How slow a hit will cost money?

Recently I had a very similar experience. I won't give the boring details, but basically I was hit on the front passenger's side bumper. It was a very light hit, but put an 8 inch crack in the bumper, and slightly cracked the grill on my 2014 Prius. Estimate to replace & paint bumper, and replace grill: $910.25. The claims adjuster told me that Prius parts, because they're mostly plastic, tend to be cheaper than parts for other cars. I thought that was quite cheap. I was expecting at least $1500.

 

Forget plastic body parts, the downside of making a car sacrifice itself for your safety is that a relatively minor accident can = total loss because of the cost to restore your car to pre-accident status given the current market value of the car.

Heck, I'd say after 5 years of ownership, most cars on the road are 100% loss in any respectable accident they can still drive away from. I lost a pickup truck in an accident just because the cost to inspect the frame for damage plus known body work would be about the market value of the truck, and it was 100% mechanically sound after the accident.

 

Yes.
Theoretically to prevent bending the frame, I think.

 

Make sure that your dealership checks your alignment, in addition to the actual bumper and hardware.

Good Luck!

I'm glad that there were no injuries.

 

Cars are safe in Garages......but that's not what cars are for!

(adapted quote from my favorite Navy Admiral )
She also is credited for the use of the word "bug" in computers and is famous for saying (perhaps originally) that it's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to get permission!
Grace Hopper - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia