Fixing my front end...

Hello,

Long story short, my front end is smashed (Fat, stupid deer) and I want to have my information in order whenever the insurance company finally bothers to call me...
I have a 2020 TRD Off-Road, Manual Transmission (if that matters)

I tried this in the armor forum, where I thought people would have experience, but I got no response so I'm not sure where the correct place to post is? Hopefully, this is OK here

Anyway, I want to replace my bumper with something stronger and I don't think the factory cover is in any condition to reuse it (which the majority of aftermarket bumpers seem to require) so I'm looking for a full replacement that doesn't.

I found these:

• https://4wdadventuresusa.com/front-bumper-toyota-tacoma-3th-1/
  • I like this one, and apparently, they'll ship for free... But there is no information at all about it and I suspect the quality is as cheap as the price? (assuming I would ever actually get it if I placed an order)
  • I'm also assuming the bullbar is bolted on and purely cosmetic?

• Phantom One Series Front Bumper - 3rd Gen Tacoma (2016-Present) – Arc One Industries
  • I'm on the fence about this one, they don't mention the weight but it sounds like a decent design?
  • The bullbar goes up over the grill so I assume it won't interfere with any sensors, but I'm not sure how much protection it actually offers?

• Vengeance Front Bumper | Fab Fours
  • Fab Fours is a brand I've actually heard of, and I like the "High Pre-Runner Guard option" but it says it won't work with the Toyota Safety Sense in the Emblem, which I'm pretty sure is what I have.
    • Can I simply change it to the TSS under the emblem, is it just a matter of moving the sensor, I need a new grill anyway so I would just get the appropriate one with the correct mounting location? (What would that be?)
    • If there are different sensors is there any functional difference or reasons I may not want to mess with it?

I do plan on having a professional body shop fix the damage and I'm told they can install aftermarket parts as well (especially since factory parts are apparently hard to come by) so they should be able to deal with any small issues that arise but I can't expect them to figure out custom solutions if I inadvertently create more work for them

 

If you put on a steel bumper, keep in mind you’ll need heavier springs in the front to compensate for the added weight

 

Even with the "lightweight" ones?
I guess you're right, I just realized based on one of the install videos it seems the OEM "bumper" is 99% plastic clipped onto a small piece of metal

I'm used to my old Dodge where the factory parts were unbelievably heavy to start so a heavy-duty bumper didn't actually add much weight (in my case I shaved it off)

I am open to suggestions if anyone has some, as tempting as giving in to laziness and frustration is I don't want to just replace the stock plastic junk because it is clearly not up to the task

Thanks

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/complete-3rd-gen-front-bumper.580218/

 

Darn it, looks like you'll need to get a lift as well to help with the increased weight in the front. Shucks, such bad luck buddy.

 

Following along here, because I'm honestly just unfamiliar with the entire insurance claim and aftermarket parts process. Anyone who knows or with experience, how does that typically work? Does insurance estimate a price based on price of OEM replacements/labor and just cut a check to the individual, a shop, or what? Is it different per insurance company? Always wondered what the process would look like if I hit a deer or someone hit me, and I just so happened to already have an aftermarket steel bumper saved in the brain.

 

When I had a deer strike on my 2nd gen, the process kind of sucked (progressive). They had me take my own photos of the damage and ultimately offered me about 2,700 to fix the damage. They sent me a check in the mail. I got ahold of a body shop guy and he kinda of laughed when I told him how much they offered for the repair. Sounded like it was pretty normal for them to low-ball and said that they would squeeze more out of them. The body shop too care of the negotiations for me with the insurance company (which I'm sure they are better than any attempt I could have made). I tore up the check and let them handle it. The total repair ended being just north of 5k.

 

Progressive is terrible... but I guess I get what I paid for

They said they would pay for aftermarket parts, surely because it's in their best interest to do so, and they said to talk to the body shop about it. So I'm assuming they will handle things as they normally do from there but I was also wondering if they would just give me an estimate then a check, in which case I need to make sure they don't stiff me...

 

Most insurance companies don't pay body shops directly these days. They just cut you a check for the estimate and then you pay the shop so you can take that check and do as you please.

I got rear ended a few years back and they gave me $1.5k to fix a 1/2" dent on my rear bumper. I took that money and used it to buy a front bumper and just left the tiny dent in the rear.

 

I think aftermarket parts can be tricky when damaged in an accident and I’m pretty sure insurance companies are required to make you whole based on your loss. In my experience I was hit on my rear bumper drivers side (steel bumper, aftermarket wheel was damaged among the rear quarter panel, taillights and tailgate). For what wasn’t stock I had to provide receipts for the aftermarket parts and then they provided me a quote with those parts built into the quote along with the bodywork, labor etc. They then cut the check to the body shop and me..I signed it and then the body shop ordered all the parts aftermarket and stock. His final bill was more than the insurance company cu the check for but I think body shops have additional claims they can file directly to the insurance companies if their repairs, labor and parts costs go over the check that was cut. I could be totally wrong on this but that was my experience.
My body shop guy literally said insurance companies love to fuck you and I love to duck them right back. I knew he was the one for me!

 

Post a photo of the damage and maybe I can offer some useful information. I have everything except the bumper skin from my 2017 up in my attic.

 

That's all I've got right now.
Obviously the bumper and grill are broken, I think both headlights probably are, or at least the mounting. I can only assume the fogs are damaged as well.
I can't tell if the hood is bent and/ or the fender but the drivers side isn't lined up correctly anymore.
I haven't really checked anything, I didn't want to touch it since it's holding together and unfortunately I have to keep driving it until progressive gets their act together...

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ask-an-insurance-expert-the-insurance-non-bs-thread.620973/

 

Fkin deer - said it before say it again I got no use for the damn things dead or alive -
Nothin but big rats as far as I'm concerned every one of 'em need to be eliminated - just kill 'em all....

 

I would let the insurance fix it first because I see some damage down below and to the head lights, like you say, that concerns me. First glance I was thinking, no problem but Ya get it fixed right and go from there is my thought.

 

I completely agree, and if my only option is 100% stock then I'll take it if it's the only way to get it fixed properly. But I would prefer tpmget it done the way I want rather then tear it all apart again as soon as they finish.

On the note it's crunch time, I'm supposed to bring it to the body shop tomorrow so I need to decide which bumper to push for...

 

I have the ARC-1 rear bumper. I watched the owner build it, it’s a serious chunk of steel and beautifully made.

 

You can have this one for cheap.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/welcome-to-the-bumper-dumpster-fire.701357/

 

I agree, I would let insurance pay for it. I had to replace my front valance, one headlight and one panel, plus paint. I paid for it myself, because my wife had already filed two claims and one had just gone off to lower our insurance payment. I told Toyota I was going to pay for it myself and not to quote "insurance prices". It cost $2100 total and my damage was from backing out of the garage and less serve than yours. I have a SR with standard headlights, and one was $575. The LED ones were $1500 each. I wish you the best!

 

Damn, good find. Too bad it's the wrong side of the country. Thanks though!

Yeah, it always ends up being much more expensive and I have it on good authority that they report it to insurance anyway when you give them the VIN number to buy the parts.

After agonizing over all the choices I've come full circle back to the first one I was looking at lol

https://bumpersuperstore.com/i-2396...r-toyota-tacoma-2016-2022-textured-black.html

Anybody know anything about the bumper, or "the bumper store" their prices are good