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So after my first class I go back out to my car. AND SOMEONE HIT MY FRONT BUMPER!!!! I friggin swear i have the worst luck with my SS. The paint is all cracked by the passenger headlight. I dont see any other car's paint thought. What do i do?!?! That's why I park a million miles away in the parking lot. Almost seems like someone did it on purpose, but I have no enemies.
Should I mention something to the college police? Insurance (but I dont want it to go up again). You think they will belevie me? Why do these things happen to me. My day just got a lot worse
-------------------- 2004 Cavalier LS Sport Coupe Manual,Sunroof,16" Chrome, Zaino!!! http://community.webshots.com/user/pazbich3 Used to Drive: 2001 Camaro SS #3220 Posts: 2651 | From: Enola (Harrisburg Area), Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
I don't think that the insurance should go up because the car was parked. Talk to the Campus police they might have the lot under taped survalence.Make a report. See what it will run to fix then decide if you want to let the insurance know. Sorry about the accident though .
Posts: 3091 | From: Canton Mi. | Registered: Oct 2002
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That is why my SS will never see my work parking lot.Too many idiots that just don't care about other vehicles. Sorry to hear this.
Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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Before getting the campus police and insurance involved, dow anyone know how much on average it would cost to repaint the front bumper? I really dont wanna bring the insurance into this, but I might have to iff it's too much. I've already had a major accident a year ago I'll be here on campus until 8 tonight adn wont move the car until then. Thanks Posts: 2651 | From: Enola (Harrisburg Area), Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2002
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His car got "bumped" at B.G. last year and he's in the middle of buying replacement parts right now.
Posts: 7198 | From: Near Portland, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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When someone hits your car in your absense and takes off, that kind of thing should be covered under 'comprehensive' coverages which do not normally result in an increase in your premium. It didn't happen when you were in your car, right? That's like a branch of a tree falls on your car or someone vandalizes it. Unless your insurance company is sub-standard or you have a lot of claims already, I'd just go ahead and report the incident to the regular police department so you will have an accident report. The insurance company will need the police report to run your claim.
Posts: 878 | From: Hoffman Estates, IL | Registered: Feb 2000
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Dan, Sorry to hear about your car, ...but basically what Mark said, ...your rates 'should' not go up. You can (and should) at least report it, ...that doesn't mean you have to make a claim. At least you'll have documented the incident, ...that you should do no matter what. You can address the issue of claiming it or not, ...later.
Kevin
Posts: 1046 | From: Pine Bush, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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Thanks all so far. Yeah, I was no where near the car (in class). Not decided what to do yet. My life is already hectic right now with school. So we'll see. If I do get the bumper repainted, should I get that section done or the entire bumper. Depends on if I'm paying. Also, if it doens't cost much to repaint, I have a $100 deductible, what's the point of going throught the trouble of police and insurance...i dunno...I'm about to explode.
Posts: 2651 | From: Enola (Harrisburg Area), Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2002
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Wow..A $100 deductible....I think I would claim it...My deductibles are $500 in my case I'd weigh my own options...but YOU..you've paid for that coverage..I'd use it....If you think you want to work around insurance in the future...widen those deductibles and lower your insurance. I'm not an insurance pro..but it is my family's business.
Posts: 191 | From: Hudson Valley New York | Registered: Sep 2002
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You should not have to pay the deductable since the car was parked and you were not in it.
Posts: 3091 | From: Canton Mi. | Registered: Oct 2002
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An average shop will charge around $400 to paint a bumper cover. Pay the deductable - get it fixed right - and you'll be a happy camper when it's all over. If you love your car how can you say life is too hectic to get it fixed right? That's what insurance is for.
Posts: 878 | From: Hoffman Estates, IL | Registered: Feb 2000
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quote:Originally posted by 35TH ED/ed: You should not have to pay the deductable since the car was parked and you were not in it.
Actually sometimes there is a duductable for 'comprehensive' repairs. It just depends on how his policy is set up and what his premiums are. Being in college, I'd imagine his deductables are higher to bring the costs down per month.
Posts: 878 | From: Hoffman Estates, IL | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
i was actually going to raise my deductible next month from 100 to 500. i'm going to call the police after this class and probably call state farm when i go home. and yes, its 100 deductible for comprehensive as well. the damage isn't too bad, just a lot of paint cracking. not sure if a car actually hit it or someone physically hit it somehow. guess i'll see what the police say.
Posts: 2651 | From: Enola (Harrisburg Area), Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2002
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I have state farm and they told me the rates would go up for any kind of claim. Posts: 3403 | From: Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA | Registered: Dec 2000
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What I am about to say is from a Canadian perspective, so take it for what it is worth. However, I would expect the US insureance industry to be similar in their approach to claims. losses and revenues (premiums).
I once had an insurance policy with a $50 deductible for comprehensive claims and it was used 5 times over a two year period for vandalisim, broken driving lights (on a front Porsche....as opposed to a back Porsche) and broken tail light lenses. The total value of these clains was less than $1,000. Then 2+ years later I had a single at fault accident. The insurance compnay declined to renew my insurance because of my "excessive" claims history. In essence the 5 very small comprehensive claims against my rather expensive premium for the $50 deductible counted. Turns out any and all claims count.
Also, I have heard of other members in our club running into problems for even reporting an incident and then never filing a claim. The insurance company(s) in question stated that reporting a potential claim still counts.
Bottom line, any time you talk to an insurance company or make a report or claim for whatever reason....it's on the record and counts.
My approach to insurance is that it is there for a major loss or claim against me and for nothing else. So now I have as high a deductible as I can tolerate (or the leasing company will permit). Even then I will pay out of pocket for damage to my car up to about $1,500. Regardless of how it was caused, vandalism, broken windshields, etc.
