Got backended by an Audi.

[zoiks]

That still seems like a crazy-high estimate for that damage. My first thought upon seeing the pictures was 'it will live.' Looks like it needs at least one fender, bumper cover, bumper foam, bumper rebar, headlights, possibly a radiator support, hood...it seems like a lot, but the important part is that it all looks aesthetic and non-structural aside from the steel part of the bumper (rebar/support), which is obviously meant to be pretty sacrificial.

What kind of lights do you have? If they're HID's with motors (at least up and down, maybe the side-to-side ones, at well), they're likely a solid thousand bucks a piece.

Ooohhh...probably took out the laser module for your adaptive cruise, too, didn't it? There's another grand.

I can't believe you didn't get a police report. :/ It might not matter...sometimes they're so shitty (inaccurate) that it hurts more than helps. But I've never heard of not getting one unless the damage is very minor or you're the only car involved (and you didn't run into someone's house or otherwise cause mass property damage).

Yeah, I think it's crazy high as well. There seem to be a lot of little parts that are in the estimate like hood hinges, latches, clips etc that add up. The HID indeed is motorized (side to side) and I do have the laser cruise module inside the bumper as well. All that is being replaced. The re-conditioned HID by itself is $777 per the estimate. I'd imagine that a new one would cost a lot more.
My car was also sprayed with that coating that prevents nicks/chips in the bumper. All that is being added to the final cost.
I have to say that I never thought that the car would be this damaged when I was inside the car when it happened. It kind of sucks to know that something like this could cost so much to fix.

 

[zoiks]

Police used to take reports for all accidents. But due to cut back and the high number of accidents in CA where I live they usually only will do it if there is blood or REAL injury. OP could asked as much as he wanted for a police report but the police do not have to do it unless there is a problem or blood. This is FOR CA though.

I think OP handled it the best he could. Now if he has the right insurance and a good company that is a different story.

OP there is not "RIGHT" to getting OEM parts all companies have the right to use used or 3rd party parts in repairs. There are higher quality companies out there that will MAKE SURE you get only OEM parts but they come at a cost. People these days get a KIA type insurance policy and want BMW type experience. There are difference quality insurance companies out there. Unfortunately most people are not educated about insurance and when people do not know the difference they buy the cheapest thing. Usually the 3rd party or used parts are required to meet or exceed the OEM parts. Also body shops, good ones at least, have a lifetime guarantee that their work will hold up.

You may be able to get OEM parts if you wine enough.. The company does not have to give them to you though. Unless you have a special endorsement that adds that but based on what I am hearing your company would not be the one who would even offer that.

That estimate does not seem high, people don't realize how many things and safety features that cars are required to put in. Add labor which is where a lot of the cost is and it gets expensivene fast. If a cars repair is 3/4 to the ACV of the car a company will start to think about totaling it.

OP if you really want OEM parts pay the difference. Like I said unless you have a higher end company and you paid for the endorsement there is no "I HAVE THE RIGHT" to get OEM parts. All budget companies are this was. Budget = AAA, State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Geico, Progressive, Mercury, etc.

I get what you're saying. But I also don't think that I should be shafted with used or reconditioned parts. I don't think I would settle for those. I had full coverage with rental car coverage and the whole nine yards and I want my car to be the same as it was right before the accident.

 

[zoiks]

That looks like the cutoff from Central onto 85N.

Yeap. That's the one.

 

[MrWizzard]

I thought the po are supposed to file a report if it's over $500 in damages. Sounds like he was being lazy.

I think you are thinking about the law that you are supposed to file a SR-1 form with the DMV if the damage is over $750, OP you will probably be getting on of these in the mail. In this type of accident police are able to deny doing a report.

 

[MrWizzard]

I get what you're saying. But I also don't think that I should be shafted with used or reconditioned parts. I don't think I would settle for those. I had full coverage with rental car coverage and the whole nine yards and I want my car to be the same as it was right before the accident.

No one wants to be shafted. Unfortunately full coverage does not mean OEM parts. In your contract it probably says they may use 3rd party parts. Your agent should have explained this to you. You did talk to a agent right....if you got inter webs insurance, Geico, Progressive, E-insurance. Well then I am sorry, tough lesson for you, but I would suspect a lot of people do not know this, so don't feel too bad. See what the cost difference is if you have to pay for it. Might not be that much.

I know it's not what you want to hear just trying to get the info out there. Ya know?

