[natesi]

Story time:

I had a clear bra put on both of my headlights last year (LCI LED headlights).

For some stupid reason, the installer trimmed the clear bra with his razor blade after the clear bra was already on the headlight. The guy had decades of experience and a great reputation - and I get what he was trying to do (score the film, not cut through it) -- but he failed miserably.

Long story short, he cut the headlights up significantly -- and said NOTHING. Luckily I was inspecting his work and noticed this right away. It was hard to see this since the cuts were on the edges of the clear bra, but if/when the clear bra came off the headlights, they would be highly visible. Anyway, to make the story even shorter: This became an insurance issue through his business -- and his insurance company had to pay over $4K just to replace the factory housings (he screwed up both lenses). Also, there's another $1100+ of "add ons" for each LED light that must be transferred over to the new housings, too.

Can you imagine a fender-bender that smashed up just the LED lights (and their modules), alone would be? With all the modules you would be looking at a $6200 bill, bare minimum -- before any fenders, bumpers, hood, paint, or body work. With insane costs, like this, it is easy to see how these cars *can* get totaled, even with minimal damage.

[obert]

Damn that’s crazy story. I think compared to the cost of even OEM halogen lights the insurance won’t have an issue with buying me new depo lights at 650 shipped.

[NYBMWBrian]

AARRRHHH, that totally sucks. Sorry about that.

[Savageenterprise]

People suck but that person sucks a bit less because at least they left a note.

Atleast its not the whole side of the car and it's still drive able.

[obert]

Body shop is looking to buy me new depo lights. Still haven’t got a total damage yet.

[Lagemba]

So sorry that happened mate. That's the reason why I invested in a garage when I bought my car... Reassurance for when I'm not around it

[obert]

Originally Posted by michaelcami

So sorry that happened mate. That's the reason why I invested in a garage when I bought my car... Reassurance for when I'm not around it

Thanks

Kind of hard to build a personal garage at the train station

I can only dream of a garage, even at home

[Lagemba]

Originally Posted by obert

Thanks

Kind of hard to build a personal garage at the train station

I can only dream of a garage, even at home

Ah fair enough, not convenient for everyone sadly. My garage is ten minutes walk away as I'm also near a train station, so not too far thankfully. Hope insurance pull through for you man.

[obert]

Damage was $2600 and I am still working with the insurance to get my new headlight and bumper.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by obert

Damage was $2600 and I am still working with the insurance to get my new headlight and bumper.

They think the bumper is repairable?

Not surprised about the headlight to be honest but I figured a new bumper cover was a guarantee.

[silvercas]

Just found out that my car insurance allows me to insure my cosmetic additions that I have done. Of course its in additional to my std insurance. $2,000 in aftermarket modifications was $6 a year.

[obert]

Originally Posted by sspade

They think the bumper is repairable?

Not surprised about the headlight to be honest but I figured a new bumper cover was a guarantee.

They are replacing the bumper but I am trying to buy a sport bumper from a local for 250 and they pay for it instead of buying me a new OEM bumper. New bumper 700.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by obert

They are replacing the bumper but I am trying to buy a sport bumper from a local for 250 and they pay for it instead of buying me a new OEM bumper. New bumper 700.

Ah. Gotcha. Id spring for the M sport bumper so long as it was going to be painted by insurance. Good call.

Maybe talk the body shop into ordering the M sport and offering to pay the difference? Whatever works, I guess.

[obert]

Question for you all. Would you accept a headlight that looks like a depo but isn’t a depo headlight? They are having a hard time finding a local place to sorce a single depo light from. I am waiting to hear back from the shop.

The insurance company is saying they will not pay for the rental if they have to order one that could take a couple of weeks. They are having attitude about it.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by obert

Question for you all. Would you accept a headlight that looks like a depo but isn’t a depo headlight? They are having a hard time finding a local place to sorce a single depo light from. I am waiting to hear back from the shop.

The insurance company is saying they will not pay for the rental if they have to order one that could take a couple of weeks. They are having attitude about it.

I would definitely make sure it is EXACTLY the same before accepting it...

It would not be hard to believe that a single manufacturer is making those lights and they are being marketed by different brand names (Depo, etc.)

I would make damn sure though before deciding. Get detailed pictures of the front and back and compare markings, numbers, etc.

[obert]

Originally Posted by sspade

I would definitely make sure it is EXACTLY the same before accepting it...

It would not be hard to believe that a single manufacturer is making those lights and they are being marketed by different brand names (Depo, etc.)

I would make damn sure though before deciding. Get detailed pictures of the front and back and compare markings, numbers, etc.

I am just worried if they get a none Depo light it might not function like a depo.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by obert

I am just worried if they get a none Depo light it might not function like a depo.

Thats a reasonable worry, for sure.

Why not have them buy one of these off eBay? They are actual Depo lights and being sold individually...

[obert]

Originally Posted by sspade

Thats a reasonable worry, for sure.

Why not have them buy one of these off eBay? They are actual Depo lights and being sold individually...

Thanks

Yeah I sent them that link yesterday. It’s out of country so they are not wanting to wait. But if they can’t sorce one locally and tell me it’s not their problem I will push back to keep me rental and them pay for it until my car is complete.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by obert

Thanks

Yeah I sent them that link yesterday. It’s out of country so they are not wanting to wait. But if they can’t sorce one locally and tell me it’s not their problem I will push back to keep me rental and them pay for it until my car is complete.

Good plan. Worst case - tell them to shove their rental up their ass and get yourself the cheapest go cart rental that you can find on Kayak.com for a week. Normally you can get cars for about $20 per day...

Rarely do these insurance debacles end up being completely free (from my experience anyway). Worst case - you end up coming out of pocket for $200 MAX to get a new bumper cover, fender, and headlight installed. Not the worst outcome in my opinion.

Definitely push back and try to get them to at LEAST split the additional rental days with you. Good luck.

[aerostar]

The aftermarket issue only comes up when your insurance is fixing your vehicle.

Since the other person is at-fault their insurance will pay for all your aftermarket parts provided you can show them receipts, etc.

[obert]

I don’t think it’s the cost it’s all about shipping time and rental fees.

[obert]

https://www.go-parts.com/bm2502181-2...CABEgKhdfD_BwE

This is what they are going with.