Rear ended someone :(

[leungalv]

So in 16 years of driving, I got into my first accident. :( Rear ended someone in Chelsea, MI at a stop sign at approximately 8:00am. Facts of the case are that there were only two cars at the stop sign (her and I). We were both at a full stop at the stop sign, the car in front proceeded to turn, and I proceeded to move up. She suddenly stops and I run into her back end. There was no reason stated as to why she stopped, I'm guessing she thought she wasn't going to make the turn. In any case, she claims she had a minor headache on impact, likely from shock she claims. She also alleges that she is pregnant.

On my car, the grill is cracked and needs replacing, the bumper is also cracked and so is the honeycomb part. The hood of the car has been indented and will need to be hammered out and repainted. Pictures of the damage are below, what is the communities opinion on cost to fix damages? Thanks.

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_01.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_02.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_03.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_04.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_05.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_06.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_07.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_08.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_09.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_10.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_11.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_12.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_13.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_14.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/DSC_15.jpg

[silverstarmazda]

probably saw u were from toronto, trying to make some cash. is she asking for compensation or is she letting insurance handle it? everytime my friends go out of canada, they always seem to get into an accident... either from people stopping suddenly or wen ur pulling out

[Jackal]

probably saw u were from toronto, trying to make some cash. is she asking for compensation or is she letting insurance handle it? everytime my friends go out of canada, they always seem to get into an accident... either from people stopping suddenly or wen ur pulling out

This is a possibility. The driver could have timed it with the sound of your exhaust and and braked when she heard you give her some gas.
Do you think she was legit or pulling off an insurance scam?
Are you going through insurance? It seems your car didn't suffer as much damage.

[Thrizzl3]

sounds like someone from brampton moved to michigan...how fast were you moving?

[leungalv]

probably saw u were from toronto, trying to make some cash. is she asking for compensation or is she letting insurance handle it? everytime my friends go out of canada, they always seem to get into an accident... either from people stopping suddenly or wen ur pulling out

Don't think she knew I was from Toronto. She is not asking for compensation at all. After the hit, she called the police, they made a report and will be contacting her insurance.


This is a possibility. The driver could have timed it with the sound of your exhaust and and braked when she heard you give her some gas.
Do you think she was legit or pulling off an insurance scam?
Are you going through insurance? It seems your car didn't suffer as much damage.

I'm probably going to have to go through insurance, can't afford to pay off the damages myself.

[leungalv]

sounds like someone from brampton moved to michigan...how fast were you moving?

Brampton? I don't get the reference Phil ...

I wasn't moving fast at all. We were both at the stop sign, complete stop, she rolled forward in what seemed like she was ready to turn. So I put a little gas, she stopped and I hit her.

[Thrizzl3]

Brampton? I don't get the reference Phil ...

I wasn't moving fast at all. We were both at the stop sign, complete stop, she rolled forward in what seemed like she was ready to turn. So I put a little gas, she stopped and I hit her.

scam artists was the reference lol..but was there oncoming traffic for her to stop so suddenly?

[iconicrocket]

That sux. Hope it all works out for you.

[Ozil]

Brampton? I don't get the reference Phil ...

I wasn't moving fast at all. We were both at the stop sign, complete stop, she rolled forward in what seemed like she was ready to turn. So I put a little gas, she stopped and I hit her.


http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?60783-This-is-why-you-need-a-dash-camera/page9&highlight=why+you+need+a+dash+cam

Phil's reference - that guy was from Brampton ^^ i think...

[leungalv]

scam artists was the reference lol..but was there oncoming traffic for her to stop so suddenly?

In my judgement, she had ample time to make the turn.

[Flagrum_3]

In my judgement, she had ample time to make the turn.

It sucks and she probably will end up suing. Considering she was complaining about aches and pains and the fact American's luv to sue. The lesson to learn here is the 3 second rule; If a vehicle in front of you, from a stopped position, starts moving forward, give it 3 seconds till you proceed to move. This short period of time waited, can save alot of headaches. It has in my case countless times!. A lesson I wonder if they still teach in driving courses?....Anyways hope it gets settled easily and quickly for you.

