Well guys, today it happened. On the way home from my daughter's soccer game I rear ended an explorer. So, I need some advice. I haven't been in an accident in probably 15 years, at least one that was my fault. How do I proceed? I believe my deductible is about 500. The damage is limited to my bumper cover and grill. Do file a claim and try to get an aero bumper? how does this work? Or, should I just buy an aero cover and leave insurance out of it?

Here are the pictures.

 

Im guessing the explorer didnt take any damage?

 

Great guess and no. There was one small scratch on her truck, but she said she would have her husband look at it. I don't think they'll file a claim.

 

I would just go through insurance and file a claim. That's why you pay the premium in cases like these. If you were to purchase the bumper and paint, that alone can run you about 800-900. You could also have more damage that is not visible without taking off the bumper. On top of that, it looks like you need a new grill too.

Just my .02

 

My insurance guy is my buddy so it should help. What is the difference in price between a sport bumper and an aero?

 

I d recommend filing a claim mainly to protect yourself down the road. I don't know the price difference between the sport and aero bumper but if your agent is your buddy it should all work out just fine. IP is one of the hardest color to match and being a 3 stage paint, it will also cost more. $500 deductible is a small price to pay for a few nice upgrades. you might as well get an Autokits-X or midnight grill while you re at it.

 

It doesn't look too bad. If it's just the bumper, don't file the claim and pay an extra $300 to keep it off the insurance. I would save the $500 for more serious claim where the total would cost you thousands above your deductible. Keep your record clean for this fender bender IMO.

 

To the OP, how did you not miss the @ss end of the explorer?

I ask this because earlier this summer, I was involved in a collision on 2 wheels where I got rear ended. The guy claimed he thought I had cleared the intersection when taking off from a stand still.

 

+1 b/c you don't know when you are going to get into an accident again. 2 at fault accidents per year would be very bad.

 

I'd pull that bumper Off and see if anything happened behind it. If its just the bumper cover and grill I wouldn't go thru insurance. I hate insurance companies. Anyway best of luck to you

 

With a $500 deductible I wouldn't file a claim for that if the other party doesn't claim against your insurance. Just me.

Be careful.

 

I wouldn't go through the insurance. If you already wanted another type bumper, go for it.

 

I will say that if your insurance deductible is only $500, I'll go with insurance tho.

like what one has stated, Bumper + paint alone may cost you up to $800-$900... But that will also depend what year your vehicle is, since insurance may go with Used bumper assembly (because your bumper absorber's damaged and probably reinforcement has been damaged too. It will well go over $1K...

Like mine deductible's $1K.. I'll just fix it myself. But your's $500 tho.. And plus what you mentioned, you didn't had accident for so long, it shouldnt affect your premium much. n

 

Minimal damage. If you have the funds, I'd pay out of pocket as long as the other party doesn't file against your insurance company. I know down here in Miami people are just waiting for you to rear end them so they can sue your insurance for false bodily injury claims.

 

Oh that can be buffed out NP! haha car doesn't look lowered, if it was there probably been just the grille that would taken the beat of the accident.