Minor Accident - Concerns and Cost

[KevinH1990]

A work van ran into me this afternoon when I was waiting at a stop sign. Here's a picture of the damage:

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n161/KevinH1990/BoxsterDamage002.jpg


This is a close up of the gouge in my bumper cover:

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n161/KevinH1990/BoxsterDamage003.jpg

What should I be looking for in terms of hidden damage? Is there energy-absorbing material behind the bumper cover that needs to be replaced? Should I take a close look at the bumper supports?

The person who hit me has Nationwide Insurance. I filed a claim with them, and they seemed courteous. Has anyone had a problem with them?

Any ideas about what this may cost and how long the repair will require? The weather has been perfect for top-down driving and I don't want too much down time.

Thanks

[jmatta]

How fast was the van traveling when it hit? From the pics, it looks like superficial damage to the bumper cover. The pic (not very good quality) shows what's behind the cover. Beneath are the bumper shocks, that could have been damaged if the hit was hard enough.

[pompous]

I would say they will cut you a check pretty fast.

I don't think pulling the rear bumper is that big of a deal to do yourself. I'd probably check for a used one online and you may even get lucky and find a good artic silver one you can pick up on the cheap. You could certainly at least find good used one that you can have painted and then put it back on yourself to save a good little chunk and maybe even learn a lil' bout your car in the process.

[Kirk]

There is an aluminum frame/bumper underneath the bumper cover. There is not any energy absorbing material (foam). It looks like you got hit hard enough to damage the bumper cover, but it's doubtful that the aluminum frame is damaged. Still I would check the mounts and where it bolts to the mounts. In addition, there is a piece that bolts onto the bumper that supports the bumperette. Based on the damage to the bumperette I would be concerned that the underlying support is damaged and/or the location where it bolts to the bumper is damaged. The only way to tell for sure would be to remove the bumperttes and bumper cover and inspect everything underneath. You'll want to get quotes from a body shop for the repairs though for insurance. I would certainly have the body shop look for damage too.

When pulling together your quotes don't go cheap. Costs should include installation, replacement of parts (not repair of that damaged bumper cover), and don't forget paint (bumpers from Porsche are not painted). Make sure the quotes you get will cover the real replacement costs if a body shop were to do the work. Then, once you have the check from insurance, if you want to save the bucks and do the work yourself, good for you. As suggested, I personally would look for a good, used bumper cover that's already painted Arctic Silver. If you get a bumper cover and bumperette already painted, then replacement should not take more than an hour and it's a simple job that you can probably do yourself, assuming no damage to the support structure.

Kirk

[ekam]

Take it to a reputable bodyshop or dealer to get a quote for the damage. Fax the quote to the insurance company and get a cheque from them.

[70Sixter]

You are off to a good start with pics as documentation. Document everything and save it. A future buyer will be suspicious (I would) that any damage was major and repairs were quick 'n dirty.

[KevinH1990]

Thanks for the comments. The kid who hit me called me twice today and told me he found a bumper on eBay and offered to put it on for me. Paint fades differently and another arctic silver bumper may not match correctly. I also just painted the bumperettes and I want to keep that look.

I think I am just going to turn it over to the pros. I know of a good shop that I trust with the repairs. I'm going to ask them specifically to check the parts you mentioned. I just don't have time right now to take on this as a project.

[Jaxonalden]

His insurance is required to replace all damaged parts with OEM parts, fixing your car like new. Don't let him buy crap off the Internet to fix your ride. Hand it over to a trustworthy body shop or Porsche dealership and have them bill the insurance company directly. Don't forget to get a rental if your car is in overnight and pass that bill on also.

Good Luck