Hey guys. I was rear-ended in a hit and run a few weeks ago and have finally settled with the other driver's insurance company (Geico). What had happened was he lost control of his vehicle in the rain and plowed into the back of me while I was coming home from work. As I got ready to get out of my car, he took off from the scene and I went after him. While trying to get him stop, we luckily drove past a Sheriff's car and I was able to get the Sheriff to apprehend the driver. Crazy!

Anyway, Geico called this morning and said they'd cover the damages and that I'd have to go to a specific collision center to have the damages surveyed. Here's my main question...The damages are nothing severe, but there are two noticeable dents about 2"x1" where his front bumper impacted me, and there is some paint chipped off in a thin 1/16"x 8" horizontal area right where the middle ridge of the bumper is. You pretty much have to look close to see that there is damage to the bumper. In your experiences, do you think they'll try to bondo that up, pop out the dents and repaint? I'm really hoping to avoid this and get a new bumper instead, but I don't know if they'll deem the damages too minor to do that. Part of me feels that since this is a brand new car, I deserve a new bumper! I know the world is not that giving though so I'm expecting the worst. Has anyone here had a similar experience? Any advice or info would be appreciated. I just don't want to get lowballed and have them cut me a check that won't cover what I want done. Thanks guys!

 

Don't accept anything or sign a release until it meets your satisfaction. Any company will try to settle for as little as possible, but their main concern is to close the books. Time is money so hang tough. Time is on your side. I'm speaking from recent experience with hail damage to 3 vehicles. My xA had 3,000 miles on it and the repair cost was almost $6,000.

 

Good to know. Thanks for the info. Also, if I feel that particular collision center is lowballing me, do I have the right to visit another one of their "authorized" collision centers to get another estimate?

 

I'm really not sure. Laws differ from state to state. In TN you have the right to have it repaired by whom ever you want. The insurance company's estimated repair figure (always on the conservative side) authorizes a shop to bill for that much work, then submit an itemized statement if more work is needed to complete the repair. This is to prevent fraud and seems reasonable. I think this is pretty common. I would suggest you talk to your insurance rep and a body shop for the procedure in your state. Don't forget to demand a rental car while yours is in the shop. Body shops work in their own time zone!

 

Here in CA, when I was rear-ended while waiting at a stoplight, the other guy's insurance only wanted to cover refurbishing the bumper.

According to the shop, they 'boil' the bumper until it can be formed back into shape.

This didn't sound to great to me; I demanded they replace my bumper.

Of course, Captain Amazing's insurance said 'no way.' I ended up eating the cost for a new vs. used bumper... But it was only about 50 bucks!

The other driver ended up paying about $700.00.

Either way, just keep telling ALL parties, "It's a brand new car, I want a new bumper."

 

I would still get a second opinion and then get your insurace company in the mix as well. They have as much right to help you as they can. Also you do not want a defunked part or a half assed job done because your safety is your bottom line. Although, the damages might be on the surface there still might be other issues below the skin.

 

Thanks guys. It definitely helps to be armed with knowledge.

 

that's messed up, i would've chased him down and beaten the living crap outta him for trying to get away. not sure what you can, but i would bring it to a toyota dealers shop, they'll replace the bumper almost for sure.

 

Trust me, I was incredibly tempted to cause bodily harm! The classic part of the whole thing is, after I flagged down a Sheriff and he chased the kid down and pulled him over, 2 of his friends fled from the car. That looks really good on the accident report. He was driving some crappy old dodge worth about $500.00

 

You're lucky!!! The odds of that happening in Tennessee and the bas tardo having a license, much less insurance, are slim and none,

 

I used to have GEICO as my insurance provider. They usually have you go to a specific collision center because their adjuster works out of that center however they allow you to go whereever.

They survey the damage and write a check right there. What I'd do before you go meet their surveyor is go to a collision center of your choosing and get a quote from there. That way you know what the estimate it. Like others have said... its your ride... you want to treat it as best as you can.

 

You guys rock. Thanks for all the advice. I actually called Sun Toyota (where I got the tC) and I'll be visiting their collision center Saturday morning to get an estimate. I don't have to visit the GEICO adjuster until Monday so that gives me a little bit of lead time to get prepared.

 

Hit and Run is a federal offense. Did he get into trouble or what?

 

<--- Former Geico Adjuster


YupDG is right.. Bring one or two estimates for how you want it repaired and take it with you when you see his insurance adjuster and let him write his. just be calm and stick with your guns to get new and not refurbed/repaired items and they will cave

 

Its only a federal offense if what you hit is either on the endangered species list or was under the age of consent and you run across the state line!

 

 

Ahhh so good to know. I'm a really patient guy so I can definitely bide my time. And I also know I want new parts so I can wait as long as it takes!