850 Front Bumper Accident Topic is solved

ksdst1 · Post by **ksdst1** » 12 Dec 2018, 20:33

Hello,
I found a note on my parked Volvo 850 by a person who hit my front bumper. It is hanging off and is only attached on the passenger side (see picture). I have read other forum posts here about front bumpers and watched the "replace front bumper" Robert youtube video. Doesn't "seem" difficult to do if I can find a used bumper assembly for a good price (what is one?) and we settle out of pocket, correct?
Or I could have a shop do it but would like to get input on a reasonable estimate cost to expect for a shop to replace with a new or used bumper assembly so I am aware when I get quotes from shops.
Thanks in advance!

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 12 Dec 2018, 21:04

At least they bothered to leave a note. If their insurance company is willing to pay a shop to replace the bumper, let them. Odds are they will offer you lump some for the value of the car and you're on your own.

Post by **abscate** » 12 Dec 2018, 21:31

I don’t think you can get a new one anymore.

Any claim is going to exceed your car value so that will be a hassle to file, get a check, then buy your car back as salvage. I think you are in PA? So check into how that works in your state, everyone is different.

I would guess a junkyard cover is $50 and a body guy will need 2 hours, so maybe $350 all in?

Kudos to the Good Citizen for stepping up as we all know is right.

LOB · Post by **LOB** » 13 Dec 2018, 00:45

Since this person was honest enough to write a note I think you should do it the cheapest way possible without devaluing your car . Junkyard and local paint shop if you're not able to find the right color. It won't take you more than an hour to replace the bumper. Do not discourage this honest motorist by inflating the bill. Most people wouldn't have written a note, at least 50% in Scandinavia. Keep the social contract intact!

Post by **rguzz** » 13 Dec 2018, 06:40

Well said. I'd be extra kind to the honest motorist, for sure. My brother scratched the finish (barely visible) on a bumper, left a note, the owner of the quite new BMW insisted the dealer do the repair cost him over 1500 bucks. Take away message for him was next time don't step up to the plate, albeit that was very minor compared to what the OP's bumper endured.

ksdst1 · Post by **ksdst1** » 13 Dec 2018, 07:44

Thanks for the input. I am happy that the person did the right thing and I would like to resolve it with the minimal cost approach. With that said it seems that I can submit a claim with their insurance co. or get an estimate from my trusted collision shop (recommended by my insurance agent) and see if they prefer to pay out of pocket.

If it is the first option, I didn't think about the possibility of a claim w/ their co. could cost more than the value of the car, and then having to buy it back as salvage. If I did that, I wonder if that will affect my insurance coverage on the car as it will now be a salvaged car??
Tnx...

Post by **abscate** » 13 Dec 2018, 11:59

Don’t go worrying about those scenarios until you talk to your agent or , better yet, someone in the family in the insurance business.

These threads get ugly with opinion really fast, let’s keep any insurance advice strictly about PA, not “ what happened to me in state XXXX”

ksdst1 · Post by **ksdst1** » 13 Dec 2018, 14:19

Good point! Filed a claim with their Co. We'll see if they value the repair at or above the value of the car (KBB shows btw $1141 and $1722). Such a shame b/c it could be an easy fix (find and replace bumper assembly, special rivets, wheel well plastic, and small plastic strip under the light wiper blade from junkyard). But real life is that I can't easily pursue that w/ my limited time right now and can't propose a solid $$ amount to settle on for an out of pocket payment at the moment. Haven't hear back from my agent officially about an insurance increase if it's considered totaled, but there would need to be a re-evaluation of the car value after a new salvage title, the repairs, re-inspection, and a new reconstruction title. I expect there will be a good chance though. Anyway, thanks for all the good input!

Post by **scot850** » 13 Dec 2018, 17:28

See if Erie Vo-Vo has one in the right color and how much to ship to you if you don't have time to look for the parts.

Neil.

crlande · Post by **crlande** » 13 Dec 2018, 17:34

Looks like metal bumper is pushed back on driver's side.