 

[Midwayman]

FWIW here are you rights in ca

"California
Crash Parts – In California, the vehicle owner has the right to know that non-OEM parts will
be used in the repair, and see a listing of those parts on an estimate, prior to work
taking place. The estimate must also identify all new OEM, used, reconditioned
and rebuilt parts specified.
Insurers that specify the use of non-OEM parts are required to warrant that such
parts of like kind, quality, safety, fit and performance to OEM parts, and must
pay for any modifications to the parts needed to carry out the repair.
A permanent, non-removable identification of the manufacturer is required for
both OEM and non-OEM parts, and shall be accessible to the greatest extent
possible after installation.
The vehicle owner must be given notice that any warranties that apply to the
non-OEM parts will be provided by the manufacturer or distributor of the parts
and not the manufacturer of the vehicle.
The vehicle owner has the right to know, upon request, any location other than
the repair facility at which repairs are being done.
Repairers are required to perform frame sectioning repairs and the application of
corrosion protection in accordance with either OEM service specifications or
those that are nationally distributed, periodically updated and generally accepted
by the collision industry."

 

[MrWizzard]

FWIW here are you rights in ca

"California
Crash Parts – In California, the vehicle owner has the right to know that non-OEM parts will
be used in the repair, and see a listing of those parts on an estimate, prior to work
taking place. The estimate must also identify all new OEM, used, reconditioned
and rebuilt parts specified.
Insurers that specify the use of non-OEM parts are required to warrant that such
parts of like kind, quality, safety, fit and performance to OEM parts, and must
pay for any modifications to the parts needed to carry out the repair.
A permanent, non-removable identification of the manufacturer is required for
both OEM and non-OEM parts, and shall be accessible to the greatest extent
possible after installation.
The vehicle owner must be given notice that any warranties that apply to the
non-OEM parts will be provided by the manufacturer or distributor of the parts
and not the manufacturer of the vehicle.
The vehicle owner has the right to know, upon request, any location other than
the repair facility at which repairs are being done.
Repairers are required to perform frame sectioning repairs and the application of
corrosion protection in accordance with either OEM service specifications or
those that are nationally distributed, periodically updated and generally accepted
by the collision industry."

Yup, pretty much NON-OEM may be used but they need to meet the requirements of OEM parts. There are some crazy stories about non-OEM parts. Same part made at the same factory one is stamped with OEM one is not. EXACT same part only difference is the stamp, and the one with the stamp costs the costumer more. HEH

 

[rommelrommel]

That still seems like a crazy-high estimate for that damage. My first thought upon seeing the pictures was 'it will live.' Looks like it needs at least one fender, bumper cover, bumper foam, bumper rebar, headlights, possibly a radiator support, hood...it seems like a lot, but the important part is that it all looks aesthetic and non-structural aside from the steel part of the bumper (rebar/support), which is obviously meant to be pretty sacrificial.

What kind of lights do you have? If they're HID's with motors (at least up and down, maybe the side-to-side ones, at well), they're likely a solid thousand bucks a piece.

Ooohhh...probably took out the laser module for your adaptive cruise, too, didn't it? There's another grand.

I can't believe you didn't get a police report. :/ It might not matter...sometimes they're so shitty (inaccurate) that it hurts more than helps. But I've never heard of not getting one unless the damage is very minor or you're the only car involved (and you didn't run into someone's house or otherwise cause mass property damage).

10500 for just the front end seems high but remember he got rear ended hard enough to drive him into the next vehicle, causing that damage. Depending on what's wrong in the rear 10500 may end up being low.

I would have no issue with refurb/salvage OEM parts and greatly prefer those to whatever random garbage they can find on the non OEM market.

 

[Imported]

OP if you really want OEM parts pay the difference. Like I said unless you have a higher end company and you paid for the endorsement there is no "I HAVE THE RIGHT" to get OEM parts. All budget companies are this way. Budget = AAA, State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Geico, Progressive, Mercury, etc.

Whats a high end insurance company? AAA used OEM parts in an accident I was involved in years ago. Though I'm not sure if that was cause I went to a body shop not on AAA's list. AAA still paid for it but wouldn't guarantee it or something.

 

[zoiks]

Whats a high end insurance company? AAA used OEM parts in an accident I was involved in years ago. Though I'm not sure if that was cause I went to a body shop not on AAA's list. AAA still paid for it but wouldn't guarantee it or something.

Liberty Mutual.

 

[Mermaidman]

I have to say that I never thought that the car would be this damaged when I was inside the car when it happened. It kind of sucks to know that something like this could cost so much to fix.

I'm guessing that the Taco's rear bumper was higher than your front bumper? That's how the extensive damage was inflicted to your car. You and the Audi played bumper cars-No problem.

Similar thing happened to me when a teenager drove his pickup into the trunk of my car. Almost $6K in repairs.

