Q about fender bender, my fault

[scottmandue]

Yes, this does relate to my 'front fender' thread...

Motoring in bumper to bumper traffic (the same traffic I have dealt with for FIFTEEN YEARS without a problem)

But that doesn't help... stop... go... stop... go... stop, squeal, bump... I tag the guy in front of me. (new tires and brakes on my car... we were going about 25-30mph if that)

We exchange info (we have the same insurance).

Bumpers are scratched but no mechanical damage.

I'm sure he will get (and deserves) a new rear bumper.

Question is should I bother having the insurance fix my front bumper? Pro/Con?

[BReif61]

Which car? If the Miata, it might be worthwhile to search for a correct color bumper cover. If a used one is less than your deductible, I'd just do that (obviously).

-Capt. Obvious.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by BReif61

Which car? If the Miata, it might be worthwhile to search for a correct color bumper cover. If a used one is less than your deductible, I'd just do that (obviously).

-Capt. Obvious.

Does the deductible apply to both cars? I'm sure the other guys shinny new bumper installed by a body shop will eat up all of my deductible (unless there are separate deductibles for each car... guess that is kinda what my question is about).

And yes I have a called into my auto insurance to ask just that question (waiting for a reply).

And yes I have the #'s of some places that have recycled Miata parts.

[gacook]

I THINK (but could be very wrong) that it's 2 separate claims--your car and his car--so it's 2 deductibles.

[Zeke]

One accident. The damage to the other car should be 100% covered. Damage to your own car you pay the deductible when it's your fault. YMMV.

[krystar]

best for all parties involved to agree to settle without getting insurance involved, if you can afford to pay it out of pocket.
have him get a quote from body shop to replace and repaint a bumper cover.
fix yer bumper on your own dime.

accident record doesn't appear on his car

accident record doesn't appear on your car. accident record doesn't appear on your driving record.

everyone wins except the insurance company.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Zeke

One accident. The damage to the other car should be 100% covered. Damage to your own car you pay the deductible when it's your fault. YMMV.

Talked to Ins. Co. and you are absolutely correct!

Originally Posted by krystar

best for all parties involved to agree to settle without getting insurance involved, if you can afford to pay it out of pocket.
have him get a quote from body shop to replace and repaint a bumper cover.
fix yer bumper on your own dime.

accident record doesn't appear on his car

accident record doesn't appear on your car. accident record doesn't appear on your driving record.

everyone wins except the insurance company.

In a perfect world yes... except it was my fault and the other guy chose to use the insurance... and have you priced a new rear bumper lately? Think in the neighborhood of $2000