Fender Bender- Recommendations?

Well, it was perfect for 7 weeks and 690 miles. Coming back from Truckee this afternoon, got within 1/2 mile of my house and got rear-ended... Doesn't look terrible, I think the tow hitch took the brunt, regardless, probably needs new rear bumper at a minimum.
Anyways, wondering if anyone has body shop recommendations or a way to get it fixed without hitting carfax/autocheck? Haven't filed police report yet, just exchanged information and guy mentioned maybe just paying cash for the repair. Obviously, I want it fixed right, just wondering if anyone has had experience and can offer some insights?


Appreciate it!

 

You have a tech package, the blind spot monitoring and the parking sensors could be affected. You want to be sure that it's fixed properly, and the quote could sky rocket with damage they find.

Older cars? Cash.

Modern vehicles? Insurance repairs only.

 

Thanks @Bishop84, appreciate the response! That being said, do you think I should just chalk it up and go full dealer for the repair(s) and forget about trying to keep the carfax clean?
Cheers!

 

Body shop recommendations are great, but first we need to know what area is for convenience.

 

My bad. Rocklin is where the mail goes.
I travel all over Northern California for work though. Chico - San Jose / Truckee - Ukiah. I'm pretty flexible.

 

Ah. Then someone local to your area probably has a better handle on the body shop recommendation than myself.

 

Regardless of Carfax, I'd still hand it over to insurance to handle personally. Otherwise you're going to be left handling all the little annoying shit, be stuck without a car for a while, and possible chasing this guy down for money wants he sees the real bill.

It really doesn't look that bad but I would definitely get the frame checked out of an abundance of caution. I highly doubt it is bent, but sometimes it doesn't take a whole lot.

 

Insurance adjuster looked at it. $2200 initial estimate. Anyone have a body shop they trust?

Thanks!

 

Don’t want to just replace with armor?

 

/\
This... just gimme an excuse!

 

I do want that! But, I haven't seen many options that include BSM and sensors...?

 

No on the BSM. No way for it to see through metal. Sensors are an option on most every bumper though

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/apogee-off-road-3rd-gen-tacoma-bumper-options.650208/

These guys supposedly have one in the works. Might be worth waiting and seeing since the damage isn't too bad.