_3

[Soyabean]

Sorry to hear that. The same thing happened to me where the lady went and suddenly stopped even though there was no car. Yes you hit her but she caused the accident to happen but as long as you rear end someone, it's your fault.

Dont worry about it though. This is why we have insurance.

[krimsalt]

When you come back to Canada, bring the car over to our new sponsor Linwood Motor, it's a body shop (also Mazda of Toronto has a contract with them for body work!), that damage is not that bad, maybe 1000$ as its just cosmetics.


Honestly her headache is bullshit complaint. My car was recently rear ended on the 401, you don't feel anything until you wake up the next morning... which i had a massive headache the next morning

[leungalv]

When you come back to Canada, bring the car over to our new sponsor Linwood Motor, it's a body shop (also Mazda of Toronto has a contract with them for body work!), that damage is not that bad, maybe 1000$ as its just cosmetics.

Honestly her headache is bullshit complaint. My car was recently rear ended on the 401, you don't feel anything until you wake up the next morning... which i had a massive headache the next morning

Thanks, I'm gonna shoot them an email with some pics and see if they can provide a preliminary quote.

[-RJ3-]

Make sure it's not a common scam. I youtubed videos on what people do to make an accident into money. Sudden stop either she knew you would run into her or she was being cautious. Hope everything turns out okay for you?

[krimsalt]

Thanks, I'm gonna shoot them an email with some pics and see if they can provide a preliminary quote.

call him instead, it's better. his name is Kirk. 416 917 7755. Tell him Marco referred you from Toronto Mazda 3

[-RJ3-]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNbhwaLHuO4

[leungalv]

Make sure it's not a common scam. I youtubed videos on what people do to make an accident into money. Sudden stop either she knew you would run into her or she was being cautious. Hope everything turns out okay for you?

Don't know if it was a scam or not ...


call him instead, it's better. his name is Kirk. 416 917 7755. Tell him Marco referred you from Toronto Mazda 3

I called and left a message, thanks.

[traymart]

It really is hard and tough to go through the whole process though you just realize that there is more to it that being so concerned about what had just happened.

And in most cases, you just have to think that you are lucky enough to have survived the whole thing and see it as something that goes more on the positive side I suppose.

[silverstarmazda]

this might actually be a case of "shit happens". i mean, dont beat yourself up on it, its not really a big deal. a lot of people go through this stuff everyday and its bound to happen sooner or later. its good to know that your okay and the damages dont seem to be too serious other than cosmetic. nothing was leaking right? its the fact that she's saying shes aching and is pregnant is the bad part. it would be nice to find out it was a fraud of some sort and nail them for it. but usually it isnt and has to go through proper procedures. its good to hear that your okay. if you suddenly start feeling anything off after the accident, dont hesitate to go to the doctors. something small like a headache can come back in 10 years as a brain embolism

[hgmahaha]

something small like a headache can come back in 10 years as a brain embolism

that doesn't sound so good..

I do think that they're trying to take an advantage of you since you're from Canada and have a nice modded car. How was her tone? Could you get a sense of her intentions when you were talking to her?

[SilentJay]

When the start grasping their necks and groaning, you'll probably want to go through insurance - it's a PITA and it will bite your rates for the next 5-7 years, but better let the insurance companies duke it out and investigate whether she was trying to commit fraud rather than being on the hook in court... The US is built on the backs of frivolous lawsuits :P

[mazdaagain]

Her front wheels look like they are only a few feet in front of the white line so it doesn't look like she moved forward much. That's a lot of damage to her back bumper for what should be a fairly gentle nudge. Same thing happened to me once ... was making a left turn at the lights and I was the 2nd car in the intersection. The light turned yellow and the car ahead of me started to turn with no oncoming traffic so I started to go too to get through before it turned red. She suddenly changed her mind about turning and slammed on her brakes. I hit her from behind but it was just a tap and no damage to either car.

FYI, I was hit in the back and it cost $3,000 to replace the rear bumper on my car.

[silverstarmazda]

lol gets out of the car and starts making numbers, i was caught by a fraud once....and sadly i paid the guy... but not until i got the lowest number possible. lol i still lost 650 that day. *sigh* at least they caught the guy a couples months back and i got a call regarding wat happened. still, nvr got my money back though... the guy's car didnt even have 2 panels that were the same shade of color. and wen we wrote a settlement, he pulls out this giant folder full of crumpled papers and slips mine in with them.

