Our Prius got hit in the parking lot by some bafoon. The drivers side bumper got scraped pretty bad, and a tiny little spot on the fender by the bumper got smeared too. The bill to repair is $572!! They also looked into replacing the bumper outright but it would have run $130 more or so. Hopefully they will be able to repair it to an as-new condition. Our comprehensive coverage has a $500 deductable - I raised it up from $250, so we'll just pay cash for the repair. Bummer.
You'll be absolutely amazed at how they can repair bumper covers nowadays. (Note it's the bumper COVER, not the bumper itself.) You quite literally won't know the difference.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wiiprii @ Jul 9 2007, 11:56 PM) [snapback]475972[/snapback]</div> Over in the "Technical" forum I posted photos of my bumper repair. Sad to say, I backed into a post and in addition to the tail light, I bent some metal. In my case, $1,500 so the $500 deductible isn't too bad. Except for the body work, I could have fixed it myself but . . . Bob Wilson
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wiiprii @ Jul 10 2007, 12:56 AM) [snapback]475972[/snapback]</div> So what if it's $130 more. You are already over your deductable anyway. The extra $130 would be paid by the insurance company. If replacing the bumper is the proper fix, then replace it. If you are concerned about having your rates raised, you should check your insurance policy. At least with Allstate, comprehensive claims do not affect your insurance rate. (assuming this really does qualify as a comprehensive claim as you imply)
Actually we're not using our insurance for this repair, and I decided to go ahead and have them fix the bumper instead of replacing it. My parents had their 1997 Camry in to this same shop last year (mom hit a tree when backing out from a parking space) and the quality of work was awesome. Am picking up the car today and will let you all know how it looks. Am pretty confident it should look like new.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(chuck_k @ Jul 10 2007, 02:45 AM) [snapback]476022[/snapback]</div> I agree. My rear bumper was repaired and repainted and it looks just like it did before. The work is guaranteed for the lifetime of the car.
I am guessing the other person didn't leave a note? If he did, it should come out of his insurance. My car got hit few weeks ago in a parking lot too. Guy left a note, everything coming out of his insurance. It is about $1000. I am sorry to hear about this. If your insurance company is not raising your rates, you should go for the comprehensive. I don't see why they should raise it anyway.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Michgal007 @ Jul 10 2007, 11:32 AM) [snapback]476258[/snapback]</div> Sadly, no note. The bill is only $70 above the deductable, so we're just going to avoid the insurance company this time. Hope the car is ready today (no phonecall yet)...
