[kadify]

So Thursday night (Cinco de mayo) I was involved in an accident. Long story short, the person behind me slammed on the gas acting a fool and ended up sideswiping my car while I was making a left hand turn at a light, they then drove away, however, I got their license tag number.

Now I'm waiting on insurance to determine fault (should be their fault since I was in the right and turning and they went into the opposing traffic lane to try and turn in front of me and ended up hitting me) so I can get my car fixed.

My question is this: I̶t̶ ̶l̶o̶o̶k̶s̶ ̶l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶i̶n̶s̶u̶r̶a̶n̶c̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶m̶p̶a̶n̶y̶ ̶p̶r̶i̶c̶e̶d̶ ̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶j̶u̶s̶t̶ ̶r̶e̶p̶a̶i̶r̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶p̶a̶n̶e̶l̶s̶ ̶w̶i̶t̶h̶ ̶d̶a̶m̶a̶g̶e̶ ̶(̶s̶e̶e̶ ̶b̶e̶l̶o̶w̶)̶ ̶b̶u̶t̶ ̶I̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶u̶n̶d̶e̶r̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶i̶m̶p̶r̶e̶s̶s̶i̶o̶n̶ ̶t̶h̶a̶t̶ ̶d̶e̶n̶t̶s̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶c̶r̶e̶a̶s̶e̶s̶ ̶c̶o̶u̶l̶d̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶b̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶p̶a̶i̶r̶e̶d̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶y̶ ̶h̶a̶d̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶b̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶p̶l̶a̶c̶e̶d̶? They also have quoted paint for alpine white but my car is mineral, not sure if that is a more involved paint application or not...

My second question is this: Since it is the other drivers fault, can I upgrade parts of the car that are already being repaired? The estimate includes replacement of the front drivers wheel, can I upgrade my wheels (all 4) to a different style at the expense of the other person's insurance since they hit me?

Last question: It's not obvious but the driver wheel has been pulled forward in the wheel well (it's about an inch further forward than it should be however it still appears to be aligned) should I make sure the repair shop looks at anything specific when fixing this? Insurance just has an alignment listed to fix this issue...

Thanks folks=3 Stay safe when driving!






Sorry I took these at night when the accident happened.


EDIT: So I was looking over the estimate again and realized they are covering a full replacement of the door and fender instead of just a repair. I didn't realize the part number was listed for items they plan on replacing.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by kadify

...
1) My question is this: It looks like the insurance company priced out just repairing the panels with damage (see below) but I was under the impression that dents on creases couldn't be repaired they had to be replaced? They also have quoted paint for alpine white but my car is mineral, not sure if that is a more involved paint application or not...

2) My second question is this: Since it is the other drivers fault, can I upgrade parts of the car that are already being repaired? The estimate includes replacement of the front drivers wheel, can I upgrade my wheels (all 4) to a different style at the expense of the other person's insurance since they hit me?

3) Last question: It's not obvious but the driver wheel has been pulled forward in the wheel well (it's about an inch further forward than it should be however it still appears to be aligned) should I make sure the repair shop looks at anything specific when fixing this? Insurance just has an alignment listed to fix this issue.

1) They don't have to replace the panels, only repair them. Probably no difference in paint costs - but I'm surprised that they made that mistake, because they should be going off the VIN and that should have the correct color.
2) No. You might be able to get them to buy a single rim in the style you want, but you have to pay for the other 3.
3) Point it out.

Whoever did the estimate is not very experienced. Take it to a shop you trust, and have them do an estimate. Talk to your insurance adjuster. DO NOT ACCEPT A CHECK FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY! DEMAND YOUR CAR BE REPAIRED PROPERLY.

[CalCarNut]

Oh that sucks!

I'd demand replacement fenders and doorskin and whatever else was hit; nothing 'repaired'. Replacing the wheels (all 4) with new ones, is on you. They should be responsible for replacing the current damaged part..not 'upgrading' your ride to better than it was. Definitely point out the fact that the wheel gap has changed. Get them to fix it properly the first time so you aren't inconvenienced any more than you will be. Glad you're ok.

[syenisch]

If the wheel is forward then your caster is off. Your car is not aligned properly. You likely have a bent control arm or two. The easiest way to do upgrades is to have the insurance company cut you a check based on their estimate and handle it on your own. However, I wouldn't accept a check from the insurance company unless they make it clear you can come back for more if more is found to be damaged.

[kadify]

I'm going to the recommended repair shop my dealer uses and as a result will be getting a check from the insurance company to then pay for the damages. I think I'll see if the repair shop can do an estimate for the door and fender repair/replacement whatever they think will be best since the scratch extends all the way to the rear quarter panel.