-back to you-

since she moved up from a complete stop and rolled into an intersection and passed the line by a couple feet then suddenly stopped. she is technically impeding traffic since she is no longer fully stopped at the stop sign.as mazdaagain stated, that looks like a lot of damage for a simple bump. sometimes the rules of the roads dont make sense and work against you even if you shouldn't be at fault. if she stomped on her brakes traveling at a decent speed, you could always say it was road rage at her fault. my friend got out of it like that once since the guy was swerving, stopping and going like crazy.


ps. is your lower grill need replacing? cuz its the upper grill that your replacing, ill take it off your hands for free :D lol

[cSPEED]

It sucks and she probably will end up suing. Considering she was complaining about aches and pains and the fact American's luv to sue. The lesson to learn here is the 3 second rule; If a vehicle in front of you, from a stopped position, starts moving forward, give it 3 seconds till you proceed to move. This short period of time waited, can save alot of headaches. It has in my case countless times!. A lesson I wonder if they still teach in driving courses?....Anyways hope it gets settled easily and quickly for you.

_3

Cptn.Hindsight_3 reporting for duty!

As he said though, because this happened in another country I would definitely go through insurance, especially because it's the states and she started complaining about headaches/pains right away. Insurance will cover your ass, and if you decide not to go through insurance she could really screw you over later and you won't even be able to go through insurance then.

[silverstarmazda]

yeah!! go through insurance and get everything done. thats the end of that, u might as well pay extra for insurance from now on then pay her thousands or millions in compensation.

[Marta]

Cptn.Hindsight_3 reporting for duty!

As he said though, because this happened in another country I would definitely go through insurance, especially because it's the states and she started complaining about headaches/pains right away. Insurance will cover your ass, and if you decide not to go through insurance she could really screw you over later and you won't even be able to go through insurance then.

+1 !!!!!!!!!!

[leungalv]

Thanks for everyone's feedback and support!

UPDATE #1

Contacted insurance and filed a claim. She also contacted her insurance company and said that the two insurance companies will deal with the matter. What's funny about this whole suing thing is that I was on the way to court that morning, when I got there, there was one case on the docket for insurance fraud ... but I'm not counsel for that matter! :chuckle

The insurance company recommended that I take my car to Carstar in Windsor to have a quote prepared, but it was fully up to me as to who I want to handle the repairs. I solicited Peter to see who repaired his speed3 and I wanted to take it there. Highline motors said the damage is beyond what they could do. And the others have not gotten back to me yet. I heard about the horror stories Fang had with Carstar, but was satisfied with the end result. i'm so busy running back and forth between Ann Arbor and Windsor that it might be feasible just to take it here. Anyways, I digress!

Carstar told me it would be roughly $3,500 for all the repairs - replacing the bumper, passenger headlight (because it's scuffed), hood, and that I would be buying my own front grill and they would reimburse me for it :D:D:D. I could also buy aftermarket parts and they would reimburse me the amount up to the cost of their OEM price. That is, the cost for them to buy a front OEM bumper is $291 - so I could go out and buy a bumper up to that price and they would pay for it!! I instantly got excited! My only concern is the matching of the CWP paint and the fact that if I took it to a shop in Toronto, I'd have to drive back to pick it up.

Aftermarket part shopping time!!!!!

[leungalv]

Linwood Motors just emailed me regarding my request for a quote. I sent them pictures, but they want my VIN number too?? For a quote? Never heard of this ... :whoa

[S.F.W.]

and the fact that if I took it to a shop in Toronto, I'd have to drive back to pick it up.



You would have a rental to drive, no ? Worst case, take the train

[silverstarmazda]

all in all, did ur rates go up?

[leungalv]

You would have a rental to drive, no ? Worst case, take the train

I would have a rental, but it would be so much time to drive back and forth ... 16 hours total back and forth

[stevenma188]

He wouldn't know until the next renewal date....

[leungalv]

all in all, did ur rates go up?

