The bumper gods have spoken!

All jokes aside, this happened today. It was a commercial claim filed with Farmers insurance. Apparently that big dump truck reversed into their own trailer thereby pushing it right into my truck.

I've never been in this situation, what should I expect? Ideally I would like to upgrade to a steel bumper, not sure how to go about telling them. Anybody have this happen to them?

 

I’ve had something similar happen. There were two options for me, have them replace the bumper or take the money and fix myself. I chose the money

 

Be sure to have a shop, of your choosing, give you a quote for repairs to return it to like new (stock). Be sure they check headlights and flares for broken clips.

Get the money for the repairs and work with the shop to pick and choose what you want done and what to replace it with.

 

Like waltuo said, you can take the money and buy a steel bumper and new grill surround of the bumper is salvageable.

is the bumper just popped or are the tabs broken?

 

Ugh. Sorry you have to deal with this @PolarBearX...

 

Well, the insurance company has called me to tell me they have approved the claim and to go ahead and "take the truck to an affiliated body shop"... I told them I already had a shop in mind

So, I took it to two of their "approved" shops and to mine. Here's what I got:

1st "affiliated body shop" quoted: $1,732.92
2nd "affiliated body shop" quoted: $1,885.36

My shop: $2,543.70 hmmmmmmmm.

I noticed the first two shops didn't list all of the damage/parts and when they did, they only put $1 for cost of part. Also, my shop was just as "fancy" as any of the other two, with the main difference being mine was not a franchise.

Of course, I sent over my shops estimate. Waiting to see what happens...

 

I’d take a check for the damages and use the money to get a steel bumper and a winch. $1800 is almost enough for a full hoop bumper and a 10k winch. $2500 is definitely enough.

 

Color me shocked. It's almost like your insurance company and their affiliates dont have YOUR interest in mind. Glad you took the advice from everyone and you're working the problem. Good luck!

 

Don’t forget about vehicle depreciation since it will now be listed as wrecked on Carfax, etc.

 

Yes, thank you guys so much for the heads up. Really looking forward to - if it get approved- pulling the trigger on either a SSO slimline or CBI T3 bumper.

 

My insurance company had a preferred shop that was “highly recommended”. Turns out to be a large nationwide chain. Worst experience ever!

The damage was to the right front wheel and suspension. The whole debacle started with me putting on the snow tires. I noticed a lug nut missing off that wheel. Hmmm. I think to myself, I better take a closer look at the work. First thing I notice is that the strut bolts which hold the hub to the strut are loose. So then I take it to the dealer and tell them go through it with a fine tooth comb. They found a damaged wheel bearing and a ripped boot on the transaxle. I sent the bill to the insurance company and, to their credit, they paid without complaint.

From now on, I’m going to the folks who have the best reputation, not the low bidder to the insurance company. The whole thing cost me hours of time and a car out of commission for extra weeks. Find the best shop in your area and if the insurance company balks, tell them to stuff it. Be patient. They are incentivized to clear cases, not give you the best deal.

 

I did StealCraft. Not winch ready but works for me.

https://steelcraftautomotive.com/steelcraft-71-13420-fortis-front-bumper-textured-black?page=2

 

What lift/wheel/tire you running.

 

Cash out, improve on stock.

 

I would be concerned about what parts they use, O.E. or cheap knock offs... that's most likely why a price difference.

 

Affiliated shops go low because they are in with the insurance companies and if you don't get it fixed and just looking to pocket the cash the insurance companies don't pay as much. If you get it fixed there, they will file a supplement to get the full amount. They claim that they find more damage once they get it apart.

What you need to do is compare the estimate from your shop to the affiliated one then go back to them and ask them to explain the difference. If it is labor rate, you may not be able to do much because there are maximums on what they pay, but if your shop has more parts and more hours, the affiliated shops need to explain.

Ultimately this is between you and the insurance company. They pay you and you do what you want with the money. Your lien holder could also be involved if you have it financed since technically they own your truck, but it is very rare that they get involved.

 

sorry about your accident. time for a an upgrade

 

So I had a 2008 Subaru STi before my Tacoma, and i was rear ended twice. Both times had their insurance pay to fix or replace the rear bumper. When i went to sell the car, the carfax came back as clean with no accidents. I was totally expecting those to show up on the report but they didn't.

 

I am in shock as well.