Last week a guy in a SUV backed into my front bumper at a stop sign. An elderly lady thought she could not pass him into the parking lot so she motioned for him to back up. She could have easily made it through of course. He put it into reverse and back into my bumper right as I started honking. Too late. I called the police but they would not write a report because it happened just inside the private parking lot. The damage is minor. His square trailer hitch pressed into my front bumper and ram air intake plate. It also wrinkled the paint a bit at the top of the bumper.

I brought it to the local Chevy dealer collision repair shop for an estimate. The damage is about $1,500. His insurance company, State Farm, is paying for all the repairs and the rental. I requested that they replace the whole bumper. They are trying to locate the front ram air diffuser but it seems these may no longer be available. The one I have may be able to be repaired. They are also going to paint the new bumper and blend the hood into it.

While they are at it I am ordering new clear lenses for the front turn signals. I may also have them fix a scratch I had on the passanger door. I will have to pay for these myself of course. Anything else that I should replace or fix while this is being done? I thought about a new hi-rise hood but with the new house I just bought I really shouldnt do it right now. Any other advice or suggestions?

Thanks

Pics from crappy camera phone. My Nikon was in the car but the SD card wouldnt work. Figures the only time I have ever really needed it.

 

I'm not really sure what you are asking.

From your list it sounds extensive and IMHO a little inflated.

I'd take the $1500 check from Farmers, Take the front bumper cover off remove all the lenses etc and take it to a nice shop. $200 and a day later I'd reinstall said bumper cover and party with $1300 in my pocket....

Why are you spending money on lenses?

And if you don't feel good about that bumper cover, I bet another new one can be had for ~$500......lemme go look real quick

 

yup, $429-$469 at JD corvette.........I'm sure it is the same price at other places

 

Problem is the dealership charges state farm directly I think. That $1,300 would almost cover my new Hi Rise hood. hmm... Thats sorta what I was considering to begin with. Now you have me thinking.

 

Tell State Farm that you aren't using that repair facility and that you'd like to have it repaired elsewhere and to issue a check for the settled amount.

I'm not sure I'd use a dealership body shop either.....they are good for getting estimates up

 

Rick, that happens alot around here....many people in their 70's and 80's who can't drive....can't turn their heads or won't. Guess it could have been worse. (he had insurance/many in south Florida don't)

 

I wish an insured person would back into me like that......that would be such a bonus for me.

Someone hit the front of My RX7 years ago.....$4000 in estimated damage.....insurance paid me that much for it....but before they could get all the estimates etc and cut me a check, I had already spent $600 on everything I needed to completely repair the car.

I even found same color (white) fenders, hood, headlight buckets....etc....unbolted bent parts, straightened the supposed "bent frame" with my bare hands, bolted on newly acquired used parts.......took about 4 hours on Tuesday afternoon

 

Does anyone have the part numbers for the front turn signal/fog lenses or full assemblies? Also where is the best place to buy these? The dealership quoted me a crazy price. $3xx for each assembly or $100 for just each clear lense.

Thanks

 

HI-rise hood, for sure
don't sweat the little things, it seems with a little work it will be back to good.