The problem with the estimate is I had to use that app from state farm so they did the estimate 100% off of like 7 pictures.

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

Oh that sucks!

I'd demand replacement fenders and doorskin and whatever else was hit; nothing 'repaired'. Glad you're ok.

How would I go about demanding replacements? And thanks, it wasn't too dramatic of an accident except for the other person yelling out of their window at me, smh.

[CalCarNut]

From pics..hard to tell how bad they are. Obviously a body shop is a better gauge than I am in repair/replacement. My ins uses OEM...they'd pay the shop and get reimbursed from the other parties insurance and thats how /where I'd demand new pieces.

[XKxRome0ox]

bodyshop and insurance adjuster do a preliminary estimate
(these days many insurance companies do not actually send an adjuster to the shop. They just upload photos and review)
Then once that is approved, the body shop begins repair
After the initial teardown, body shop should be submitting a supplemental estimate for insurance to approve

Hopefully the shop is good and they get all the parts that need to be fixed and replaced
I mean, it’s only in their best interest to repair/replace as much as possible because they can charge more for labor that way


as far as "upgrading" or replacing with different parts
talk to the body shop
they can order different parts for you as long as it's paid for by somebody

OP - where are you located?

[kadify]

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

From pics..hard to tell how bad they are. Obviously a body shop is a better gauge than I am in repair/replacement. My ins uses OEM...they'd pay the shop and get reimbursed from the other parties insurance and thats how /where I'd demand new pieces.

I think my insurance uses OEM, however I was told by the bodyshop that technically since the car is used that they only have to replace with used parts (where available) to save money, hence why I'm getting a used wheel instead of a brand new one.

Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox

bodyshop and insurance adjuster do a preliminary estimate
(these days many insurance companies do not actually send an adjuster to the shop. They just upload photos and review)
Then once that is approved, the body shop begins repair
After the initial teardown, body shop should be submitting a supplemental estimate for insurance to approve

Hopefully the shop is good and they get all the parts that need to be fixed and replaced
I mean, it’s only in their best interest to repair/replace as much as possible because they can charge more for labor that way


as far as "upgrading" or replacing with different parts
talk to the body shop
they can order different parts for you as long as it's paid for by somebody

OP - where are you located?

I'm in colorado. I guess I'll wait for the bodyshop to call back after reviewing the initial estimate and then once I take my car down there I'll maybe ask them to make their own estimate to replace everything.

[CalCarNut]

Any car that rolls off the new car lot is 'used'. Sounds like a crock of shit to me. The car at OLDEST is 2yrs old if its a '14. I don't care what the body shop says..its the ins policy that dictates what you do and don't get...not the bodyshop.

Stick to your guns if you feel the need to press for new pieces.

[kadify]

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

Any car that rolls off the new car lot is 'used'. Sounds like a crock of shit to me. The car at OLDEST is 2yrs old if its a '14. I don't care what the body shop says..its the ins policy that dictates what you do and don't get...not the bodyshop.

Stick to your guns if you feel the need to press for new pieces.

Yeah I just updated the first post. Realized that they did in fact bill for a new driver door and front fender. For the wheel they have a phone number and business listed to get a used wheel from In all honesty though, the wheel isn't bent or even damaged other than some small scuffs. Could probably get that fixed separately later.

[XKxRome0ox]

if you actually read your auto insurance policy, you will find that most policies say that they don't have to use ORIGINAL parts and can use aftermarket

and looks like you edited your post so you're getting new parts
but i am not sure if they can give you USED parts though
not sure if OP was confused about used parts or aftermarket or what

anyway
for everyone - if you ever get bored, you should try reading your policies

[kadify]

Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox

if you actually read your auto insurance policy, you will find that most policies say that they don't have to use ORIGINAL parts and can use aftermarket

and looks like you edited your post so you're getting new parts
but i am not sure if they can give you USED parts though
not sure if OP was confused about used parts or aftermarket or what

anyway
for everyone - if you ever get bored, you should try reading your policies

No my policy definitely calls for OEM parts. I just had read somewhere before, and the repair shop confirmed, that they are legally allowed to use used OEM parts.

[eluded]

I hope you are OK and did not get hurt. In california if you injury somebody in a hit and run its a felony.

[kadify]

Originally Posted by eluded

I hope you are OK and did not get hurt. In california if you injury somebody in a hit and run its a felony.

I'm fine thanks =) My back sort of hurt after the accident but it's doing ok now. Now the only thing that hurts are my eyes when they see my still damaged car

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by eluded

I hope you are OK and did not get hurt. In california if you injury somebody in a hit and run its a felony.