 

[MrWizzard]

Whats a high end insurance company? AAA used OEM parts in an accident I was involved in years ago. Though I'm not sure if that was cause I went to a body shop not on AAA's list. AAA still paid for it but wouldn't guarantee it or something.

The company has the option to use non-OEM parts but if OEM is the only ones made then they will use those. Or they may just use them in your case. Some cars only have OEM parts so if 3rd party parts are not available or if they are more expensive. Presto you get OEM parts. Lots of ways it can turn out. Dealership body shops will have a higher chance of OEM parts.

Something to keep in mind is when you go to a body shop ask if their estimate is with OEM or not. Yea you might be going with the lowest bidder but they might not be using OEM also.

Usually if you go with the company that is paying for the repairs shops they will back the shop otherwise it's between you and the shop really you have to ask how it works. Each company can be different.

Higher end companies would be like OP said Liberty Mutual, Safeco, Allied, Nationwide, Chub. Even with these companies though it can be an OPTION you buy in addition, but at least it is a option.

They usually cost more though. So choose your insurance carefully. Do you want a Geo Metro or a Porsche? Or something in-between. Ask questions and make a good decision. That or get a good independent agent that can tell you the differences.

 

[Baked]

How fast was she going? Was she texting or on the phone gossiping with her friend?

 

[fstime]

Liberty Mutual.

Liberty Mutual only garuantees OEM for body panels (hoods, fenders, doors, etc).

Non-OEM radiators, HID-lights, AC compressors, etc, are all fair game for knock offs in their auto policies.

 

[zoiks]

How fast was she going? Was she texting or on the phone gossiping with her friend?

Unclear. I don't think anyone saw what she was doing. She could have texting but it's unknown. I didn't see her coming. She drove into me perhaps at 30mph? I actually don't know. I had my foot on the brake when I was stopped but I guess with the jolt, it came off and the car drove into the truck ahead.

 

[weadjust]

If your not at fault and dealing with the other drivers insurance co. your not subject to any policy or ins co. BS. Your not a party to their policy so none of the policy provisions or co. polices apply. It is a liability claim and almost everything is negotiable within reason.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Get her phone records pulled for the time of the accident.

Your policy will cover damages according to what you selected less deductible.

As soon as liability is determined (her); your insurance will then cover that difference.

As to pain/suffering; you will have to go after her company directly.
IF you can show she was on the phone; you have a much better claim.

If her insurance comes up with a quick offer; be leary

 

[Mide]

Yeah but how would the guy "get the phone records"? I doubt she would volunteer them freely.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Yeah but how would the guy "get the phone records"? I doubt she would volunteer them freely.

I am sure that his insurance company can find a way if they were advised that she may have been on the phone at the time. Makes it easier for determining at fault from insurance co POV

 

[nerp]

They would need a subpoena for that. Fat chance, since she was not arrested.

 

[zoiks]

Update.
Looks like there was way too much damage under the car after the body shop did a tear down. It wasn't apparent from the outside and the adjuster was indicating that he was really shocked to see it. He told me that he'll be signing it off as a 'total loss' since it would cost way too much to have it fixed.

Next stop Q50.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Sorry to hear OP

This is exactly how my car got totalled. Mind you it was modified with countless hours in labor (of my own) and Insurance company didn't seem to care.

 

[kitatech]

If you have invoices for parts/labor for any major work done in the past year you may be reimbursed whole or in part...hope you can get more that 75% of car's value...

 

[SparkyJJO]

Sorry to hear OP

This is exactly how my car got totalled. Mind you it was modified with countless hours in labor (of my own) and Insurance company didn't seem to care.

Insurance won't. As far as they're concerned they are covering your car as it was from the factory. Anything you added does not matter.

Now some insurance companies allow you to add on coverage for mods/improvements provided you have receipts and stuff. But that usually only applies for fixing your car if you hit someone. If someone hit you, what your policy covers doesn't matter. And I'd fight them tooth and nail to get stuff covered, OR I'd be removing everything I added and if they throw a fit over that, tell them they aren't paying for the extras so they won't get the extras.

 

[Midwayman]

Insurance won't. As far as they're concerned they are covering your car as it was from the factory. Anything you added does not matter.

Now some insurance companies allow you to add on coverage for mods/improvements provided you have receipts and stuff. But that usually only applies for fixing your car if you hit someone. If someone hit you, what your policy covers doesn't matter. And I'd fight them tooth and nail to get stuff covered, OR I'd be removing everything I added and if they throw a fit over that, tell them they aren't paying for the extras so they won't get the extras.

I've had aftermarket parts covered by insurance. Not a big deal unless you have a pretty custom car. Also if your car is totaled they generally don't care if you remove mods. They just want you to toss the stock part in the back if it replaced something. YMMV depending on insurance company though.