ImpliedConsent

I just got rear ended last night (slow, no injuries) by a friend who wasn't paying attention. We both have USAA and we both opened a new claim. I'm not sure how to handle that part yet, but I have Corvette questions: what kind of stuff is back there? what do I need to look out for? who do I look for to repair (send it to dealer and let them, or other)? Can I sue for depreciation (who's gonna buy it now?!)? This totally sucks.


So disappointed.

kenrobb

My 14 got hit a bit more on right rear and it took out the transmission cooler lines. The big thing is that all the panels are put on with clips that are sonic welded to the part. They had to replace both rear fenders, bumper, filler plate, etc as the clips broke in the hit. That requires a new part. When they take it apart they will find out just what is broke underneath. Mine ended up over $8300 to repair. Yours dosen't look that much, but hard to tell till they take it apart. Chev dealer did the repair.

Z06*Mike

Luckily, the damage does not look to bad. There is not too much back there and you would be surprised how much "void" space is behind that bumper cover. The lights and center plate section are all just attached to the bumper cover. As long as the Tub is not damaged, its just cosmetic. Check with your dealer and ask on here for reputable shops in the area. Most likely, you will be replacing entire pieces, not "repairing".

Not my picture, but here is a good shot of what is behind the scenes. As you can see... not much!
And sorry this happened, but should be easy repair.

ImpliedConsent

OK, good. I'd heard about the antenna's, but wasn't sure what else. My coolers are not leaking. Bunch-o-cracked fiberglass (in the trunk too). So, since this is not a $1k Honda, I am learning about "Diminished Value" claims. I'm gonna do that. It was my intent to have this car as pristine as possible (2016, 4700mi) and either 1) give to my daughter upon graduating college ... or ... 2) use for upgrade to the C8 ME. Either way, I wasn't "planning" on keeping it, but I did plan on keeping it perfect.

KenHorse

Check with your insurance company about "diminished value"

AORoads

Good point above. Not every state or every insurance co. makes it easy to obtain diminished value. As to where to get it repaired, altho many/most dealers can either do it themselves, or farm it out (many dealers no longer have in-house paint/body shops), I'd say start looking for a Corvette-knowledgeable body/paint shop. Call up Corv. clubs from a google search, talk with them re who they use. Go and talk with the shops, plural. You want to be comfortable that they understand your car and can do the job. Some will say, it's just a car, and paint and body are nothing special. It's your car---you decide.

dbirdhouse1

I am not exaggerating and I can't explain the "Car"ma but it is true; diminished value is a valid claim which I have made twice. Go on line
and you can find a calculation used in your state. Last time I used it was on my wife's Prius, did the math and contacted their insurance
company. They treated it as routine, we negotiated (I had calculated about 1000 bucks on my wife's Prius, he offered 600 hundred and we
settled on 800 bucks) and settled above and beyond the rear bumper repairs. An absolutely reasonable/routine claim in this day and age with Carfax and such.....good luck.
I was also rear ended in my 2007 C6 (the other person took off) and I didn't notice it but the exhaust system was slightly bent and ended up being replaced, but that was a C6...in this case, since it was my own company we agreed they would pay the difference in upgrading from the stock exhaust to a nice Corsa system.....

Maxie2U

Corvette ED

Was there a police report written? If no then it will not show up on carfax? If yes then it will?

Maxie2U

Kenny94945

All below for FWIW:

What I'd look for:
1) Remove all trunk interior trim and look for cracks.
2) Before repair is started, measure the wheel alignment and frame alignment.
3) Pay attention to axle position (Caster) as compared to the other three.
4) Inspect specifically door rear edge to quarter panel gap....both sides.
Also look to the front door to fender gap.
Also look to hatch back gaps.
5) Remove rear bumper cover look for cracks.
6) Check the targa top that it still removes & installs in the same smooth manner.
7) And on and on - visual ride height, alignments, steering wheel center position, body stress crack, floor etc.

Yes, you should claim diminished value as if insurance with shop repair...odds are you'll be Car Faxed at resale/ trade in.
My guess 32 hours shop labor.... one month in shop ….. this is only a guess.
Really sad to see, looked like it was a nice Vette.
OP please post your final outcome to let us all know.

ImpliedConsent

We called the non-emergency number, where it was explained that since: minor damage, no injuries, everyone has insurance, all parties present -- report it online within 72hrs (which we both did). Yeah, a big worry is the CarFax. Even though I probably will not keep it (daughter or C8), I don't know how many cars I passed up once I saw that "Accident Reported" line.

Z06*Mike

Since it is minor, Use VinWiki to document the car and the minor damage.Will help in selling.

MikeERWNC

The one thing I learned from my wife's minor accident...
First call an attorney, then get to the emergency room.
The next day, your attorney will sue for hundreds of thousands of dollars... And my insurance paid 6K.
God I hate scammers in our society!

ImpliedConsent

I'm sitting here, on a beautiful Sunday morning, wanting to watch football (Denver v KC is on #MNF... sigh... GO BRONCOS!) and all I can think about is the car. I walk out to the garage and it looks like my beauty queen was beat up. One month. ...gawd. I'm going to be so extremely picky on the repair (replace).
I'm gonna take all your suggestions, roll it up into a nice checklist. Another question: how do you make sure the hidden stuff is fixed? I don't plan on stalking the shop... or even visiting uninvited. Do I just go with the written ticket or do I make them show me? Sorry for all the questions - I've been in a couple minor no-fault accidents throughout my long, but boring, driving record, but this is my first in my first Corvette. It's pretty danged special to me.

1bdvet

When I damaged my C6, my insurance company gave me list of bodyshop they have, then started googling who had the best reviews for repairs, and there was Ford Bodyshop had 98% rate, with happy customers.

I brought my car with lot of front end damage, they fixed it all in less then 10 days, and the paint work, you couldn't tell, they matched it perfectly.

So ask what shops that are on there list, then google them.

Bill Dearborn

You have cracked fiberglass inside the trunk? That should take a much harder hit than your picture shows. I just blasted mine into a tire wall at a fairly high speed and have a lot more damage (including the right rear wheel shoved forward about 2 inches) than your picture shows and I don't have any cracked fiberglass inside the trunk. From your picture your repair should be some bolt on parts and maybe some painting. So far that is what I have seen with mine, bolt on parts and paint. Even the wheel location can be fixed by replacing bolt on suspension parts. Can't do much about the people who over react and whine about accident damage other than drive the repaired car for 5 or 6 years afterwards then all of that stuff seems to be ignored. Look at all of those collectors that pay really big money for reconstructed 60s muscle cars that were smashed, rusted out and pretty much junk yard scrap until somebody decided to put them back together again.

Bill

ImpliedConsent

Not exactly in the trunk, but in the battery compartment. It's busted up and open to the elements now. Joy.

gbranham

That was a good MNF game last night.

darkLight

I've heard from my repair shop if there is structural damage to the rear it could cost up to 25k. However, yours should not be anywhere near that.