KenP

So I have had my Mustang for just a month and a half. I was working today and when I was leaving I noticed some marks on my car. Sometime during my work day some butt head backed into my car. They left 4 or 5 dings on the passenger side rear bumper (right on the corner). Now it's not bad as what has happened to a few of our fellow members here, but it just stinks to have this happen. They didn't leave a note or nothing. I wonder how much this is going to cost me. There are 4 or 5 scratches about 1-2 inches long taking up the space of an adult sized hand. It went into the primer and is rough to the touch. I guess I'll give my insurance agent a call on Monday to get the process going.

What a way to start off Christmas.


-Ken

RaGsHoCkEy88

sorry that this happened man. im trying to think of alternatives for parking for when i get mine. im practicing already with the car i drive now

Galaxie

I wouldn't bother calling the insurance company, the cost to repaint a bumper is probably the same as the deductible anyways.

Best thing to do is keep you rates from going up, find a good bodyshop, the bumper shouldn't cost more than $200 for a re-paint.

KenP

I guess I could explore that avenue as well. I don't have a clue how much it would cost or what they would have to do to fix it. I would also prefer to have my dealer do the job. Would there be a drastic price difference between the dealer and a private shop?


-Ken

z71mudder199

They did not leave a note because they know they damaged a legend! And people who damage legends will pay for it in the long run

Their fates are no better than this

wild stray

Sorry to hear that. Some people are sick in the worst way. I am sure it can be fixed, but why?

sadsquared2

Warranty doesn't cover the damages?

wild stray

"Warranty" is prolly closer to "guarantee", than it is to "insurance".

tom_vilsack

Sorry too hear about this...same thing happened to a mazda b2200 i had...i parked for all on like 10 min and when i come out ,my rear bumper (which is all steel) had a dent in it at least 3-4 inches deep (no way person who hit me didnt relize this)...

I dont suppose touch up paint and a good polishing compound would help? Aas for insurance,your probably better off paying body shop yourself...

brian

Man, that stinks. Yeah, I'd get an estimate before talking to the insurance guy.

I went in to Target yesterday. Parked near no one of course.
When I came out there were 3 shopping carts up against my car.
There were no marks though. Probably just some punk kids hiding in the bushes watching me shove Target shopping carts half way across the lot and shouting profanities.

LordBritish

Parking lots are evil.

Park well away from big SUVs.

Fat soccer moms are the worst !!

They are in a rush to do this and that and the safety of your new Mustang parked next to her is #2,532,653 on the top 2,532,654 things to worry about !!

Stay the heck away from SUVs !!

KenP

Nah, warranty doesn't cover an idiots work of carelessness. Looks like too much work for touch up paint and a buffer. I have been carefull of when it comes to parking in shopping centers. This happened where I work and I only had a limited choice of where to park. Someone was definately not watching what they were doing. I guess it could have been worse. Maybe my dealerships body shop can fill and blend the section in with the rest of the bumper. I can't see them taking off the whole bumper for an area the size of a hand. At least I have my first battle scar out of the way.

BlackMustangGT07

This makes me think...Why do we pay for insurance again?..O yeah, cuz its a law for them to short change us after paying into them for our whole lives...

KenP

That's the truth. When we call in a claim they rack up the rate a bit more for an accident/mishap. It would be nice to have them say "well you havn't had any claims over the past 8 years......Spend the next six payments on yourself and we will keep you covered".

I got a chance to look at it in daylight today. It looked worse last night when I had the flashlight on it. I don't think I will call the insurance company. I'm hitting the body shop on Monday to see what they say.

REDFIRESNAKE

Get at least 3 different estimates from different shops and ask around to see who takes pride in their work and who does a sloppy job. And remember to tell them it's coming out of your pocket! The estimate could be doubled if they believe an insurance company is paying for it!

Galaxie

Great point.

Make sure you find a good shop, look at the cars inside, if they are patching together whatever, not a good sign. Typically a good shop handles high-volume cars.

If the rear bumper needs to be re-painted with no other bodywork, I doubt you will pay more than $200 out of pocket. At worst, they may have to do a bit of alignment work.

Ask your friends/co-workers to reccomend a good shop, and don't pay in full if you find defects (curtains, fisheyes, runs, etc)

autothing

Don't bother getting multiple estimates. Look for a repair shop with lots of BMWs, Acuras and other higher-end cars in their lots -- this is a sure way of dealing with someone who will do a high-quality job whatever the charge.

Hey, you want it cheap and crappy or for a few more bucks, nice and perfect? Exactly. B)

KenP

I've had a few friends look at it. They all seem to think it will be an easy fix. It's not gouged into the plastic. They seem to think someone backed out of their spot at a low speed and scraped the bumper. The paint was scraped off and there are some rubbing type of marks. Nothing seems to be bent out of shape or alignment. Took it to the folks and mom says "ya can barely see it, dont bother spending the money". Well Mom does'nt always know best. A 1 1/2 month old Mustang doesn't need a scar. It's going to be fixed right.