Rear ended an SUV with a trailer hitch the other day going about 5 mph and the receiver part of his hitch left a huge dent and gouge in my front bumper. It actually went part way through the bumper.

Yes, it was my fault. We were merging onto a road and I was watching some guy drifting into our lane. Well the guy infront of me saw him also and stopped. By the time I looked up I only had about three feet and bam!!

I had my insurance co. come apraise the damage and was quoted $594.00 to fix it. This includes a new bumper, paint and labor. Take away my $500 deductible and I received a nice check for $94.00 dollars.

Is this a reasonable appraisal? I called my dealer, Otto's in West Chester, PA, and was qouted $260.00 for the bumper and $450.00 for the paint.

The adjuster said $450.00 to paint was a total ripoff.

I would like to go ahead and get the Aero kit bumper, get it painted and install it myself.

Any advise?

 

First, just pay for it yourself so your rates dont go up. Getting the aero bumper would only be mildly more expensive than the stock bumper. Painting shouldn;t be too bad. Probably $200-300. Give classic mini a call for, since they have great prices on mini parts for NAM members.

 

$450 to paint is a total ripoff. Dealers should refrain from quoting things about which they know nothing. $300 tops.

 

If you are with State Farm and have reported it the real damage is done. I reported a parking lot ding I found on my car. I reported to State Farm but it was minor and I did nothing. I did not want to affect my rates. I screwed up. My rates not only wenrt up, they dropped me. A 59 year old and never more than a broken windshield on my record. I was later informed that the act of reporting it to them makes it an accident. Money has nothing to do with it. I had been with them for over 20 years. Check with your ins. company and see if the mear act of reporting it causes reports/cases to be opened and if that will effect your future.

Motor on

 

I will be checking with my insurance co. tomm. I am going to offer to return the check if it will affect my rates. I have USAA insurance

I thought $450.00 for paint was outrageous also.

 

get a quote from classic mini. aero kit painted.
i was interested in the aero kit so i asked for a quote. they gave me a good deal but i forgot how much...hahah sorry.
but better to do it yourself. especially if it was your fault..i mean the guy drifting into your lane.
accidents happen all the time..unfortunately.

 

Not sure, but when I had a minor rear bumper issue I got two shops with $525 to refinish the bumper. That included minor refinish of the bumper itself and repaint.

 

Bondo and touch-up sticks.