I won't know until I renew it seems ... that's what they say

[zzz3]

Linwood Motors just emailed me regarding my request for a quote. I sent them pictures, but they want my VIN number too?? For a quote? Never heard of this ... :whoa

vin will give them list of specific parts when they deal with joe @ MOT. i had my door replaced there, they are a major body shop for a lot of other north york dealers.

[Flagrum_3]

Cptn.Hindsight_3 reporting for duty!

As he said though, because this happened in another country I would definitely go through insurance, especially because it's the states and she started complaining about headaches/pains right away. Insurance will cover your ass, and if you decide not to go through insurance she could really screw you over later and you won't even be able to go through insurance then.

Can you explain this statement please!...It sounds a tad derogatory to me.

_3

[silverstarmazda]

I won't know until I renew it seems ... that's what they say

damn, that sucks... well it cant get any better i guess. either ur rates stay the same or they go up. hope they stay the same!

[n00bMeiSter]

Hurt in a car? Call William Mattar. :chuckle


Wow, that sucks Alvin. Glad you're both okay though. Hopefully she doesn't try and sue you.
Hopefully your insurance company will look at your good driving record and not raise your rates.

[krimsalt]

Linwood Motors just emailed me regarding my request for a quote. I sent them pictures, but they want my VIN number too?? For a quote? Never heard of this ... :whoa

They want to make sure the parts are exact. That means that they are also going to use factory parts so your car doesnt loose value. Already car star offering you to reimburse you with AE parts is sketchy.

For the record, never go to an insurance shop - insurance will make sure they pay AS LITTLE as possible to repair stuff. I've seen horrific dealings with what insurance shops will have done


let me know how it goes

[leungalv]

They want to make sure the parts are exact. That means that they are also going to use factory parts so your car doesnt loose value. Already car star offering you to reimburse you with AE parts is sketchy.

For the record, never go to an insurance shop - insurance will make sure they pay AS LITTLE as possible to repair stuff. I've seen horrific dealings with what insurance shops will have done

let me know how it goes

well, I'm not sure I see it as too much of an issue with the AE parts. The grill is an AE replica. To me, it would be a good opportunity to get some aftermarket stuff and have then paid and painted without me having to expend anything. They also said that they can paint the hood whatever color I choose ... if I don't care about the value of the car, what's so bad about it (I'm not trying to sound like an a**hole, I really don't know ... it just comes out snarky online).

Here's what I'm thinking of having them doing:
- have them pay for an original AutoEXE grill and paint it matte black (I still have the stock grill undamaged in the garage)
- have them pay for a duraflex front bumper
- have them paint the hood matte black

All of that would be covered under insurance ... what would be the cons (aside from resell value because I don't have the original parts) of doing so? Advice is appreciated, thanks :)

[stevenma188]

What is your insurance company's policy on modified cars? Also, your insurance might not cover getting aftermarket parts on your car.

[leungalv]

Hurt in a car? Call William Mattar. :chuckle

Wow, that sucks Alvin. Glad you're both okay though. Hopefully she doesn't try and sue you.
Hopefully your insurance company will look at your good driving record and not raise your rates.

Ya the fear of being sued is really the only thing bothering me

[leungalv]

What is your insurance company's policy on modified cars? Also, your insurance might not cover getting aftermarket parts on your car.

I asked them that "off the record", they said they don't care, as long as they can see it they'll replace the same part. It's with TD Monnex. Apparently I have great rental coverage too ... $5,000

[stevenma188]

... Are you sure? I'm also with TD and I'm pretty sure they are STRONGLY against mods. I thought someone here had their insurance cancelled with TD due to mods.

[leungalv]

... Are you sure? I'm also with TD and I'm pretty sure they are STRONGLY against mods. I thought someone here had their insurance cancelled with TD due to mods.

That's what they indicated to me ... I can call and ask again. Depends on how you argue "mods". What if my exhaust needs replacing? Why should I be limited to an exhaust from Mazda or Canadian Tire or NAPA? Why should I be limited to what springs or shocks I can put on my car? Merely because an aftermarket part inadvertently increases the performance of your car, it can be argued that these aren't necessarily "mods" but merely "replacements" ... that's what I would argue

[stevenma188]

When I get into an accident *knock on wood* I'll definitely be asking you for help in arguing about my mods being ok.

