Rear ended at low speed; bent frame?

So I got rear ended yesterday, damage doesn't seem to be substantial as the tow hitch took the whole hit. But in doing so it bent my bumper downwards. I know I can't be the only to have this so what is everyone seeing for repairs? Will a new steal bumper fix the issue or do I have an underlying issue like a bent frame?

 

Highly doubt that bent the frame, I’m sure you bent the bumper mounts but I’d be suprised if it was anything more.

 

Hard to tell from the angle but most likely bent bumper brackets. Pics from underneath would help

 

I seriously doubt it bent the frame. Probably bent the bumper mount brackets. Take the insurance $ and get a steel bumper.

 

Doesn't the tow hitch attach directly to the frame? Underneath it doesn't look bent, but it could be subtle. So you guys think a new bumper would fix the issue?

 

The bumper on the third Gen is best described as a “simulated” bumper. There is no structure there, just a plastic cover on a plastic substrate. The Tow-hitch is the only structure. The damage you have looks to be all to the plastic.

Unfortunately, the cost of those plastic parts is often equal to a new steel bumper.

 

It's very possible if the hitch took a direct hit.

 

Frame can be straightened on a frame machine not a big deal. Half the vehicles involved in collision need some kind of frame repair

 

Pictures from underneath

 

The tow hitch took the hit, I don't see how the plastic parts are the issue. I may be wrong but the logic of it just isn't making any sense to me.

 

Has that bracket moved? Looks like you could loosen that bolt, pull the bracket back into position, retighten and be good.

 

Use a top flite body shop and let them tell you what's up. Likely they'll be willing to show you.

Work with your insurance carrier for repairs, let them wrangle with the offending party's carrier. That's part of what you pay them for. You shouldn't even chat with them, unless it's the same carrier AND the same agent.

 

That's what I plan on doing, but I was wondering if I could take the money and buy a new steal bumper and install myself to fix the issue, or if the frame is likely bent then I'd have to have a shop do it and repair it back to stock

 

Maybe. Not to be rude, but if you can't tell what's bent or not, you shouldn't attempt it. It shouldn't be that hard to determine.

You can work with the shop, have them repair the bent frame (if it is) apply the balance of insurance payment to new bumper, and let them install it. No reason to go back to stock if you don't want to.

The vehicle will have to be inspected before an insurance payment is made anyway. You'll know about the frame then. If they say 'bumper only', then have the check cut to you, not the shop.

 

I was commenting before you posted the other pictures. Your first picture shows the corner pushed in.



Good luck with your repairs.

 

Blasphemy!


There's a piece of stamped steel hiding under the plastic.

 

That's what I did. Got rear ended and the hitch took the brunt of the hit. Upon closer inspection, most of the plastic parts of the bumper were damaged in some way. Insurance gave me $1800 for all the bumper parts and the hitch. Now I have a Mobtown plate bumper.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot about the piece of foil they put in there to ground the license plate lamps.

 

OP:

Time to go RCI. Mine just arrived and I’ll be installing next week if I can. Can’t wait. Here’s a pic from the interwebz to inspire you:

 

I had a similar hit, but also had rear panel damage. Got a Mobtown bumper, and I'm very happy with it. Definitely worth the wait.