A lot of that could be DIY, the headlights, R&R of the bumper cover and grill is pretty easy. The hood could be massaged back into a better shape. I suspect there is damage to the gear under the bumper cover though.

Those headlights are much more expensive than you would imagine

After raising 3 wonderful children, 2 boys and a daughter, I had one simple rule. You wreck it you fix it, unfortunately it started after my first son wrecked two.

I would buy them their first car, help them do mechanical, they buy the parts. I buy the insurance until they have a wreck or ticket and its then on them. Have them sign a contract, first offence, no driving for a month, next one you are taking the bus until you are 21, don't like it, well don't mess up.

My oldest wrecked a very sweet BMW 320i and a F250 diesel, I learned the hard and expensive way. Next two did contracts and no problems, no wrecks and no tickets.

Good point - here we have xlnt bus service; he may not where he/his daughter live(s).


I do not see this as a question of fairness if she was texting or cell phoning. Not at all. Studies show that use of a cell phone is as dangerous or, in the latest study, more dangerous, than driving drunk.

No, I see this as a question of saving your daughter's life.

If it was just a total accident, that is different.

If she was sitting in a line of cars, and someone threw their car into reverse, and sh couldn't get out of the way... well, it has happened, but...

That hints at one solution:She fixes, and you help.

Bumper and grill need to be changed for sure (they are already color matched from the dealer.)

Hood could be bent/hammered back into shape with generous bondo and garage painted.
Or replaced with junkyard/aftermarket.

Headlights are still whole, and all mounts could be pulled/hammered back into place.
Shims and washers go a long way.
It was a light front hit, so the frame might not be too tweaked.

If you have the time it could be a learning experience.

Foe peace of mind I was able to check phone records and there was no texting or phone calls....surprisingly the other car just has some scratches and scuffs it's hard to tell if it's bent.... She must have hit the brakes hard and the front nose took a dive into the back bumper.... While I am disappointed she is remorseful and knows the financial consequences...... Will see what happens in the days to come...

ok, a mistake - we all make them

- just let her take it to a body shop for an estimate

Glad she is exonerated from from the charges of 'electronic distraction' levied by the quick-to-convict here.

There are 2 ways to fix the car. Insurance bodyshops will strip the car and reconstruct it using new OEM or OEM parts of a salvage car. But, it can also be fixed using aftermarket parts where available.

I see new bumper cover and likely impact foam, another hood and some trim. I don't understand the bridge between the 2 front fenders. I don't see a break point. It's as if the fenders are connected. There's a parting line below the lights, but it doesn't continue.

How does that work? Until I know about that, I can't say whether the fenders can be worked (saved) or not.

I somehow doubt the damage (if any) to the core support is terminal.

Here's my son's old '98 model getting a new nose/bumper just to give you an idea of what might be under there. This was not the result of an accident. It was modern day hot rodding.
I don't think it'll be as bad as you think.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1367897426.jpg

Kids have to learn early that driving is a full time major responsibility that demands their full time attention.

I just picked up a 2003 Civic for my son with similar damage. You can buy all the parts to fix it for less than $1,000. Everything would be bolt on except for the radiator surround if it's damaged. If it is, it can be pulled out straight or replaced but that would require welding.