[leungalv]

When I get into an accident *knock on wood* I'll definitely be asking you for help in arguing about my mods being ok.

I suppose if you look at the car as a collective entity, the car has been "modded" from stock. But as my argument goes, why should I be limited to purchasing and replacing parts that are only from genuine Mazda in order to be insured? That creates an unfair commercial monopoly ...

Aren't winter tires considered a "modification", sure they're safer, but what is "unsafe" about rims that are non-OEM? Would getting brakes changed at Midas rather than Mazda be a "modification"? How asbout the stubby antenna?

If you're going to argue "changes to the engine which changes its performance" ... How about putting synthetic oil into your car rather than the recommended regular oil? Or putting 94 octane in your car rather than 87 or 89? Or changing the manual transmission fluid or using syncromesh fluid?

Obviously the answer to these questions is "yes" they are modifications, but what is the "threshold" limit that would necessarily dictate why the car shouldn't be covered? My car is no longer in warranty, so why should my insurance company stop me from making changes to parts on the car? :)

The insurers point of view is that aesthetic mods such as body kits, tints and spoilers can increase your premium as make your car more attractive to thieves and vandals ... but that's such a BS subjective answer.

Here's an article which I find most points can be rebutted.

http://www.kanetix.ca/insurance-auto-modifying-your-car

[stevenma188]

Ya man, I get what you're saying, but I know the insurance company will argue it.

[sp3GT]

Damn Alv, glad you got it sorted out.

^Just hire Alv if it ever happens *knock on wood* lol

[-RJ3-]

Becareful before buying parts.. Wait till they give you the price on the pieces ... I have a feeling the bumper will be more than what you mentioned.. after all its a body shop.. they need to find their increase somewhere!

[hgmahaha]

That's what they indicated to me ... I can call and ask again. Depends on how you argue "mods". What if my exhaust needs replacing? Why should I be limited to an exhaust from Mazda or Canadian Tire or NAPA? Why should I be limited to what springs or shocks I can put on my car? Merely because an aftermarket part inadvertently increases the performance of your car, it can be argued that these aren't necessarily "mods" but merely "replacements" ... that's what I would argue

Probably the specs are different. If you get aftermarket parts with the same specs, then why not? If I was the insurance company, I would definitely look at the performance aspect of the mods.

But hey, insurance companies have different rates based on colour... or how many doors you have..

steve, what does STRONGLY against mean?

[hgmahaha]

Here's what I'm thinking of having them doing:
- have them pay for an original AutoEXE grill and paint it matte black (I still have the stock grill undamaged in the garage)
- have them pay for a duraflex front bumper
- have them paint the hood matte black

AE bumper!!!

[leungalv]

UPDATE #2

So I solicited another body shop rather than Carstar. I contacted Windsor Mazda and asked who generally does their warranty body work for painting etc., the informed me that Formula F1 does. Luckily, this body shop was also a recommended shop by my insurance. Drove there to get a quote, it's right across from Windsor Mazda! YAY.

This place is more like a hot rod shop, filled with Cobra's, Z06, a few Ferrari's and a rebuilt BMW Isetta. There's a grill inside, free range chickens running around, and a huge park out back (not that this makes it a better shop ... but y'know ...).

The quote was around the same ballpark @ $3,300 but rather than replacing the headlight, they're just going to sand and polish it. They're willing to paint or vinyl the roof too for a reduced price, so I'm looking into colors now :D:D I'm thinking either black (which is done over and over and over) or a charcoal grey. I also have to provide them with an aftermarket grill. I'm still on the fence about the bumper. I'd love the idea of an AE bumper, but I'm also thinking just a lip. Lip I'd have to pay for, but the AE bumper would be partially paid by them up to the value of the OEM price.

So, I left the car with them and they put me in a Toyota Camry ... I instantly aged 30 years. I'm going parts shopping now!

[leungalv]

Bumper options:

Option #1

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/ameya3.jpg

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/ameya4.jpg

Option #2

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/04_Mazda3DuraflexX_SportComplete1.jpg

[n00bMeiSter]

Uh.. #2.. Duh! lol

And a charcoal grey roof would be awesome, nobody has done that yet.

[stevenma188]

Option 2 with a gloss black roof......WINNING!

