Someone hit me....again!! Have a question, too.

[Runn4est]

Most of you probably don't read my "build" thread, but a few weeks ago I was rear ended by a Subaru. I had no damage whatsoever, but they were lucky enough to hit my D-Ring. Fast forward to today.

Sitting PERFECTLY STILL in a merge lane waiting for the lady in front of me to learn how to use one...The girl behind me decides she's had enough and tries to dart out into the main road early. Well, someone must've missed their morning coffee, because she took her side view completely off with my rear bumper. Fortunately, there was again no real damage, but there is gouges where the main impact was and obviously paint.

For those of you that may have more experience in this area, should I bring it for an estimate first and have the person determine if they'd like to payout or go through insurance, or should I file with her insurance first?

Doubt we're in the territory of the cost of a new steel bumper, unfortunately, so nothing fun to offset the headache of dealing with this!

 

[theteleguy]

I have always just asked the other person if they want to file on their insurance or pay me? There is no question of fault here so she (or her insurance) is going to pay for it either way. The only factor I would say is if you have a shop preference there is a chance her insurer may not contract with that particular place.

 

[Bumbo]

I would get an estimate or two... use the higher price. I would not go looking for discounts.

Last time I went to a body shop for something like that I got a quote for around $700.

The person who hit me paid me cash so it would stay off their insurance, I had no problem with it. $700 cash in my hand and I opted to live with it.

If the person looked like they would not pay, or can't afford it, I would take it to insurance.

Its really up to you, but I would have the numbers in my hand for discussion and give them the option of how they would like to proceed.

I was at fault once too, I hit a brand new M3 rear bumper, I wanted to take care of it without the insurance company until I got the $5000+ estimate. At that point I told him its more than I was expecting and told him to file with his insurance company.

 

[SAC-CA-Runner]

I would get an estimate or two... use the higher price. I would not go looking for discounts.

Last time I went to a body shop for something like that I got a quote for around $700.

The person who hit me paid me cash so it would stay off their insurance, I had no problem with it. $700 cash in my hand and I opted to live with it.

If the person looked like they would not pay, or can't afford it, I would take it to insurance.

Its really up to you, but I would have the numbers in my hand for discussion and give them the option of how they would like to proceed.

I was at fault once too, I hit a brand new M3 rear bumper, I wanted to take care of it without the insurance company until I got the $5000+ estimate. At that point I told him its more than I was expecting and told him to file with his insurance company.

This...but wait...was she at least hot? Sorry...had to.

 

[Runn4est]

This...but wait...was she at least hot? Sorry...had to.

Haha, someone always has to go there. I wouldn't say so, but she was in scrubs if that's your thing

So consensus seems to get quotes regardless of what they've decided and then go from there? I just don't want to get shafted from insurance if I get quotes and then they don't reimburse or something because it wasn't at a place they use...Again, I'm a noob with this.

Thanks!

 

[m85476585]

My bumper got similar damage from someone who hit me in a parking lot. I worked with their insurance, and they sent me to a body shop that used an estimation tool to quote about $450. I'm sure I could have found a higher estimate if I wanted, but that sounded fair since it was so minor I don't plan on fixing it.

 

[ray k]

It doesn't look bad from the picture. Maybe you could pocket the money and try buffing it out with a good DA polisher?

 

[Runn4est]

It doesn't look bad from the picture. Maybe you could pocket the money and try buffing it out with a good DA polisher?

No, it's not bad, but the plastic is definitely gouged, which I know a buffer wont take care of. I'm weird about my car haha. I can live with pinstripes or dings that can't be fixed and I put there, but it would probably drive me crazy looking at the damage for the rest of it's life. About a month ago I just cleaned up all the little scratches and scuffs and waxed her...I'm sad.

 

[ToyoT4R]

Your truck doesn't look that tall and her mirror hit your bumper? What was she driving? Something very small, Corvette, Lotus, Miata?

 

[Runn4est]

Your truck doesn't look that tall and her mirror hit your bumper? What was she driving? Something very small, Corvette, Lotus, Miata?

She was in a Sebring. My rear wheel well is about 40 inches from the ground according to my hub to fender measurements after lift, so I guess the bumper is high enough to hit the mirror.

 

[ray k]

No, it's not bad, but the plastic is definitely gouged, which I know a buffer wont take care of. I'm weird about my car haha. I can live with pinstripes or dings that can't be fixed and I put there, but it would probably drive me crazy looking at the damage for the rest of it's life. About a month ago I just cleaned up all the little scratches and scuffs and waxed her...I'm sad.

I understand, I couldn't see the gouges in the picture. If they replace the bumper, demand genuine toyota. The aftermarket ones never fit perfectly.

 

[AuSeeker]

Did you fill out an accident report with an LEO?
If not you should have.

I would offer her to settle without her insurance getting involved, but be sure to get her insurance info either way.

 

[Runn4est]

Did you fill out an accident report with an LEO?
If not you should have.

I would offer her to settle without her insurance getting involved, but be sure to get her insurance info either way.

No LEO involvement. I don't think they even bother on such minor fender benders around here. I have a pic of the plates and insurance info as well as a text message from her admitting all guilt and apologizing.

 

[theoutbackdream]

I got rear ended pretty badly less than a month ago, so here's my take.

If the lady who hit you is cooperative and seems very nice, as well as damages being under $1000, i'd let it slide with her and ask her straight for cash. However, I would do this ASAP, in the event she tries to run away.

If the lady was rude in any way, I'd contact her insurance ASAP.

Dealing with insurance is such a PITA....

 

[Runn4est]

I got rear ended pretty badly less than a month ago, so here's my take.

If the lady who hit you is cooperative and seems very nice, as well as damages being under $1000, i'd let it slide with her and ask her straight for cash. However, I would do this ASAP, in the event she tries to run away.

If the lady was rude in any way, I'd contact her insurance ASAP.

Dealing with insurance is such a PITA....

So, I was just out of town this weekend for my birthday. I had an estimate done Friday before I left. It came back as $749 dollars in damage. I forwarded the estimate and didn't hear back until Sunday evening saying they will probably need to go through insurance and can they have my insurance info so they can see what their options are.

I immediately got my antennas up and stiff armed that request. I told her I've been advised by my insurance that I should claim it on hers, and she said OK I'll call my agent. I again re-stated that if they wish to go through insurance I will initiate the claim. Haven't heard since. That was around 10PM last night. I'm calling her company at lunch.

 

[theoutbackdream]

So, I was just out of town this weekend for my birthday. I had an estimate done Friday before I left. It came back as $749 dollars in damage. I forwarded the estimate and didn't hear back until Sunday evening saying they will probably need to go through insurance and can they have my insurance info so they can see what their options are.

I immediately got my antennas up and stiff armed that request. I told her I've been advised by my insurance that I should claim it on hers, and she said OK I'll call my agent. I again re-stated that if they wish to go through insurance I will initiate the claim. Haven't heard since. That was around 10PM last night. I'm calling her company at lunch.

Hope you the best..

But yes, have the other persons insurance pay for the damages so you don't have to pay for a deductible and you're not out of money. Your insurance will say that they can get your deductible back to you, but there's no guarantee they can. So it's best to go through their insurance.