[bo1o02]

Started off with a bad day at work and ended the night with bad luck. Basically came home from work and parked my car. Went inside and came back out in 30 minutes to head out for dinner and noticed my rear left bumper crushed in. It also lightly cracked my tail light.

Well my question is, Do you members think it's wise for me to claim it on my insurance or just fix the bumper and leave the tail light alone. I could probably get a used bumper for around 100 + paint (which is like 300). Total about 400 or just claim it on my insurance. Not sure what the best possible move is. I just want to hear some opinions since some of the members actually give sound advice.

[WILLIE92]

If u are positive you can find the parts for as low as you think u might get them maybe you can get it done for cheap? but now days body shops charge a couple hundred to do small basic stuff?

[JC316]

If the damage is minimal I would not make a claim and fix it myself. You make the claim and your rates are probably going to go up. All depends on what your deductible is too.

[BMWinNorthdakota]

Figure out if your rates will go up or not...

If you can collect some cash...Get a m-tech rear


Thats assuming your rates dont go up.

[crazed792]

I had a hit and run once. It was a "not at fault" so even though I used a claim my insurance didn't rise. Of course, that may depend on your insurance provider and your plan (or even state FAIK). Also, FYI, I later switched insurance and it didn't show up for rating with my new provider either.

Oh, and it was a rear/side thing. Person must have been pulling out of the spot next to mine. around 2500 in damage on a G35.

[pruettfan]

If you are young or have a claim history then I would probably pass on turning into a insurance. Of course it would all depend on extent of damage. If it is less than a grand I would not turn it in.

[flux]

[E90PAT]

Originally Posted by flux

+1

[bsamoul]

If the bumper isn't too bad, usually you can heat it up and pop the dent out and still keep the bumper and only have to repaint. you could replace the tail light for cheap or upgrade to blacklines if you have a pre lci e90

[aesfah]

the danger in doing it yourself is that there maybe underlying damage to the reinforcement mechanisms of the bumper. only a reputable bodyshop could tell for sure, but it would involve dismantling the bumper cover and everything else behind it. you could just replace the cover and it may look good as new, but you maybe compromising your safety in case of a rear-end accident. just a thought...

[jibaholic101]

find out if your rates will go up...they shouldnt since it is a hit and run

if the rates wont go up, then claim it

[aesfah]

in the past 4 years, i've had 2 hit and runs. geico has covered both under the uninsured motorist claim provision, which required me to get a police report w/in 48 hours of the hit and runs. rates did not go up. i just paid my comprehensive deductible. it might show up in ur car's carfax tho, which may or may not be a big deal depending on whether you plan on selling anytime soon.

[E92-Lighting]

that sucks but a quick pic might help us determine your damage