[greaves82]

Uh.. #2.. Duh! lol

And a charcoal grey roof would be awesome, nobody has done that yet.

+1

[ZeroChalk]

The moderator Lara from the Mazda3forumns use to have a Mazdaspeed 3 with a charcoal grey roof. I was looking for a pic to link but her photos are all down.

[leungalv]

Uh.. #2.. Duh! lol

And a charcoal grey roof would be awesome, nobody has done that yet.

LOL sorry that I asked such a blantely obvious question Dave ... how ignorant of me lol

[n00bMeiSter]

LOL sorry that I asked such a blantely obvious question Dave ... how ignorant of me lol

:D
Don't let it happen again! :chuckle

[Marta]

:D
Don't let it happen again! :chuckle

or else you will be trolled forever... :chuckle

[MarkWB]

So let's just say he went the ****ing off to Canada and never going back route. Wouldn't he just have to not ever go to that state again and that would be that? I mean, they're hardly going to call in the army to extradite him.

NOT RECOMMENDING ANYONE DOES THIS, IT'S A CURIOSITY QUESTION.

But yeah, they don't even extradite people on minor criminal charges from state to state, much less Canada, and this isn't even criminal! Similarly, if he did get sued and he just never appeared in court in the U.S. for the hearing, what then?

[-RJ3-]

WOw in a way it was good you got into an accident? glad no issues with your health has occured.

[leungalv]

WOw in a way it was good you got into an accident? glad no issues with your health has occured.

Kind of like a blessing in disguise? Possibly yes :D

[leungalv]

So it looks like I'm getting that bumper, but made by VIS Racing rather than Duraflex. Roof is going to be charcoal gray, as is the front grill and the foglight surroundings. :D I can't wait!!! I'm wet with excitement

[n00bMeiSter]

So it looks like I'm getting that bumper, but made by VIS Racing rather than Duraflex. Roof is going to be charcoal gray, as is the front grill and the foglight surroundings. :D I can't wait!!! I'm wet with excitement

Awesome.... Although not sure I'm feelin' the grey grill and surroundings.... Guess we'll just have to wait till it's done and see how it looks.
Good stuff! You going to get that rear spoiler too?

[leungalv]

Awesome.... Although not sure I'm feelin' the grey grill and surroundings.... Guess we'll just have to wait till it's done and see how it looks.
Good stuff! You going to get that rear spoiler too?

you don't think it'd look weird with a grey top and black grill? Or where you just thinking white grill? It'd look like the duraflex picture

[n00bMeiSter]

you don't think it'd look weird with a grey top and black grill? Or where you just thinking white grill? It'd look like the duraflex picture

Not sure, I personally prefer a body coloured grill, except on rare occasions. But if the roof and the grill are the same colour it could look good, as long as the grey isn't tooo dark.

[leungalv]

Here's a rough mock up of what the car will look like ... very rough photoshop job

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/mock_up.jpg

[n00bMeiSter]

^ :like

YES! Do it! That's hot! :hawt

[aZuMi]

Here's a rough mock up of what the car will look like ... very rough photoshop job

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/Accident/mock_up.jpg

LIKE!

[hgmahaha]

I'm jelly!

[-RJ3-]

curious how it would look with lip painted white.. matching the side sill extensions

[leungalv]

UPDATE #3

Got an email from the body shop today. Seems as though the styrofoam and bumper rebar need to be replaced too. The rebar has buckled a little bit. :( Claim has just gone up to $4500!!

[n00bMeiSter]

Go in and look at it yourself first, get pictures from various angles and show it to other mechanics, ask for their opinion. Unless its obvious, in which case don't bother lol
Could just be them BS'ing you trying to get more money out of the insurance company.

[hgmahaha]

I fear for your insurance renewal... lol or is this your freebee?

[leungalv]

Go in and look at it yourself first, get pictures from various angles and show it to other mechanics, ask for their opinion. Unless its obvious, in which case don't bother lol
Could just be them BS'ing you trying to get more money out of the insurance company.

I checked out the car, the rebar is rusting and a little bit "compressed" ... so I guess it's best to change it. Can see the stress marks on the styrofoam too. My bumper is on its way slated for arrival on July 19!! I'm so excited :D:D

[leungalv]

I fear for your insurance renewal... lol or is this your freebee?

