My 2003 Boxster S hit by school bus
 

Last Monday a bus made a right and side swiped my driver side fender and ripped off my bumper. Broke my heart, wondering, is it a total, where would I get the parts if I fixed it myself, is an upgrade bumper cool?

Sorry for your accident. The damage will not likely be more than $3,000 so it won't likely total your car. I've never seen any aftermarket front bumper cover that looks enough different than the original to make me want one. So if it jazzes you, then get one. Also as one who wants his vehicles immaculate, I would never entertain repairing accident damage that an insurance company is going to pay out on anyway. But again, it's your car so your choices.

Only your insurance company can tell you if it's a total.

2003 Boxster S hit
 

Thanks, just had the lights, windshield and front end painted
Cost, $6,300.00! These cars are expensive to fix, one light
Assembly is 1,400.00 ( Zenon)

Glad things got fixed up. Yes, the Litronic (projector) headlights on these cars are very expensive, which is just the way it is, unfortunately.

Was the car parked or were you driving when this happened?

2003 Boxster S hit
 

I was stopped at a light in the turnings lane, should have the
CHP report by Friday

If you want to "upgrade" your bumper cover, the OEM Aero II (AKA GT3 Mark 1) front bumper is popular and has the factory fit and finish that many aftermarket pieces are lacking. If you go this route, you'll also want the factory aero side skirts too.



http://i54.tinypic.com/2q1v5z6.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/16jlnk7.jpg

2003 Boxster S hit
 

Thank you, looks very nice, my Boxster has the aero option

And therein lies your high cost for the fix. Aerokit body parts aren't exactly cheap, and let's not even get into paint. :rolleyes:

is it exactly the same as the gt3 mk 1?

2003 Boxster S Hit
 

I was able to contact the other parties insurance,
I am thinking of pursing a diminished value claim as well.

Okay. I'll be the devi's advocate. How do you justify a diminished value claim prior to attempting to sell a vehicle? You, until then, don't have any diminished value - do you? Additionally, how would you calculate the "diminished portion of the claim. Obviously, tort law is not my strong suit, but I'm curious as to how this would progress. I've never seen it done, only read about it.

Aron - that is one nice 97 boxster! I wish those kits weren't so expensive.

I agree, unfortunately it's not mine, just some photos I picked off the web to show what the Aero pieces look like.

This is the argument most insurance companies here in Canada use, where diminished value claims are typically not paid out.

For example if you go to trade-in or sell a newer but recently repaired vehicle to a dealer you will get far less than a comparable car with no damage history. This, I think everyone agrees on, but if you keep the car, say for 10 years before you trade it in its value will have dropped due to age in addition to its damage history compared to other comparable cars.

The question is should the insured be "made whole" at the time the damage occurs or at the time the vehicle is sold or traded and diminished value occurs?

2003 Boxster S Hit By Bus
 

This link is very interesting reading regarding diminished value:
Diminished value auto insurance claims

The claims adjuster came by and took some pictures. I will take the car to have the suspension looked at, since I own the car I will request a cash settlement.

So far it seems that Pelican Part sells body parts and fasteners.

I'll let everyone know what the final cost is.

I love my Boxster and keep it very clean, its a very nice 03 S model and has most of the options.

You mighyt try a dismantler for the parts and get a substantial savings. I've had good luck wioth Oklahoma Foreign.

I wouldn't put used parts on my Boxster. As reputable Porsche dealer, or knowing buyer, will test the paint density and know you put something on and had it repainted. Insurance is there for a reason, the responsible party will pay for the damage to be repaired properly. You certainly have your repair quote by now. What is it?

Boxster hit by school bus
 

The CHP report came back, the other driver completely at fault. So far estimated damage $8,700.00 I go to the suspension shop on Tuesday

So, what's the verdict?