I hit a deer

Awesome that you have comprehensive insurance. Let this be a lesson, people. Make sure you have comp on your insurance. Like I mentioned, it's cheap. It covers if it's stolen, a tree falls on it, your ex key scratches the paint, it catches on fire, a rock goes through a window, and yes dumb ass deer that run out in front of you. However, if you swerve to miss the deer, and go in the ditch, your comp won't cover it. Deer hair in the grille and poop down the side of the truck and it's covered.

 

that doesn't look to bad at all.. driving across NE a few weeks ago, there were 6-10 dead deer and a bunch more in the harvested fields eating left overs. once it's dark, not much you can do except set the speedo to ramming speed and hold on for the ride.

 

M192 - Nice bumper. Deer tested and approved. I like it. But it looks like I'll be going back to factory. Did you have to lift the truck to compensate for the extra weight of the bumper?

 

Kyitty - I think I did the best I could do. If I had swerved, it would have been to the right. Best case was that I would wind up in a ditch with more damage to my truck and potential injuries to me and my passengers. Worst case was rolling the truck into oncoming traffic. There were probably 3 to 4 cars headed in the other direction at the time.

My only concern is why didn't I see the deer until too late. I just had new brake pads, rotors, and 1 caliper installed in the spring, so the brakes are fine.

 

This bumper cover is on NH craigslist now For $50
https://nh.craigslist.org/pts/d/2011-tacoma-bumper-cover/6382699014.html

 

I already had the lift on the truck. I have ome front suspension and 886 coils for the extra weight. But I imagine the height of the truck helped push the deer under.

 

I drive 101 on occasion, and you are lucky that you and another car was not together at the same time, not much room for error.
I would check with your insurance carrier, the last time I hit a deer, it was not under collision, it was under CAC for an animal strike, and my deductible for that was only $100. and it does not go against you for accident collision. Its worth a call! Good luck and glad everyone is OK

 

Is that blood on the left hook? Is that fur in the centre? Lol

 

I veered for a deer...in the wife's RAV4....at about 65-70 mph at night on 2 lane empty road with paved shoulders. Wasn't having it land on the hood and come thru windshield. It was in the air when I first saw it. It landed on the ground and rolled into the side of the rear driver door down low. Pulled out the pressure dents with my GPS suction cup. I will not veer enough to crash but I will veer as much as possible to try and miss the damn things given the opportunity. I will not veer and cause crash with other vehicle. Animal is softer than another vehicle, duhhh. Gotta know your surroundings as far as what traffic is ahead,behind or beside you and be comfortable doing evasive maneuver or 3 when need be. Nothing to even claim this time but was loud hit. Thought there'd be much more damage than there was.

 

Actual Toyota headlights are very expensive.
RockAuto sells OEM style headlights but there is no promise they are the actual Original Equipment Manufacterer of the light.

My father has gotten OEM headlights from rock auto. They both collected condensation. Thats a big risk with cheap OEM parts. Get Toyotas if you can.

Also you will need paint blending. You won’t notice how faded and oxidized your paint is until you see it up next to a freshly painted part.

Do not negotiate yourself out of better repairs. Get upset about your insurance getting cheap on you, not the other way around.

 

Yes on the hair. No blood.

 

Mmmmmm, deer meat

 

The insurance is still an issue. I always buy my insurance through Apple Tree insurance. I assume they make they money by getting kick-backs every time they sell a policy. I have always been happy with the prices they get me, they are always cheaper. I have sent several friends to them and they have taken care of everyone.

About 2 months ago Apple Tree recommended that I move to progressive insurance - it was cheaper than travelers. I went with their recommendations. I do have comprehensive with progressive, but it does not start until December 3. I hit the deer on the December 1. I talked to travelers today, and I do NOT have comprehensive with them, just liability. They will cover liability until December 3, but they will not cover the deer hit. Apple tree is going back to progressive on my behalf, but I do not have a lot of hope. They are an insurance company, not a charity.

I'll wait for the final answer, but the after market bumper plan is back on the table.

The rock auto headlight assembly is not OEM. I will buy 2 to make sure they match. At 40 each it is so much cheaper that OEM. The other option is to go junk yarding for the headlight. But then I would need to sand and buff the covers and that is something I am not good at.

 

Man, junk yarding for Tacoma parts would be awesome.

But, in my area there is no such thing as a 4x4 Toyota truck ever in our Pick N Pull yards. Occasionally an older 4Runner here and there, but NEVER a truck.

Can't even fathom the idea of finding a Gen 3 Tacoma ro pull parts from. That would be awesome!

 

The insurance is not going to cover this. It's my fault, trying to save money by dumping comprehensive. So I ordered new headlights today. Some people had complaints about the rock-auto return policy, so I went over to Amazon and found a set with a 1 year unlimited warranty. They will be in next Friday. Ill take pictures of the install. The next item I will tackle will be the grill.

 

I have a good stock chrome grille for a 05-11 collecting dust in my garage. Pay for shipping, it's yours. Box would be light, but not small.

Though honestly you could probably find one local to you on CraigsList for the same as shipping, maybe cheaper.

PM me if you want the grille. I can work up a shipping quote.