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?

2003 Boxster S hit by school bus
 

CHP report came back, all the other drivers fault. I doing a third party claim. I got hit in San Jose, CA by a school bus company out of Chicago, the insurance company is out of Pittsburgh, the claim company is out of Texas. I sent them the CHP report (California Highway Patrol) and they got back to me once in the last 3 weeks. Now I'm going straight to the Bus company, hopefully I don't have to go to court, but I will. Good news is that my Daughter will find out this month if she passed the BAR exam!

2003 Boxster S hit by bus
 

Anyway, the company adjuster declined my claim, so it's down to the process of serving a claim letter and then filing a civil suit. In the mean time I did the body work and purchased a bumper, but the vent inserts don't fit?, the bumper fits perfectly, any advise, how many 2003 stock bumpers were made?

Is there a reason your insurance company hasn't fixed your car and gone after the other company (responsible party)?

exactly. that's what you pay them for.

I agree with Dave and Steve. You pay insurance for this reason. It is their job to fight for you. Keep us all posted and sorry for the hassle.

2003 Boxster S Hit
 

It is more the principle of the matter, it's my car, I own it. I have the right for a third party claim, and I will be claiming deminished value. There is a form available and with the calculations the D.V. is approximately 3K for my vehicle.

James,
There were 3 factory bumpers for 2003.
1. The Base 2.7l bumper w/o the center rad opening. This one does not apply to your "S".
2. The "S"3.2l bumper w/ the center rad opening.
3. The "Aero kit II" bumper, AKA GT3 bumper. I believe this one was available with a center opening or with a center opening block-off panel.

Then there is the possibility that you have the vent duct inserts for either an earlier Boxster bumper (pre 2003) or for a 996 bumper.

Hope this helps.

Aron

2003 Boxster S got hit by bus
 

Thank you, this weekend I am going to take the new bumper cover off and size up the two vents I have again. I live in San Francisco and accross the bay there is a company names Parts Heaven, they are a Porsche auto dismantler, I will see what grills they have available. Thanks for the info, it just perplexes me that my stock grills will not work on a stock re-manufactured bumper from Prestige Bumper?