Someone backed into me, what are my options? (Insurance) kinda long.

pmagill1421 · 11-14-05, 12:23

Hey guys, a couple weeks ago I went to the local grocery store and walmart and as I was getting the things out of the back of my 05 GMC Sierra (Black).. i noticed the spacing from my front bumper to my headlight seemed too big.. Of course, upon further inspection I realized someone had hit my truck, pushing the chrome/painted bumper down and in. It also very slightly dented my front fender. Since I had no idea where it occurred (could have been at either store or at a parking garage the night before) or anything I didn't know what to do. So i thought that it's just a bumper, i guess i get screwed on this one and have to pay for it. so about a week or two pass and i am at the dealer for them to look at the truck on a warranty issue and I stop by the body shop and have them quote the work involved. they say that they would replace the bumper, the new one would have to be painted etc. total price for just the bumper, no fender work $987 dollars.. now I know that dealerships are ridiculous but i'm assuming even a body shop would be at the most a couple hundred cheaper. I have only made 3 payments on this truck and it really upsets me to the point where I just want it all fixed including the fender.

The zinger is that I just switched to a new insurance company who i have a ton of coverage with (have to carry a million dollar policy for my job)... so I am already paying 270 a month (with zero tickets and one accident 50% fault). I really dont want to get cancelled or my premium to go up any higher..
If I turn this in do you think they could raise my premium?
Is it too late now that I have waited a couple weeks?
What are my options now?

TIA - Pete

medic · 11-15-05, 09:52

if you want it fixed, you'll need to claim it or just pay it on your own. you can talk to your agent before you do as a hypotetical to see how it would affect your rates. I doubt they'd drop you for this, but you may see a bit of an increase come renewal time. they should be leanient on reporting it.

some policies even have a seperate section for covering items like this. I forget what it's called, but with progressive, my gf had a $3500 protection for damage even though she only had liability coverage. Darn, I wish I could remember the name of the coverage.

Depending on your deductible and the increase in premiums you may just want to bite the bullet and pay it out of pocket. unless you plan to buy the vehicle, your lease may require you to fix it anyway.

pmagill1421 · 11-15-05, 12:38

Well I am purchasing the vehicle (financed but not leased) so no force to fix it.. I mentioned it to my insurance agent right after it happened and he recommended a place (which turns out only does plastic bumpers)... we really didn't get into how it would affect my insurance so i might try him again. thanks for the help.

if anyone else has some insight.. let me know..

Rollman · 11-18-05, 02:05

Now would be a good time to put an aftermarket bumper on that baby, it would probably cost much less and give you better protection then your factory bumer . As for the dent check into having a PDR guy fix it for you . Post some pics of the damage if you can .