Wife went to Kroger today and she brought the Tacoma back with some ugly body damage...

So like the title says, I let the wife use the truck to drive to Kroger after getting home from the gym myself. Upon exiting the store she noticed damage on the rear passenger side of the bed center over the fender. Not sure if could’ve been one of us who did it, a hit-n-run driver or how it happened. I’m sad. Not mad at all at her or myself. Accidents happen.

So I’m hers for guidance on how to proceed with my insurance or even file a claim at all. Should I try to fix it myself? It appears to be more of residue paint and a noticeable dent on both fender and bed of the truck. Minimal paint damage to the eye. So could give it a try? Or insurance?

Truck is still financed. Would like to keep it immaculate. I baby this truck. <3

 

Looks like the damage is all on the fender flare? That’s good if so, easily replaceable and paintable plastic part.

 

That’s exactly how it is, but really an eyesore. Working with insurance adjuster already to determine damages and cost.

 

Yellow paint? Might have gotten a little too close to a pole. Just saying.

 

that was my first thought too.

perhaps went through a drive-thru and got a little too close.....

 

Definitely a yellow light pole. People frequently snag them at my local Kroger by pulling forward to the next parking space. Ask me if that looks familiar.

The big scuff on the flare is easy, the little scuff on the body isn't. It really depends on if you want it restored back to immaculate or if you can live with a small defect. Send it through insurance if you want it 100% restored.


Also, get yo'self a good dashcam. It might not have helped in this case, but they can be invaluable if you ever did fall victim to a hit and run. For some reason, those have been on a rampant increase around my area over the past five years.

 

At least it's on the passenger side, I would leave it and never let her drive again. That way when she gets in on the passenger side....she gets to see it....every time

 

That honestly looks like a best case possible scenario for the damage. Snag a new flare, paintless dent removal on the fender, and get a good detail shop to polish out the gash behind the wheel well. She'll be good as new!

 

Looks like there’s paint on the bed too right in front of the flare?