Come out of the mall w/ my son to find out that some fool has backed into the front end of my car (I had pulled thru... nose out).

Hood trashed... bumper cover trashed... not sure what else, because I didn't want to pop the hood and not be able to relatch it.

Got LUCKY... Local PD happened to see this young buck (20 yo?) in a Suburban back into my car. Cop got all the necessary info etc and left his card in my window.

My car is (was ) in decent shape, but heck guys it is a '95. I realize it is not going to be on my insurance, but cop put a $3500 estimate (yeah... i know) on the crash report... (which will be ready for me to get from DMV early next week).

I'm wondering how the other dude's insurance is going to try to handle it???

I think I'd like to get it fixed... like I said, it was in decent shape, and I don't want another car payment etc..

You guys know the relative value of the car... what do you think might transpire insurance wise? What should I be looking out for so I don't get hosed?

Thx

John T

 

Exact same thing happened to my car (According to the old owner) which is why it has a Salvage title and the LS1 front end. If you were smart you could try to just get them to give you the money to fix it yourself. You can get all the front end pieces pretty cheap and then just get it all painted.

Shouldn't cost more than a grand if it's all just cosmetic damage.

 

If the cop witnessed it, you shouldn't get "hosed" ... As long as the other guy actually has insurance then you should be set.

Go out whenever you have time and go to two or three body shops and see what they would charge to have it all fixed.

The insurance company will look at the price quotes you have (or they might have their own person come out and look at your car) and If the shops say that they will charge about $4,000 to fix it, then the insurance company will give you the $4,000 and you can either keep the money or get the car fixed.

If I were you, I would buy a new front clip and repair all of the damages yourself (as long as it is nothing to complex) and buy yourself a 4" cowl hood and then have the whole car repainted.

I have a 4" cowl hood on my Camaro and it always turns heads.

Also, I'm not sure what the prices of things are where you live but in Missouri, all of this could be done for less then $4,000 EASILY.

Just something to always remember: Most shops will charge anywhere from $59.00 to $100+ per HOUR just to work on your vehicle.

Good luck.

 

Thx guys.. I got a copy of the crash report today. All good there. Dude's dad has insurance, so I should be OK... touch wood.

I did take it by one body shop this morning. $2300

Called and spoke to the dad this evening. He's talking to his insurance to see how he wants to handle it...

Not sure yet, but if it is just the external cosmetic stuff I will fix it myself.... still haven't popped the hood, 'cause I'm afraid I won't get it to relatch... will definitely open the hood for the next estimate (when I can be w/out the car for a while)...