Just got rear-ended

I would find the most expensive quote possible, claim it, take the money, and either put on a bumper myself or something aftermarket (if that's all the damage ends up to be). All assuming you can do that in your state.

 

i'd leave it and pocket the cash. my rear bumper has collected 3 checks without being fixed

 

How do some people get all the luck?

I waited 9 years for someone to tap mine so I could get a offroad bumper, it never happened so I finally just had to buy one

 

Yup. Should be able to get a couple grand out of that.

 

If I were to make another thread, it would be titled "What's the best plate bumper?" lol

 

I think it is worth mentioning that you want to be safe. It is probably unlikely but there could be damage that you can't see yourself (I know that would be the case with me) and depending on the body shop they may not see it either (many, not all, of them don't have that expertise.

It is definitely worth taking to a Toyota dealer and have them look at it. Get their opinion in writing. That will help you a lot.

Then shop for a nice replacement bumper and call your insurance company. Of course, you may have a high deductible so you may not get much help in that department. But call them right away ... they have a process and you need to follow their process. The sooner the better.

Best of luck to you !

 

deductible is set to $50

didn't know Toyota dealerships have collision inspection capability. I wonder if they charge for it, or if it would fall under a free MPI thing that dealerships usually offer as free promotions to get people in the door to sell work, or attached to services (MPI = "Multi-point inspection", aka cursory lookover that involves inspecting for leaks, measuring brakes and tread depth, etc.)
but free MPI's are usually basic stuff (ie check tire pressures, etc.) vs. more advanced things like collision assessment, possibly requiring a trained eye
partly due to a dealerships varying level of techs inside, starting from minimum wage oil changers all the way up to diagnosticians who probably charge 1hr labor time for diagnosis ($100+)

though I have heard Toyota dealers inspecting Tacoma frames for rust to see if they qualify for recall replacement is common

 

You're over-thinking this.

 

Glad you have a low deductible. I kind of agree with the last post. Don't overthink this. There are really only two to do items.

First, have someone smarter than you look at the truck (clearly, that someone is not me!). If it were me I would drive it to a Toyota dealer, ask to speak with someone in service and see what they say. I am sure this won't be the first time it has happened. Lots of times when I take my truck to the dealer for basic service I bring things up and they say we will have a certified mechanic take a look at it. No guarantee but worth the ask.

Second, call your insurance company today. Lay it all out to them and follow their process and see where that gets you. They have no interest in having you drive an unsafe car. You could be fine but it is worth knowing. Follow the process ...

 

Noticed the bed to cab gap (bedside) is smaller on one side from the other
but it doesn't seem like something an impact could cause

searched up "bed gap" and found apparently it's common from the factory on 2nd gens and a lot of people have dealt with adjusting it, whether DIY or at a dealer, etc.