I simply do not trust insurance companies to act morally, ethically or logically. They will act in a manner to reduce their costs (not pay claims) and increase revenue (charge you more). If they pay a claim....look out.
Bill M 98 TA
Posts: 383 | From: Oakville, Ontario Canada | Registered: Jan 2003
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good points Bill. I feel the same way. ANYTHING you report is liable for your premiums to go up. Thats why I'm weary that mine probably will too since I have had 2 other claims (one small, one large). I think after the police report I will call up the dealer where i normally get work done and see how much it is and go from there. I'll let you all know what I decide and what happens. I cant really afford premiums to go up any more, that's why I decided to up my deductible. I'm sure you know i'm paying out the kazoo with my $100 deductible, hah. Thanks
Posts: 2651 | From: Enola (Harrisburg Area), Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2002
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Sorry to hear about your car Dan. I do believe though that you should report it to the Campus Police and maybe they can find the culprit later.
As for your insurance I do believe it will go up if you report it but I think it does with every insurance company no matter if you are at fault or not. I had bought an S-10 Blazer back in 1990 and some drunk kid ran into the side. I wasn't at fault but still after reporting it my insurance went up.
posted
Well, the police came...guy was a d!ck. He didnt beleive that for such a minor incident, it could happen in the parking lot. All it takes it a small bump to crack and chip the paint. People FLY around in that parking lot too. They Do have cameras somewhere so they will look at them. I hope they find something. Not sure what it means if they dont. Oh and here's a pic i took, although it's pretty dark out. That shows most of the damage
quote:Originally posted by DanPazich: Well, the police came...guy was a d!ck. He didnt beleive that for such a minor incident, it could happen in the parking lot. All it takes it a small bump to crack and chip the paint. Picture
welp....i'm glad he OWN3D up to it!!!
Posts: 3236 | From: Dallas, Texas | Registered: Nov 2002
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For a Campus Police Officer to think that it was a " minor incidient " I wonder how he or she would have felt if it happened to their car. Parking lots are one of the worst areas for accidents as people are either in a hurry or don't bother too look where they are going.
That kind of mentality from an individual who is suupose to be monitoring the area is rediculous. People such as you and I who care about their vehicle and take care of them are subject to jealousy from others who don't.
I didn't get the chance to see the pic Dan as the page couldn't be found to the link but I know what you are going through and hope it all works out in the end and the culprit is found.
Posts: 2841 | From: Westland, MI | Registered: Apr 2003
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Thanks for posting the picture. I see what you mean now. From what I could see the damage is isolated to that one spot, right?
If that is the case, you may be able to get away with having just that area repaired/re-painted. I have seen some of the dentless repair places offering spot paint repair services and the results can be good. Just need to find one that is ggod. (I know, that is no simple task )
A friend of mine had his van repaired this way after it got backed into a pole. He was very happy with the results.
As a side note, I have been considering having my front bumper re-painted by one these shops to take care of the 140,000+ kms of stone chips, sand blasting, etc.
Good luck, I hope it works out.
Bill M 98 TA
Posts: 383 | From: Oakville, Ontario Canada | Registered: Jan 2003
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I'm thinking of repainting the whole thing since my bumper is already horrible with ston chips. Looks like there are a million bugs splattered on it but are chips, so that's teh route i'm going to take.
Posts: 2651 | From: Enola (Harrisburg Area), Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
From the picture, it appears to be considerably less damage than I first imagined (they may not have even felt it when they hit your car). Hopefully the bumper cover isn't damaged because that thing's not cheap.
Since that area already needs repainted, you could try peeling the cracked paint off to see if the bumper cover is damaged. If you do replace it and pay for it yourself, it shouldn't be too bad to do the work yourself (except the painting, of course).
Assuming you replace the bumper cover, here are the part numbers you'll need: 12335525 - Fascia, FRT BPR (Primed) (Paint to match) - $427.72 10193494 - Emblem, FRT BPR Fascia - $32.51
[Edit] I forgot to mention checking gmpartsdirect.com if you buy them yourself. With shipping, the total for both would be $366.98.
[ 23. April 2003, 12:01 PM: Message edited by: OBSSD ]
Posts: 1143 | From: Portland, OR | Registered: Nov 2001
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Thanks for the info. I was trying to find the bumper over on gmpartsdirect.com Damage wasn't bad, but definately needs repainted. I'll try and take a pic with more light. Doesn't look like the bumper needs replaced. Just called the dealer as well and I have to bring the bumper in for an estimate, cant do it over the phone But thanks!!!
Posts: 2651 | From: Enola (Harrisburg Area), Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2002
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quote:Originally posted by DanPazich: I'm thinking of repainting the whole thing since my bumper is already horrible with ston chips. Looks like there are a million bugs splattered on it but are chips, so that's teh route i'm going to take.
A word of warning: Use the bumper cover you have now. A friend of mine runs a paint shop and says all front replacement bumpers come slightly warped for some reason and they never look as good as the original factory one. Just have them do the proper prep and paint the whole bumper for the best result.
Posts: 878 | From: Hoffman Estates, IL | Registered: Feb 2000
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Well, just got back from the dealer's. It is going to cost them $350 for repaint the bumper. Not too bad. Might have even given me a discount because of all my business and my family's. I'm goign to pay out of pocket, prolly the wisest in the long run. PLus I get an extra pay check this month I'll keep ya updated. See ya!
Posts: 2651 | From: Enola (Harrisburg Area), Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2002
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Sounds like a great price glad it wasent a lot Probablt right about paying it out of pocket. 3 pay days this month......... Posts: 3091 | From: Canton Mi. | Registered: Oct 2002
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