SoCal LS2

Hey guys,

So I figured some of us have had the unlucky factor of being in an accident, whether it was our fault or not.

While searching the forum I was hoping to come across similar threads with pictures, repair estimates, etc. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any posts with pictures or infortmation as to the repair costs for a rear ended C6.

I have some pictures (because what is a post without pictures ), as well as the initial estimate (before they tear into the car) and find any further damage. When I get the car repaired Ill post the final estimate cost as well.

Long story short, I was rear ended while waiting at a traffic signal on the on-ramp during rush hour. You know that control traffice and what not of people getting on the highway (freeway for the folks in CA). I was hit at a speed of 30-40 mph by another car. Impact was a direct rear impact. Driver said he was distracted, didn't say he was on his phone, just that he was distracted.

The following items were damaged visually from the exterior:
1. Rear Bumper
2. LR Quarter Panel
3. Targa Top Left Driver Side Pin (sheared upon impact)

Current initial estimate for damages, including labor: $1,679
Please keep in mind this is to repair the rear bumper and LR quarter panel, per my insurance policy. Only OEM replacement panels will be used in the event the body panels cannot be repaired
I know the quote is low, the quotes on the estimate are for repair only, not a replacement. Ive had this body shop perform body repairs before and have been nothing but satisfied by their work.

This estimate is likely to increase given the fiberglass bumper has holes in it from the impact, and the damage to the LR quarter is cosmetic (spider webbing) probably repairable. Who knows what the damage is behind the bumper. B&B Exhaust looks to be in good shape, besides the minor scuffs on the tail pipes.

When the other party's insurance finally takes 100% blame, I'll get the final estimate to see what the true damage behind the cosmetic panel repair/replacement they initially quoted and be able to determine the true full cost. I'll post that information when I get it.


Pictures below:
2001 Civic that hit me:


RL Quarter Panel Damage



Targa Top Bolt Sheared Off



Rear Bumper






Initial Estimate

wayback

Wow it looks like the Vette is built like a tank compared to that bag of rice.

Hope you are OK and the repairs go smoothly.

Dave S

Hmmm.....wonder if the responding PD would be willing to subpoena the phone record of the guy who hit you to confirm if he was texting or talking on a phone when he hit you. Not sure of the CA traffic laws, but here in NJ, that would warrant a moving violation ticket.

dvilin

Not a pretty picture, hope the repairs go well and thankfully no one was seriously hurt..

SoCal LS2

Cell phone ticket in CA has been just a standard ticket from what I know. Not considered a moving violation, then again, never been ticketed for it. I asked him 3-4 times "WTF were you distracted with," and he said he didn't know, he just kept saying he didn't know the lights were on to control traffic entering the HWY. It was his first accident.

More happy that he had insurance over anything. CA is one of the highest % non-insured driver states.

He only had liability, so it should cover the damage, including the totalling of the car (which I doubt would happen). The car is worth maybe 16K with 120K miles. There would have to be frame damage to total it, which from driving it to and from work this morning I doubt there would be, then again, at 30-40 mph I wouldn't be surprised.

Chevy Performance

Demand new panels. Why would you want cracked body panels left on your car when they are are easy to replace? It's not like they are a structural part of your car like unibody cars.

SoCal LS2

Insurance company says if the panels can be repaired which really would only be the LR Quarter, then I have to accept repaired panels. Its in my policy.

I totally agree with you, but that is part of Mercury's Policy, I don't know what more I can do besides bring it to multiple shops until one will say its a required replacement.

The rear bumper panel will be replaced with an OEM panel and the quote will be revised due to multiple holes in the panel itself from the impact.

Johnathon59

Very sorry for this unfortunate incident, if it was my car would be VERY upset to say the least, Just a curious question did the other driver receive a ticket ? also did the officer say anything about tint on tail lights ? I want to tint mine but I'm afraid if something similar would happen to me the other driver could claim he could not see my brake lights because of the tint. I sure when it gets repaired it's as good as new.

saplumr

Car has to be less than 2 years old for mandatory new parts.

Chevy Performance

But if it can't be repaired to OEM level then the panels need to be replaced. Just talk with the body shop and let them know your expectations . My sister went through the same thing when someone rear ended her a few years ago, the body shop knew what she wanted.

lordofwar

that sucks.hpoe the other driver doen"t say he could not see your brake lights because they are blacked out.

saplumr

Could be a legit complaint but the offender should have recieved a failure to maintain control. No possible excuse to hit someone from the rear.

SoCal LS2

Legitimate point on the tinted tail lights. He didnt mention the tail lights being tinted. He didnt even know I was stopped waiting for the light. Which makes me assume he was texting or using his phone in some capacity.

While id argue day or night the brake lights illuminate a few shades lighter than the stock tail lights they are very noticeable when the brake is on, no less than any car on the road. (I know im still breaking the law). Regardless, when rear-ending another car, its hard to make a valid arguement.

In regards to highway patrol they never showed after 30 min of waiting so no one was cited.

VET4LES

Our family auto was rear ended a few years ago. They had Mercury insurance and they were outstanding. They gave us a loaner car and the body work was better than before the accident.

SoCal LS2

For those questioning the darkness of the tint. Below is a picture taken on my phone with the lights on in the garage. I may be a little bias though

Also to the poster who wants to tint his, I say dont do it. Theyve been a serious hassle with about 3-4 fix it tickets. Luckily Ive always had a local corvette guy lend me his to write off the tickets, but its a major PIA. Im actually looking to switch to the new LED versions.

CyberBullet

Sorry you were hit like that.
Regarding the damage, I would expect considerable more. If the impact was hard enough to break a stud at the a-piller then I see no way other things were not impacted as well.
Good luck with it all. Glad you are o.k.

mile-0

Sucks. It makes me furious when someone's carelesness causes damage or pain. Hope you get fixed up quickly, here's my $.02...have you considered a third party claim against the responsible party liability policy? You have no contract with them stating repair panels only, you may have better luck there getting new parts. Also, I would have some concern about the sheared targa top bolt, that seems to indicate a severe flexing of the structure on impact. At the very least the car should go on a high end frame machine and be checked dimensionally.

If you think of what we put our cars through in traffic, track etc. I have never heard of a top bolt breaking like that. I really hope it's a fluke, but have it checked well for sure.

Best of luck. Keep us posted. May body rot and failed emissions befall all 2001 Honda Civics.

peter pan

Glad you are ok and good luck with the repairs

passons

Hate to see accident and hope it can be repaired soon.

oldtee

Estimate should include a four wheel alignment. Insist on it.