I don't think I have accident forgiveness ... I'll have to check that out

[mazdabetty]

Don't worry about your renewal rates too much. Mine didn't budge with the exception of regular annual insurance increase costs. (and no it was not because of the forgiveness program). As long as you're a 6 star driver (or whatever your insurance company's rating system is), and your driving record is clean from tickets etc, you should be ok. Second accident, they'll start questioning you for sure haha

[leungalv]

Don't worry about your renewal rates too much. Mine didn't budge with the exception of regular annual insurance increase costs. (and no it was not because of the forgiveness program). As long as you're a 6 star driver (or whatever your insurance company's rating system is), and your driving record is clean from tickets etc, you should be ok. Second accident, they'll start questioning you for sure haha

Hmmmm ... I'll wait and see :):)

[leungalv]

I might have to go with the ever popular black roof ... gray kind of looks funny when everything else is black :(

[-RJ3-]

Go in and look at it yourself first, get pictures from various angles and show it to other mechanics, ask for their opinion. Unless its obvious, in which case don't bother lol
Could just be them BS'ing you trying to get more money out of the insurance company.

^Agree

[n00bMeiSter]

I might have to go with the ever popular black roof ... gray kind of looks funny when everything else is black :(

Booo!!!!! Dislike.

[hgmahaha]

Don't worry about your renewal rates too much. Mine didn't budge with the exception of regular annual insurance increase costs. (and no it was not because of the forgiveness program). As long as you're a 6 star driver (or whatever your insurance company's rating system is), and your driving record is clean from tickets etc, you should be ok. Second accident, they'll start questioning you for sure haha

I think that's the freebee :) but ya worry about it later :P

[mazdabetty]

Believe me I used my freebie. it still didn't move after that lol

[leungalv]

:( To fit the bumper the rebar almost has to be cut off ... thoughts???

[n00bMeiSter]

:( To fit the bumper the rebar almost has to be cut off ... thoughts???

Wtf? That doesn't sound right. Maybe they ordered the wrong one?

[Slade]

:( To fit the bumper the rebar almost has to be cut off ... thoughts???

I thinkif you rear end someone again and there is no re-bar, your insurance wont cover shit.

Just sayin.

[zzz3]

from what i read in this thread with regards to the new bumper, it might be for the better.

[leungalv]

Wtf? That doesn't sound right. Maybe they ordered the wrong one?

I ordered the bumper not them. It's the right one as listed on vis

[leungalv]

from what i read in this thread with regards to the new bumper, it might be for the better.

What do you mean it might be for the better?

[S.F.W.]

Cutting most of the rebar makes no sense at all. Maybe they are not fitting it properly ? Trimming a bit on either side seems to be all that is required.

[Jackal]

:( To fit the bumper the rebar almost has to be cut off ... thoughts???

Ask if they can put in a rebar that will fit. For some aftermarket bumpers to fit this has to be done to fit but I've heard of people getting one made or fabricating one that will fit.

[zzz3]

What do you mean it might be for the better?

i may have been thinking of another thread (or deja vu), but to fit that bumper, i assumed you would need to make modifications to the rebar. if thats the case i figured it might be for the better (with regards to labour and overall process) if you are going to have the rebar replaced anyways.

[leungalv]

Cutting most of the rebar makes no sense at all. Maybe they are not fitting it properly ? Trimming a bit on either side seems to be all that is required.


i may have been thinking of another thread (or deja vu), but to fit that bumper, i assumed you would need to make modifications to the rebar. if thats the case i figured it might be for the better (with regards to labour and overall process) if you are going to have the rebar replaced anyways.


Ask if they can put in a rebar that will fit. For some aftermarket bumpers to fit this has to be done to fit but I've heard of people getting one made or fabricating one that will fit.

They misinformed me, it's only going to be about 1" on each side, minus the foam bar. However, it seems that I can't afford it right now anyways. It's going to cost about $1100 to refinish the bumper including painting it. Basically, $1,100 will make it "show car" ready. Anyways, I did some thinking and with the bumper being fibreglass and all the potholes in Windsor and Detroit, I'm likely to crack it very quickly. :(:( So seems like I'll go with stock bumper, list the VIS Racing one up for sale and get an OEM front lip instead. *sigh* :(

[leungalv]

UPDATE #4

Body shop called and informed me there is also hail damage on the car, admitted that it was parked outside and likely it happened in the hail storm that occurred while it was parked on their site. They're asking me if I want to fix it and I'd probably have to file a claim with insurance.

