Mild rear-ender - what to do?

XR6Dan · 27-07-2008, 07:25 PM

My XR6 got a mild tap in the behind from a nice 70 something year old at the lights. He wasn't going too fast so there's minimal damage, just a few scratches and chips and a small crease. It broke the three plastic screws along the bottom and bent the little metal tabs and the right side of the bumper is hanging a few mm lower, something only I would notice. I don't think it would warrent a new bumber.

I have put in a claim because I want to get it checked for any other damage behind the bumper, but I kind of feel bad because any 'normal' person (ie, my wife) would just live with it, and this guy is going to get slugged with the cost. Part of me says that it was his fault and it should be fixed, but the other part is saying stop being a because there's bugger all damage!

Am I being dumb? Should I just take it to a panelbeater and talk to the guy directly to get it sorted?

Daniel

XAGSV8 · 27-07-2008, 07:28 PM

I see your point with the matter. Just remember that if a person of any age drives on the road they have to be prepaired for the cost of causing an accident. The car needs to be checked out and fixed.

bodes-sh · 27-07-2008, 07:34 PM

i wouldn't feel bad. if they are too irresponsible to drive a car without taking care then that's their problem, not yours. put yourself in his position, imagining you hit someone, would you expect to have to pay for it?

Abacus · 27-07-2008, 08:22 PM

Don't feel bad about it. Even a small tap can be surprisingly expensive, particularly if there is damage behind the bumper cover (bumper bar, mounts, beaver panel, etc). Even painting the cover is likely to cost over a $1,000, and there's no reason you should pay for it.

Besides, the 70yo should also have insurance.

Zephyr · 27-07-2008, 08:24 PM

lodge claim
provide the other persons details
get car fixed.
That easy.

Rodp · 27-07-2008, 08:24 PM

I'd have it repaired, come time to sell and someone spots the damage you'll either have to discount or lose the sale. What if, in 6 months time, the bumper comes off? If you aren't at fault then the other driver should have been looking where they were going. They can wear the consequences.

XR6Dan · 27-07-2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodp

I'd have it repaired, come time to sell and someone spots the damage you'll either have to discount or lose the sale. What if, in 6 months time, the bumper comes off? If you aren't at fault then the other driver should have been looking where they were going. They can wear the consequences.

Thanks for all the comments - Good point Rodp. I'd hate for the paint to start flaking off or something in a few weeks.

uranium_death · 27-07-2008, 09:27 PM

"When the other car bumps into the back of your car, you just get out of your car and yell strongly and loudly, whiplash! Whiplash! Ok?"

-Dr. Romano
The Late Show 1992
Working Dog

XR6_190 · 27-07-2008, 10:11 PM

At the end of the day why should you be out of pocket for his bad driving, it's bad enough you will probably be without your car for a few days while it gets repaired.

RAREV8 · 27-07-2008, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abacus

Don't feel bad about it. Even a small tap can be surprisingly expensive, particularly if there is damage behind the bumper cover (bumper bar, mounts, beaver panel, etc). Even painting the cover is likely to cost over a $1,000, and there's no reason you should pay for it.

Besides, the 70yo should also have insurance.

Spot on. I had the same thing happen to my XR6 in November- didn't look too bad at first but when you had a look under the rear bumper skirt, the panel was stoved in.
The rear bumper valance on modern cars is designed to go back to its original shape in the event of a minor shunt but damage is often found on the less elastic metal panels that lie beneath.

Get a proper assessment made via a claim. It does make a change to find someone talking nicely of the offender though. 10 out of 10 for compassion!

27-07-2008, 10:31 PM

Yeah, best is to get a quote and tell them to give you an unofficial cash quote and an insurance quote.

If the quote is <$450, give the old man an opportunity to pay, if it's more. Simply explain to him that the quote is more and give him the option of going private or claiming through his insurer.

When you sell the car, you'll have to pay to get it repaired yourself. So it's fair enough he pay for it. But full kudos for the good natured manner in which you've conducted yourself, most would be spitting chips and not feel any compassion for the old fella.

deesun · 28-07-2008, 02:39 AM

If he has insurance he can pay, simple. Thats what its for. Unless he's had lots of bingles he wont lose NCB. Being 70 he's probably never had an accident, but he's caused a few.

Dezza · 28-07-2008, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abacus

Don't feel bad about it. Even a small tap can be surprisingly expensive, particularly if there is damage behind the bumper cover (bumper bar, mounts, beaver panel, etc). Even painting the cover is likely to cost over a $1,000, and there's no reason you should pay for it.

Besides, the 70yo should also have insurance.

Yep, agree totally. Generally if the bumper is pushed down slightly, the brackets on the back of it can be bent. Here's an example of my car about 5 years ago. This was $900 worth of damage. The other bloke's insurance covered it. It involved a new rear bumper, and dints taken out under the left hand taillight and a small one in the bootlid, as well as the paint.

Sam_Boss260 · 28-07-2008, 01:55 PM

I had a similiar thing a few years ago. Was looking through a house with an agent (I was looking to buy this house), and whilst we are looking through I hear a small bang and my car alarm goes off. Seems that the owners father was leaving and reversed out of the driveway and hit my car which was parked on the street across the road.

We made a joke of it saying the the owner should drop $20k off the asking price.... the old man was ok with and offered to pay cash for the damage as it only a dent and scrape..... Danage was like $2500 and he went through his insurance.

I did feel kinda bad, but at the end of the day, he hit me and I wanted my car fixed properly.

And no, I did not buy the house.....

wingTS · 30-07-2008, 12:30 AM

Hi Dan,

If you go through your insurance, the repairs are gauranteed for the life of the car in most cases and the repairs conducted by an authorised repairer. As long as you give your insurer the details of the other party you will not have to pay a cent. At least have it assessed by your insurance company and go from there, they will give you an indication of cost of repairs...

You should be also able to arrange a hire car from an authorised repairer whilst your is getting fixed.