage. If he lies and gets away with it, and you claim on your insurance, "hit while parked" does not count against your record.

If insurance pays, they'll probably cover the $800 repair version. State Farm is a good outfit, and won't chisel you on that.

Ken