I argued that the car is on bailment and in their care and control. If they had parked it in their huge garage / showroom, this wouldn't have happened and I should not be responsible for claiming insurance for something they chose to do / not do. I feel that if I had to go through insurance, they should subrogate the claim since it is their preferred shop. This is getting sh*ttier and sh*ttier, I just want my car back :sad :(

Thoughts?

[leungalv]

^^^ Owner voluntarily called me and told me they'd take care of all the dents at no extra cost, since I'm already paying to have the roof painted anyways it's just a matter of removing the dents. :D

[n00bMeiSter]

^^^ Owner voluntarily called me and told me they'd take care of all the dents at no extra cost, since I'm already paying to have the roof painted anyways it's just a matter of removing the dents. :D

$30 says they just bondo over the dents and then paint.

[leungalv]

$30 says they just bondo over the dents and then paint.

Hope not .... they have a number of cars with dents. They have a guy that comes in and pulls the dent out

[k13]

They misinformed me, it's only going to be about 1" on each side, minus the foam bar. However, it seems that I can't afford it right now anyways. It's going to cost about $1100 to refinish the bumper including painting it. Basically, $1,100 will make it "show car" ready. Anyways, I did some thinking and with the bumper being fibreglass and all the potholes in Windsor and Detroit, I'm likely to crack it very quickly. :(:( So seems like I'll go with stock bumper, list the VIS Racing one up for sale and get an OEM front lip instead. *sigh* :(

Why not just stick with the plan? The OEM lip is $530 from Joe. Add your stock bumper and paint to that, and you're looking at something similar to the VIS Racing one?

IMO the OEM lip doesn't look that great on lighter coloured cars anyway.

[leungalv]

Why not just stick with the plan? The OEM lip is $530 from Joe. Add your stock bumper and paint to that, and you're looking at something similar to the VIS Racing one?

IMO the OEM lip doesn't look that great on lighter coloured cars anyway.

Actually, because it's an insurance claim, the stock bumper and paint is fully covered under insurance. Talked to Dave at Avante today, the lip comes painted for $530+tax.

Plus, the other reason is that there are TONSSSSS of pot holes in Windsor and Detroit, sometimes unavoidable. I'm afraid that after spending $1200 on finishing the bumper, I'd crack it in like a month. :(

[k13]

Actually, because it's an insurance claim, the stock bumper and paint is fully covered under insurance. Talked to Dave at Avante today, the lip comes painted for $530+tax.

Plus, the other reason is that there are TONSSSSS of pot holes in Windsor and Detroit, sometimes unavoidable. I'm afraid that after spending $1200 on finishing the bumper, I'd crack it in like a month. :(

Joe got the OEM lip to me for $530 after tax ;)

[loki]

I know this hasn't been said, but once 3 parties or more weren't involved, it's perfectly legal

I knew you'd finally "rear end" someone....

[leungalv]

Joe got the OEM lip to me for $530 after tax ;)

Painted???? Joooeee ....

[leungalv]

I know this hasn't been said, but once 3 parties or more weren't involved, it's perfectly legal

I knew you'd finally "rear end" someone....

LOL terrible

[silverstarmazda]

heard people reinforce the lip with that expanding foam or something like that

[leungalv]

FINAL UPDATE

So I finally got my car back today ... here's some pics ... There's still a few things that need attention, plus, I have an exam tomorrow. So I'll levae you with the pics for now.

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/repaired/DSC_0593.JPG

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/repaired/DSC_0596.JPG

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/repaired/DSC_0598.JPG

http://www.alvinleung.ca/tm3/repaired/DSC_0599.JPG

[-RJ3-]

Simple yet elegant!

[sp3GT]

Looks great Alv, nothing beat OEM fitment. I think you made the right choice on the bumper.

[n00bMeiSter]

Boooo! You did a black roof! Booo!!