She borrowed my car (first time) and she "bumped" into another car at a red light. The front license plate holder snapped off and scratched the front bumper. No other damage.

Pics: 2012 G37xS - Imgur

What are my options for fixing the scratches? Do I have to replace the whole bumper? Does it make sense to go through insurance ($500 deductible)?

So far I paniced and rushed to the nearest dealership and bought a new license plate frame holder, $108.

Thanks in advance... I'm pretty upset right now.

 

It looks not too bad for the area on the top... you might be able to buff it out with some buffing followed by polishing compound.
As for the middle section, I can see that several paint pieces came off so you can't really fix those... but I think the license plate frame holder covers over that area? If so, then you should be OK.

Should have waited a bit longer before buying the license plate frame holder from the dealer though... I am pretty sure some members here still have theirs sitting around collecting dust and probably will be willing to sell it to you for under $50 or give it for free.

 

Unfortunately the license plate holder only covers up to that horiztonal line below the scratches.

I looked around for the license plate frame holder, but I didn't want to risk getting pulled over without a plate.

 

Take it to a body shop. Most likely paint about $250 give or take. As long as no cracks, then your good.

Are you lowered? Looks like you have a nice drop

 

The cover is peeling in a few places: https://i.imgur.com/caC0h.jpg would a paint job be able to cover that up? What about a vinyl wrap?

The car is OEM, the angle must make it look lowered .

 

Well most likely they will sand it down, prime and paint. Topping it with clear coat. AS LONG as you have no cracks or anything that impacts the structure of the bumper, your good.

Dont need to buy a new bumper and relax. . Tell the wifey now, she owes you a big one haha

 

I don't see any cracks, but that sounds great! I'll take it to a place in the morning to get it checked out. Would you happen to have a ballpark of how much that would cost? would it be less than $500?

 

Yes, about 250 is what my guy would quote me for the entire bumper. But 500 should be max. Anything above, ehh, I wouldnt do it. And do it out of pocket, insurance isnt worth it

Good luck!

 

Thanks man!

 

Hah, my girlfriend bumped my car too and broke the front license plate holder too! Guess we'll have to start a club

 

Did it slide up / scratch the bumper too?

 

Fortunately no, but the two screws holding the plate probably got pushed into the paint a little bit.

 

Moral of the story...Buy a 6MT so your GF/Wife cant drive the car

 

Or just tell her if you ever in your life touch this car you should immediately prepare yourself for a brief, but memorable ocho cinco moment...

 

HAHAHAH Funny but unless you wanna go to jail for head butting your wife stick with a just a sturn warning and hiding the keys