Hello,

My 2007 MC recently got hit from behind. At least the bumper, back hatch door (don't know what the proper name is for that), and exhaust need to be replaced. One of the rear tire is slanted, so guessing that the rear axle probably also needs to be replaced. The assessor also mention that the wheel/tire may also need to be replaced.

The at-fault driver was driving a a pick-up truck (similar to a Ford F1500 but much older, probably more like from the 80s), so it was much taller than the MC and the impact shows that it hit around the middle (vertically) of the back of the MC (which is why that back hatch door needs to be replaced). My guess is that that pick-up truck was still going at least 20mph when my car was already stopped (from slowing down slowly, i.e., not even a sudden stop as it was during a heavy commute period).

The assessor that my insurance company sent over produced a repair totalling under $4K (supposedly, this was only based on what the assessor can see as he wasn't able to get a clear view from under the car as the accident had pushded things around that some damages may be covered/not visible).

What caught my attention was the mention that that is based on non-OEM replacement parts. Obviously, I'm unhappy with that as my car was never in any accident before, will already get a reduced value due to the accident, and will only get even reduced value with the non-OEM replacement parts.

The insurance company described the non-OEM parts as "Based on the year of your vehicle, you would receive LKQ (Like Kind & Quality) parts or A/M (Aftermarket). Unfortunately, even if you utilized one of our repair facilities this would apply."

Questions I have:

1. What are the places where I can have a body repair shop order OEM parts from?

2. Does anybody know of any repair shop near the San Jose (CA)/South Bay area that would be able to find and use OEM replacement parts? I found http://www.miniconcordcollision.com/services/oem-parts/ but that's far from where I live. I'll call them to see if they'd be able to order the replacement parts if I don't have my car repaired there.

3. Any other recommendations on how to proceed with what I'm facing?

The above are the main questions I have for now but I'll share the remaining facts below in case there are additional recommendations.










a. The at-fault driver voluntarily stated at the place of accident that he had had a long day and was looking at his phone.

b. The at-fault driver has not contacted his insurance company even a week after the accident. I would not be surprised if he also has not reported it to the DMV.

c. The insurance company for the at-fault driver claims the law allows them 40 days (is that business days or calendar days?) to "investigate".

d. My insurance company had also contacted the other insurance company once and said that there's always a chance that they may not accept liability.

e. Somebody else was driving my MC when it happened and by the time I reached the place of accident, the other driver already disappeared (could not hold him back).

f. We got a picture of his DL and supposedly a recent proof of payment for his expired insurance paper-work. Unfortunately, due to being shocked, no picture was taken of the pick-up truck nor its DMV registration form. That's why I was rushing to meet them there but the at-fault driver had left by the time I got there.

Thank you for reading and please share your experiences. I'd also welcome all the underwriters and assessors that may read this to share your inputs.

 

If in doubt over a shop then take it to a MINI dealer.

Nothing to stop a non-dealer body shop from ordering/receiving OEM body parts only to return them after the car is done months later. Seen it happen. They will use the dealer invoice slips to satisfy the ins co and car owner, but use aftermarket panels/parts to increase their profit margin....