So I was out at a bar last night, where I make it a point to park as far away from the crowd as possible, and as I'm walking to my car, I notice the grill on my car looks a little off, and as I get closer I see the bumper is cracked in 3 places, and the grill is broken in half. Everything else looks fine except the bumper, thank god. But they must of hit it pulling into the parking spot directly in front of mine. And of course they didn't leave a note. I probably wouldn't either if I hit a car this good. I mean they whacked the hell out of it. So of course I had to call the insurance company and I am taking it in to have it looked at on Wednesday. Do they usually replace the bumper or are they gonna try to hack it together and "fix it". Because I don't want them to fix it, I want a new damn bumper. And on that note, can I take the money that the oem bumper is worth and possibly buy an aftermarket one? I have never been in this situation before. I would take pics but I don't even want to look at my car right now.

 

sorry to hear 'bout your car... most insurance companies would have you take it to a shop that they autorize to do estimates for them unless your insurance company is locatd around your area or they send out an agent to asses the damage. Then they will determine how much it will cost to restore the vehicle then cut you a check and you should be able to take it to any shop that you trust and have them fix it. but make sure that they charge you no more than how much the estimated amount was, otherwise you'll end up diggin' that cash out of your own pocket.

 

The estimated amount from the adjuster is just an estimate...there is often hidden damage that's not found until your body shop starts working on it. When that happens the shop will contact the insurance company and work things out. As long as you're dealing with a good shop and a reputable insurance company you get covered.

Very often the adjuster won't give you a check, but will give you his estimate and authorization for a shop to do the work. When you pick up the car, you just pay the shop the deductable. If you're going to try and deal for a non-standard bumper, that process is likely to take a hit.

The key to getting satisfaction is to find a good body shop. Also, when you're dealing with your own insurance company remember that they are your insurer, and they're not the guy who hit your car. Your policy probably allows the use of aftermarket parts instead of original equipment, so it's good to be nice to the adjuster in case you need to talk him into anything.

From my own experience, when my wife's car was run into the actual repair damage was about 50% higher than the drive-in place's estimate. Body shop and insurance company worked that out, and I learned the total when we picked the car up. Also, when we brought the car and estimate to the body shop, the body man pointed out that they had specified an aftermarket fender. I was able to sweet-talk the adjuster into authorizing an OE fender.

Ken

 

Well I have allstate, and I am taking it into a drive in place Wednesday, what I got from them is that I can go to any shop I want and they will cut them a check and I have to cover the deductible. I hope I'm not stuck with getting a knock off oem replacement bumper.

 

Damn sorry to hear! Good luck though, keep us updated.

 

Betcha it was an SUV

or pick up truck.

People don't know how to drive the new Monsters.

 

I'm sorry to hear that man. Are you staying OEM?

Welcome to the club:

Mine was a hit and run as well, except there was a witness. Hopefully, my insurance company will nab the lady and I won't have to worry about the deductible

 

Other drivers are so dam* careless.

 

I want to strangle those a holes, sorry but people just have no respect, we just have to hope for Karma

 

Hit and run—even for just a little ding or scratch—is unforgiveable in my book. If I see it happen, on the street or in a parking lot, I leave a note with all the details and volunteer myself as a witness. If I can get my camera out fast enough I'll take a picture of it, too. Probably just wishful thinking on my part, but maybe if more people knew they were being photographed they'd be more careful.

 

hit and run can usually be filed under uninsuried/underinsured motorist coverage if you have it. no deductible and nothing on your record as a claim.

 

I opened my car's door a bit to hard while parked at my appartment and oh so slightly gave some red paint to my white neibour. Even though It could be buffed out, WHEN it was noticed, i bought a thing of touchup paint and gave it to them. Doors should be made of invincible metals painted with invincible paint, and coated with teflon.

 

Just checked...don't have this.

 

I hope not to be staying oem, but I don't know if the insurance company will go for that, I was looking at getting a body kit, maybe this is an incentive. NVMYGT that picture looks better than what mind does right now but mine is only on the front bumper. I look so pathetic right now, half my grill missing, bumper split in 3 places, yahoo. I just really really hope they don't say were just gonna patch it, I will switch insurance companies right there if they do that ****.

 

There is no way I'm letting my insurance company stick any plastic/bondo on this car. It's getting a new fender. The car was involved in a hit and run and is only 1.5 years old. I'm going to kick and scream if they decide that is would be the way to go.

I'm sorry that your car is in such bad shape. It's definitely a downer to look forward to driving your car, leave your house, and you see that.

BTW, have you checked out the Autobahn replica group buy? You'll see my name in there now.

Good luck. My accident occured over a month ago and my insurance still didn't get the 'suspects' insurance information. I'm so frustrated. When I get back in the country their district manager is going to get a nice call from me.