Yeah, I was wondering about this--the police didn't arrest them?

[kadify]

Originally Posted by jgoens

Yeah, I was wondering about this--the police didn't arrest them?

Not that I know of, at least not yet. I'm not sure what's going on. I reported the accident, obviously, but then they didn't seem to be in any hurry to do anything (the police report still hasn't been completed...) so I'm not sure what they're doing. The police didn't even care about taking info down for the witnesses either.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Sorry about that OP

Glad everyone involved is okay

[pbjjj]

I am sorry this happened to you, OP

I personally have experienced twice in the last month that the car behind me making a left turn ahead of me. Luckily they did not sideswipe my car like this person did to the OP's car. I thought this type of driving was unique to these couple "drivers", if they can be called that. I know now it's more common than I realized...

[//M]

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

Oh that sucks!

I'd demand replacement fenders and doorskin and whatever else was hit; nothing 'repaired'. Replacing the wheels (all 4) with new ones, is on you. They should be responsible for replacing the current damaged part..not 'upgrading' your ride to better than it was. Definitely point out the fact that the wheel gap has changed. Get them to fix it properly the first time so you aren't inconvenienced any more than you will be. Glad you're ok.

That's completely unreasonable to expect all new parts just because it got damaged. And thats not how it works at all. if insurance just replaced everything your rates would be astronomical.

For a newest model year or one below, most insurance companies avoid using aftermarket. But there's nothing wrong with recycled parts, mostly because insurance can only use parts same model year or newer and with less milage, also the parts can't have any significant damage. We're talking trunk lid off a car that got smashed head on. Nothing marginal, actually it's environmentally friendly () rather then crushing perfect replacement parts that a factory would have to make instead.

Replacement body panels don't come painted anyway (besides things like mirror caps etc) So repaired, replaced, the shops painting the panel either way, except if the damage is on a hood for example and is contained to one side, the shop only repaints the damaged side with color paint then puts clear coat over the whole panel.. so if your worried about color matching, repairing is actually better for you. I bet you never would've realized this

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

Any car that rolls off the new car lot is 'used'. Sounds like a crock of shit to me. The car at OLDEST is 2yrs old if its a '14. I don't care what the body shop says..its the ins policy that dictates what you do and don't get...not the bodyshop.

Stick to your guns if you feel the need to press for new pieces.

The body shop was telling him how the insurance company's operate, trust me body shops would prefer not to use recycled parts. Every insurance used recycled parts it's not over all negotiable, case by case allowances are made if the car's brand spanking new for instance.

Originally Posted by kadify

Yeah I just updated the first post. Realized that they did in fact bill for a new driver door and front fender. For the wheel they have a phone number and business listed to get a used wheel from In all honesty though, the wheel isn't bent or even damaged other than some small scuffs. Could probably get that fixed separately later.

It's very possible the number you see is for sending the wheel out to have the rash repaired. ( I can't see the damage clearly, looks like it though)

If insurance was going to replace the wheel it wouldn't be a plain used wheel, it would be a reconditioned or remanufactured wheel, it would arrive in new condition. No insurance condones used wheels.

Don't get me wrong these companies are cheap but they do have governance on what they can or cannot allow.

Pick a high end body shop and you'll be good. That's what it comes down to, high end body shops in the end do get paid more to do the same job because they do go through more effort. More paint prep work, spraying test cards to match paint color, test fitting of new panels. That's a few examples of things a high end body shop will ask for and get paid for by insurance. That's stuff joe blow autobody wont ask for or go through the effort of doing.

Hope this helps.

[CalCarNut]

My insurance will replace the damaged part with new OEM for the first couple of years of the cars life before they go 'recycled' etc. Besides that fact, it's on the OTHER parties insurance..and I don't care what their outlay of $ is to get my car back to where it was. Door skins are not hard to replace so why not go new? As I've said, its hard to see the extent of the damage from pics...so ymv...but personally, I'd insist on new parts.

[//M]

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

My insurance will replace the damaged part with new OEM for the first couple of years of the cars life before they go 'recycled' etc. Besides that fact, it's on the OTHER parties insurance..and I don't care what their outlay of $ is to get my car back to where it was. Door skins are not hard to replace so why not go new? As I've said, its hard to see the extent of the damage from pics...so ymv...but personally, I'd insist on new parts.

Because BMW's don't have skins. You must replace the whole shell.

[kadify]

They're replacing parts 41007347721 and 41357438441 so far. Haven't been able to get the car actually into a shop yet () since they're waiting to take the car in until parts are ordered so dunno if more things will be needed.