Just got rear-ended
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 175
Likes: 33
Just got rear-ended
So I was just driving my Corvette to a nearby trail that I know of to go for a run and I got rear-ended at a stop light. The guy who hit me was just going to take his newborn to the park, so we were both kind of bummed since we were just trying to enjoy a nice Saturday morning.
Anyways I got all of his information and already called insurance.
Damage does not seem to be too bad, just some paint scruffs on my rear end, and the rear body panel makes a slightly cracking sound when I press down on where I got hit (though there are no cracks or dents in the body panel itself)
Definitely not this worst accident to have happen, but is there anything that I should know/do to make sure the car gets repaired properly?
Anyways I got all of his information and already called insurance.
Damage does not seem to be too bad, just some paint scruffs on my rear end, and the rear body panel makes a slightly cracking sound when I press down on where I got hit (though there are no cracks or dents in the body panel itself)
Definitely not this worst accident to have happen, but is there anything that I should know/do to make sure the car gets repaired properly?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
First off I would turn it in to his insurance and not yours, He rear ended you and he is at fault. Not sure where you are from, But find a good body shop in your area and they will give it the go over.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 175
Likes: 33
I'm from SoCal and insurance recommended Sterling Collision Center in Tustin, Caliber Collision Center in Santa Ana, and Fix Auto in Irvine.
Anyone have any experience with these?
They also said I can go to virtually whatever body shop I want just that the process would require them to bring out someone to get an appraisal.
Anyone have any experience with these?
They also said I can go to virtually whatever body shop I want just that the process would require them to bring out someone to get an appraisal.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 150
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From: texas
Man sorry for the accident. Went through a hit and run situation and the impact was in the same location on my 99 as yours. Mine ended up involving several major parts under the outer panels. I would be sure and have them check the inner tub that is basically a "plastic truck bed" mounted to the rear frame. Mine was easy to verify as damaged because there was plastic debris in my trunk area from the tub. It also involved the impact absorbing "bumper" under the back panel. I was really worried the frame may have been warped also because of the one sided impact. The point I guess is make sure they take a good look and not just call it "cosmetic" damage. My final estimate nearly totaled the old girl. But, having a fair and reputable insurance company got her fixed and she has run great for the past 2 years good as new. Best of luck and be thankful it was not a far worse outcome.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
Something to consider. If you make a claim against his insurance, will it show up on a CARFAX report. I'd get an estimate to repair, then make your decisions armed with that knowledge. If you plan on keeping the Vette a long time, then any comment on CARFAX doesn't matter, but if you're thinking of selling in the next few years, you may want to consider fixing it on your own if its not too expensive and if it will show up on CARFAX if you make a claim.
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Find a trusted body shop that will thoroughly go over the car. And keep in mind that even if they check it over closely, there is always the chance that something else may be discovered after they remove some of the panels for repair.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 75
From: Medford, Oregon
Butt Hurt !!
So I was just driving my Corvette to a nearby trail that I know of to go for a run and I got rear-ended at a stop light. The guy who hit me was just going to take his newborn to the park, so we were both kind of bummed since we were just trying to enjoy a nice Saturday morning.
Anyways I got all of his information and already called insurance.
Damage does not seem to be too bad, just some paint scruffs on my rear end, and the rear body panel makes a slightly cracking sound when I press down on where I got hit (though there are no cracks or dents in the body panel itself)
Definitely not this worst accident to have happen, but is there anything that I should know/do to make sure the car gets repaired properly?
Anyways I got all of his information and already called insurance.
Damage does not seem to be too bad, just some paint scruffs on my rear end, and the rear body panel makes a slightly cracking sound when I press down on where I got hit (though there are no cracks or dents in the body panel itself)
Definitely not this worst accident to have happen, but is there anything that I should know/do to make sure the car gets repaired properly?
Sorry to see this. If your close to Anaheim, Go talk to Chuck at West Coast Corvette. They know Corvettes in and out, not that I could save you a ton of bucks, tell him Darryl (red 99' FRC) sent you.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
When you go to a collision shop recommended by your insurance company, in many cases they are not the best shops. They are called direct repair shops and are more concerned with profit and low cost, than doing the best job. You have the right to go where you want and this will allow you to pick the shop that will do the best job. I do work for lots of body shops so I have a fair idea of how some of them operate, including the shops that compete against the direct repair shops.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 175
Likes: 33
Something to consider. If you make a claim against his insurance, will it show up on a CARFAX report. I'd get an estimate to repair, then make your decisions armed with that knowledge. If you plan on keeping the Vette a long time, then any comment on CARFAX doesn't matter, but if you're thinking of selling in the next few years, you may want to consider fixing it on your own if its not too expensive and if it will show up on CARFAX if you make a claim.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 175
Likes: 33
Sorry to see this. If your close to Anaheim, Go talk to Chuck at West Coast Corvette. They know Corvettes in and out, not that I could save you a ton of bucks, tell him Darryl (red 99' FRC) sent you.
I checked their website and I did not see it explicitly listed.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 175
Likes: 33
When you go to a collision shop recommended by your insurance company, in many cases they are not the best shops. They are called direct repair shops and are more concerned with profit and low cost, than doing the best job. You have the right to go where you want and this will allow you to pick the shop that will do the best job. I do work for lots of body shops so I have a fair idea of how some of them operate, including the shops that compete against the direct repair shops.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
I was rear-ended similar to your about 6 months ago. called the kids insurance company, which happened to be the same as mine, and insurance told me to take it to the dealership for estimate and repair. after 5 days in the shop, brand new paint job and no claim against my insurance.